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Chesterfield manager leaves by mutual consent

Chesterfield manager John Pemberton leaves the club by mutual consent following a dismal start to the 2020/21 National League season.

The Spireites currently sit 21st in the top tier of non league football, and the only just managed to avoid the drop last season.

The 55 year old spent 11 months at the club, replacing John Sheridan in January 2020 as caretaker and then earned a permanent deal the following month.

CHESTERFIELD STATEMENT:

It has been announced that manager John Pemberton has today left the club by mutual consent.

Chairman Mike Goodwin said: “I had a meeting with John this morning and it was agreed that a change of manager would be in the best interests of the club.

“John came in and did an impressive job during two spells as caretaker manager, prompting us to hand him the role on a permanent basis. Unfortunately, results have not gone as we all expected this season, leading to a change of manager being required.

“I would like to thank John for his hard work, honesty and integrity and wish him all the very best for the future.

“The search for a new manager is now underway and I have no doubt that there will be a number of strong candidates. We will carefully consider the applications and carry out a stringent interview process before making an appointment.”

RECENT MANAGERS/CARETAKERS

John Pemberton: 02 Jan, 2020 – 18 Nov, 2020
John Sheridan: 09 Jan, 2019 – 02 Jan, 2020
Martin Allen: 15 May, 2018 – 09 Jan, 2019
Ian Evatt: 23 Apr, 2018 – 15 May, 2018
Jack Lester: 29 Sep, 2017 – 22 Apr, 2018
Guy Branston: 17 Sep, 2017 – 29 Sep, 2017
Gary Caldwell: 17 Jan, 2017 – 17 Sep, 2017
Ritchie Humphreys: 08 Jan, 2017 – 17 Jan, 2017
Danny Wilson: 24 Dec, 2015 – 08 Jan, 2017
Mark Smith: 04 Dec, 2015 – 24 Dec, 2015
Dean Saunders: 13 May, 2015 – 04 Dec, 2015
Paul Cook: 26 Oct, 2012 – 13 May, 2015
Tommy Wright: 28 Aug, 2012 – 26 Oct, 2012
John Sheridan: 09 Jun, 2009 – 28 Aug, 2012

Fans reacted as Chesterfield manager John Pemberton leaves by mutual consent…

It was just a year ago that John Pemberton slammed Kidderminster over his managerial resignation from the club.

He claimed that the statement from Harriers announcing his departure was ‘fake news’ designed to blame him for the National League North side’s poor form, with the club sitting 17th in the table at the time.

The ex-Crewe Alexandra, Crystal Palace, Sheffield United and Leeds United defender says he was told when signing the deal to become their manager thar he would get cash to sign players but two weeks later the club said it was in administration and they couldn’t afford anyone.

Pemberton said: “I was given a blind horse and asked to win the Grand National, all I’ve been told is lies.

“The statement made it clear they have taken no responsibility.

“I found the position untenable. I cannot carry on in the circumstances. For six months it’s been a firefight.

“I have had no backing at the club. All they have done is move the goalposts. I was promised the earth but they cut budgets.”

The statement from the club announcing Pemberton’s resignation said: “While managing the club has had its challenges this season, we feel strongly that with the players at our disposal and with what is a considerable budget for this division we should be in a far better situation than we currently find ourselves.”

He adds that money got so tight that the staff weren’t sure if there would be a team bus for their away league clash against Blyth Spartans.

He continued: “I had nine players for pre-season, I signed Ashley Hemmings (in October) and thought that would start a turnaround but I was told I couldn’t bring in any players.”

Pemberton reveals that he was willing to go without making a scene, though he couldn’t help but lash out at the club after reading the statement.

The statement from the club announcing Pemberton’s resignation said: “While managing the club has had its challenges this season, we feel strongly that with the players at our disposal and with what is a considerable budget for this division we should be in a far better situation than we currently find ourselves.”

He adds that money got so tight that the staff weren’t sure if there would be a team bus for their away league clash against Blyth Spartans.

He continued: “I had nine players for pre-season, I signed Ashley Hemmings (in October) and thought that would start a turnaround but I was told I couldn’t bring in any players.”

Pemberton reveals that he was willing to go without making a scene, though he couldn’t help but lash out at the club after reading the statement.

He said: “I found it difficult to read, I thought that is not right. I walked away and was happy to keep my mouth shut but they are pushing it under my door.

“I wish they had been honest from day one so I knew what I was walking into.”

Harriers have declined to make a further comment.

Their original statement also said: “Discussions were held with John earlier this week in light of the team’s current league position and early exit from the FA Cup and FA Trophy.

“At the end of these discussions John offered his resignation which was accepted by the club.

“We would like to thank John for his effort while in post and wish him well for the future.

“The club feels it is still well placed to achieve this season and as such the owners will take their time in appointing the team’s next manager — an appointment which will be crucial.

“In the interim assistant manager Russ Penn will take charge of the team for at least the next three or four matches with our full support.

“It is clear that Russ is extremely popular with both players, staff and supporters and we are confident they will respond accordingly during a busy period of fixtures.”

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