National League club Chesterfield are set to appoint National League North side Gloucester City’s manager James Rowe as their new boss.
Spireites manager John Pemberton left the club by mutual consent a week ago following a dismal start to the 2020/21 National League season.
They 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.
Gloucester City, who sit top of the National League North, have already taken to social media, tweeting: “We can confirm that James Rowe is currently in talks with Chesterfield and will be making no further comment at this stage.”
BREAKING: Chesterfield set to appoint Gloucester City’s James Rowe as new boss https://t.co/ongrdqJffH
— Jon Palmer (@JonPalmerSport) November 24, 2020
CHESTERFIELD’S LATEST STATEMENT
Spireites chiefs have taken a step closer to filling the managerial vacancy at the Technique Stadium after holding interviews with a number of candidates today.
Former players Kevin Davies and Lee Turnbull, who has been handed a football advisory role at the club, were on the interview panel.
They joined chairman Mike Goodwin, co-vice chairmen Dave Simmonds and Martin Thacker and chief executive John Croot, who said: “It has been an intensive interview process and we were impressed with the quality of the candidates after narrowing down our search from an extensive list of applicants.
“I would like to thank Kevin and Lee for their valued input. Advice from other respected former Chesterfield players and managers has also been taken on board as part of the selection process.
“We are hopeful that the new manager will be in place ahead of Saturday’s game at Weymouth.”
A further update will be provided in due course.
Chesterfield chairman said on John Pemberton’s departure 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.”
Fans reacted with Chesterfield set to appoint Gloucester City’s manager as their new boss, see what they had to say by scrolling below…
Sickening. After what happened last season and those first couple of interviews, to be backed in the way he was by the board over the summer and now leave because he’s won a couple of matches.#WeGoAgain
Good luck to @LiamDaly1704151 and the players, you’re the reason for success— charlie hughes (@charliehughes97) November 24, 2020
He be a stupid to leave with the squad we have at city, but money talks. End of the day hopefully the squad won’t jump ship and we get another manager in to lead us to are best finish in this league.
— Ashley Dunn (@dunney82) November 24, 2020
I back the team! And back the manager whoever that may be, very confident he will be replaced quite promptly and I have every faith in @LiamDaly1704151 and the boys! We’ve got this!
— Adam Webb (@AdamWebb27) November 24, 2020
I knew he’d go but hoped it would be later rather than sooner. Hope this doesn’t disrupt the squad too much because many have said they’re here because of James and if he does want to take any with him then Chesterfield will have to dig deep down the back of the sofa.
— Neil (@tigerroarcouk) November 24, 2020
Crikey, has he got a death wish? Club in crisis, wouldn’t go anywhere near it
— John Watson (@safetywatto) November 24, 2020
Hope he knows what he’s letting himself in for. If he knows a good Priest maybe he can see about getting the ground exorcised
— Phil Vernon (@PhilAVernon) November 24, 2020
This will be a brave call by Chesterfield should Rowe move. He has City flying right now but it’s early days and he is yet to achieve anything. But City’s players are professionals and will do a professional job. City should ensure proper compensation.
— Nigel Dean (@Deano230) November 24, 2020
Leaving a project 9 games in 🤷🏼♂️
— 🏆Greatest English Team🏆 (@moweava) November 24, 2020
Total joke Matty! Hope Chesterfield go down!!
— Adam Webb (@AdamWebb27) November 24, 2020
If he leaves then we know he’s an absolute merchant, do contracts mean nothing anymore?
— Michael King (@kingmichael_88) November 24, 2020
Very disappointing. JR could easily have been sacked last season when on an awful run of form but the board stayed loyal. Always thought he saw us as a stepping stone just surprised moving on came so soon. Hope AP gets some compensation & we get the right replacement.
— DaDs TaXi (@von_no_toes) November 24, 2020
A very interesting decision personally i prefer this to someone whose been everywhere and done nothing time will tell if correct he has a very big job to do at chesterfield
— andrew fisher (@AFisher442) November 24, 2020
If we bring in James rowe then I’d like Liam Daly (cb) and Akwasi Asante (st) to come with him 🙊
— Keag Lytham (@KLytham) November 24, 2020
Wouldn’t bother myself, both teams going on very different directions
— Ryan Dyer (@sonnydyer94) November 24, 2020
For me, I think that’s really poor from James Rowe. Good chance of taking Gloucester to the National League Prem #Chesterfield https://t.co/33NeMFmvlW
— Non League Football (@Uknon_league) November 24, 2020
Bad move IMO. It’s like swapping your reliable Vauxhall which is doing bits.. for a Alfa Romeo.
— The Virtual Non League Nomad (@theNLNomads) November 24, 2020
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