Chesterfield manager Paul Cook has welcomed the loan departures of midfielder Luke Butterfield to AFC Fylde and defender Alex Whitney to Hyde United, saying the moves will help the young players gain competitive minutes. Butterfield, 22, joined AFC Fylde on loan for the 2026/27 season after spending the second half of last season on loan at Accrington Stanley, where he played ten times and ended his spell in the starting line-up. Whitney, 18, signed his first professional contract at Chesterfield this summer following two strong years as a scholar and has joined Hyde United on loan until January 1. AFC Fylde currently sit sixth in the National League and are intent on earning promotion to the EFL, while Hyde United compete in the Northern Premier Division. Cook said the young players are there to support the team, get minutes, and play competitive football, adding that Butterfield's move to AFC Fylde is a great opportunity for an exciting young player who will play senior football and get minutes. Butterfield said the style of football at AFC Fylde suits him well and that he feels he can express himself and bring his strengths to the team. Whitney's loan to Hyde United is seen as a chance to graduate to regular men’s football, with the defender set to re-assess his progress after Christmas. Chesterfield finished the 2024/25 season in 6th place in England League Two with 79 points from 46 games, recording 21 wins, 16 draws and 9 losses, and a recent form of DLWWD. The club scored 71 goals and conceded 56, giving them a +15 goal difference, and remain 8 points behind league leaders Bromley. Butterfield is halfway through a two-year contract signed when he left Everton, and Cook confirmed the loan moves are part of the club’s strategy to develop young talent. Speaking to reporters, Cook said: "Our young lads are genuinely there to support the team and get bits of minutes but also to keep playing competitive football." Butterfield added: "It's a really good set up and the style of football suits me really well." The loans allow both players to gain experience ahead of potential returns to Chesterfield, with Whitney’s deal set for review after the festive period. Chesterfield’s current squad depth in midfield and defence will be monitored as the new League Two season approaches, with updates available on the squad page. Fans can track the team’s progress through the standings and upcoming fixtures as the club prepares for the 2026/27 campaign.