Paul Cook has confirmed he will make changes to the Chesterfield team during a busy three-game week. The manager said alterations to the starting line-up and substitutes' bench are certain as the Spireites look to climb from seventh place in League Two, a position they hold with 15 points from 9 games.

Cook acknowledged fan criticism of his recent reluctance to rotate. "I know supporters can be critical over the way I’m reluctant to make changes," he said. His side has named an unchanged league eleven for the last three matches, a period where they have taken just one point from a possible nine, but that run is set to end. "We will certainly see changes within the starting 11 and the substitutes’ bench," Cook promised, citing the need to manage minutes across a demanding schedule.

Summer signings set for increased role

This approach is expected to bring more minutes for summer arrivals who have featured mainly in the EFL Trophy. Defenders Junior Eccleston and Alfie Pond, alongside midfielders Kiano Dyer and Rafiq Lamptey, are in line for greater involvement. Cook believes the squad, which is in near full health, has quality that has not been seen enough. Goalkeeper Zach Hemming has also returned to full training, providing senior competition for Ryan Boot. The manager's decision is shaped by the immediate fixtures, a trio of games in eight days that begins this Saturday.

Fixture congestion shapes plans

The schedule demands rotation. It begins with an away trip to face 22nd-placed Port Vale on Saturday, a side Chesterfield drew 1-1 with at home last month. Home games against Colchester United and Crewe Alexandra follow in quick succession. Sitting seventh, Cook's focus is on turning performances into more points to close the four-point gap to the automatic promotion places in the standings.

Cook emphasized that the objective is always points on the board, not underlying statistics, and referenced the team's recent form as a driver for change. He expects strong travelling support at Vale Park and is looking ahead to a key period for the club's seasonal aims. The manager's plan is to work hard on the training ground and let the matches take care of themselves, with a refreshed squad ready for the challenge. Following the Port Vale match, Chesterfield's next test is a home fixture against Colchester United on Tuesday night.

This story first appeared at derbyshiretimes.co.uk