Paul Cook has asked Chesterfield supporters to give a warm reception to three former players returning with York City this weekend. Ash Palmer, Ollie Banks and Jeff King, who were instrumental in the club's return to the Football League two years ago, are expected to feature for the visitors.

Cook paid tribute to the trio ahead of the League Two fixture at the SMH Group Stadium. "We are going to see two lads for sure, possibly three in their squad in Ash, Ollie and Jeff," the manager said. He stressed their importance went beyond their on-field contributions during a key period for the club.

"I need to pay them a really big compliment as lads, not only players, for what they did for this football club at a time of need and how they conducted themselves on and off the pitch," Cook added. The three helped end a six-season absence from the Football League, a feat that cemented their place in recent club history.

League context

The match comes with Chesterfield sitting 12th in the standings on eight points from six games. Their next opponents, York City, are third and three points better off, making for a tight contest in a congested top half. Cook described York as a good and strong side, anticipating a difficult game.

Chesterfield's form has been mixed, with two wins, two draws and two losses so far. Their two victories this season have both come away from home. The team's stats show they have scored 7 goals and conceded 8, giving them a goal difference of -1. After facing York, Cook's side host Cheltenham, another team the manager noted is performing well, as part of a busy fixtures schedule.

Palmer, 33, has made one appearance for York this term after a loan spell at Halifax. Banks and King, 33 and 30 respectively, were key figures in York's National League title win last season, each making over 40 appearances. Their manager Scott Lindsey took over in the summer after the sacking of title-winning boss Stuart Maynard.

Cook believes the league is still taking shape with no stand-out teams compared to last year. He mentioned Barnet, Oldham, Rotherham and Gillingham as sides doing well and expects Salford to improve after a bedding-in period for new signings. For now, the focus is on self-improvement and adding points. The game against York kicks off on Saturday.

This story first appeared at Derbyshire Times