Chesterfield manager Paul Cook has addressed the futures of veteran forwards Will Grigg and Chey Dunkley as the club's League Two season continues. Cook confirmed both players remain under contract with the Spireites, who currently sit 16th in the table with four points from their opening four matches.
Cook stated that 35-year-old Will Grigg is still a Chesterfield player and praised his past contributions. "Will is still our player, obviously, and for reasons I have stated previously he has been an absolute superstar for this football club," the manager said. Grigg, who joined after his contract at Shrewsbury Town expired a couple of years ago, was instrumental in the club's promotion to the EFL, scoring 25 goals in his first season. He added 14 more in the following League Two campaign but saw his influence wane last term, making 37 appearances and scoring four times before a hamstring injury.
Both Will Grigg and 34-year-old Chey Dunkley are contracted to Chesterfield until the summer of 2027. Despite this security, both have been peripheral figures in the squad's plans this summer. Grigg's last meaningful action was a substitute appearance in the final game of last season, the play-off second leg against Notts County. Dunkley's last competitive first-team appearance dates back to March, and he was in and out of the side before dropping out of the picture entirely last term.
Cook is overseeing a significant reshaping of his playing group, with 13 new arrivals this summer. This overhaul comes as the team seeks to improve on its early-season form, which shows a record of one win, one draw, and two losses. The Spireites have scored three goals and conceded four, leaving them with a negative goal difference and five points behind early leaders Bristol Rovers. The manager acknowledged there has been outside interest in Grigg and emphasized the club's supportive stance. "We support Will in whatever decision he makes, 100 per cent for sure," Cook stated.
The discussion about player futures comes ahead of a busy period in the fixture schedule. Chesterfield's immediate focus is a home League Two match against Barnet, a game that offers a chance to climb the standings. The club's current squad, which fans can view on the official squad page, blends new signings with experienced heads like Grigg and Dunkley. Cook's comments suggest decisions on their roles are imminent as the team looks to build momentum.
With the transfer window closed for League Two clubs, any movement involving the pair would likely involve a loan or a mutual termination. For now, they remain part of a Chesterfield squad aiming to turn its form around after a mixed start to the 2026/27 campaign. The next test comes tomorrow at the Technique Stadium, where three points could provide a vital boost.
