National League round-up: Chesterfield make three signings including Ipswich Town goalkeeper despite uncertainty surrounding the National League season

With the National League season currently at risk of suspension, one fifth tier side have been very busy in the transfer window today.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Less than 24-hours after the National League meeting with member clubs to discuss the future of the 2020-21 campaign, Chesterfield have confirmed the signings of three players.

The Spireites – who currently sit 17th in the table – have seemingly made their intentions to continue the season as planned clear by bringing in defender Gavin Gunning and goalkeepers Grant Smith and Adam Przybek.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Former Lincoln City and Boreham Wood goalkeeper Smith was the first through the door at the Technique Stadium on Thursday morning, signing a contract until the end of the season.

The 27-year-old spent time at Wealdstone earlier in the season but was released in November as the club to cut costs.

Chesterfield manager James Rowe was then reunited with former Gloucester City defender Gunning after the 29-year-old was made a free agent.

The Irishman has agreed an 18-month deal at the National League club.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Finally, Ipswich Town goalkeeper Przybek was announced on loan until the end of the season. The 20-year-old’s arrival, in addition to Smith, means the Spireites now have five goalkeepers on their books.

Grant Smith celebrating during the 2018 National League play-off final between Boreham Wood and Tranmere Rovers (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)Grant Smith celebrating during the 2018 National League play-off final between Boreham Wood and Tranmere Rovers (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
Grant Smith celebrating during the 2018 National League play-off final between Boreham Wood and Tranmere Rovers (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)

It is likely that there will be some further movement in that position in the coming days.

Matches are set to continue as normal for the time being with a National League board meeting scheduled to take place on Friday after member clubs emailed their views on how they would like to continue the season from a financial standpoint.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Three options have been provided by the National League: Clubs taking out loans, the National League taking out the loan and issuing it to clubs as a grant or suspending the season entirely.

Hartlepool United are understood to be opposed to the idea of suspending the season and will return to action for the first time in two weeks as they make the long journey to face Weymouth on Saturday afternoon (3pm kick-off).

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Hartlepool United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

We’ve launched a new transfer window special offer for readers to get 20% off our subscription package.

Use the promo code TRANSFER20 to sign up here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor