Cook focused on Chesterfield

Paul Cook insists his loyalty towards Chesterfield is not being tested but refused to say he was not interested in the Portsmouth job.

Pompey contacted the Spireites on Thursday evening asking for permission to speak with the 48-year-old about the managerial vacancy at Fratton Park - a request which was quickly refused. The approach was the hot topic of conversation at Cook's Friday afternoon press conference to preview Chesterfield's final home game of the season against League One champions Bristol City. Cook's side can seal their place in the play-offs on Saturday - which the club have called 'True Blue Day', with Spireites supporters encouraged to wear blue to help create a party atmosphere at the Proact Stadium. But the timing of Portsmouth's approach has soured the mood in the Derbyshire town and Cook's refusal to categorically rebuff Pompey means the speculation and uncertainty remains. However, Cook insists all his focus remains on Chesterfield and guiding them to a top-six finish. Asked if he was interested in the Portsmouth job, Cook replied: "You can't.....It's a non-event question. Are you with me? "You're trying to get me to answer something that I don't..... I found out at about five o'clock yesterday and now everyone's asking me about it. "If they've decided that I'm the man they want to go after, then what can I do? What can we change? "If clubs come after me it can only be because I've been a good Chesterfield manager. So it goes hand in hand. "Somewhere along the line loyalties will get tested but that's what happens in football, with players and with managers." Asked if his loyalties were currently being tested, Cook said: "No, not at all. How can my loyalty be tested, we've got to get in the play-offs? "There are no questions to answer at the minute on that. It's just about staying focused on finishing the season as strong as possible. "I'm just trying my best to focus on the game tomorrow. I don't want to be disrespectful to Portsmouth. I don't want to be disrespectful to us. I just want to get in the play-offs. I just want to try and get promotion. "The whole emphasis should be on a great day tomorrow, that's all we should be speaking about. So to get embroiled in this isn't right." Portsmouth parted company with Andy Awford last week and have identified Cook as the man to revive fortunes on the south coast. The former Sligo Rovers and Accrington boss guided Chesterfield to the League Two title and the final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy last season and this campaign the Spireites look likely to secure a play-off place on their return to League One. Cook recently signed a contract extension thought to include a compensation clause should he leave the Proact Stadium. Pompey are expected to return with a second approach for Cook. Should they meet the buy-out clause in his contract discussions could take place with the former Wolves and Burnley midfielder, without the need to request permission from Chesterfield.