Friday 24 April 2015 18:12, UK
Chesterfield have turned down an approach from League Two side Portsmouth for manager Paul Cook.
Pompey contacted the Spireites on Thursday evening asking for permission to speak with Cook about the managerial vacancy at Fratton Park - a request which was quickly refused. "I received a phone call from Portsmouth, asking for permission to speak to Paul Cook, which I turned down," Chesterfield chief executive Chris Turner told the club's official website. "We are trying to win promotion to the Championship via the play-offs and we will do all we can to keep Paul at the club. "Paul has been informed of the situation." Portsmouth parted company with Andy Awford last week and have identified Cook as the man to revive the fortunes of the south coast club. The former Sligo Rovers and Accrington boss guided Chesterfield the League Two title and the final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy last season and this campaign the Derbyshire club look likely to secure a play-off place on their return to League One. Cook, 48, recently signed a contract extension with the Spireites thought to include a compensation clause should he leave the Proact Stadium.
