Chesterfield issue Cook warning

Chesterfield have vowed to fight to keep Paul Cook amid growing speculation that Portsmouth want him as their new manager.

Cook is one of the favourites with bookmakers for the vacant managerial position at Pompey, who parted company with Andy Awford last week. The former Sligo Rovers and Accrington boss guided the Spireites to 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. Portsmouth are set to draw up a shortlist of targets for the job at Fratton Park and it remains to be seen whether Cook, who recently signed a contract extension at the Proact Stadium, will be one of the potential candidates. Chesterfield chief executive Chris Turner has promised to dig his heels in if Pompey, or any other club, come calling for a manager he believes is the best in League One. "There has been no contact from Portsmouth and, as far as I know, Paul is happy to be here and doing a great job," Turner told The News. "His record since arriving here is second to none. We are delighted with him and are not surprised other clubs get linked with him. "It was Wigan last week, it was somebody else the week before. Whenever people lose their jobs, clubs are going to look to who is doing well. Paul Cook is doing extremely well. "He is the best manager in the league and I would have thought clubs would be interested in Paul Cook. "I am pleased he does get linked with other jobs because it proves what a good job he is doing for us. However, he is under contract at Chesterfield and that is the way it is. "Of course we would stand in the way if a club came in for him, we have got to fight our corner. We have a great manager working extremely well for us, we are successful. "Besides, he has a good contract and as far as I know is happy here. I am not surprised there is speculation, though. But it is all speculation. "Until anybody rings me up officially from any football club we just bat on."