Cook ‘taken aback’ by Pompey approach

And the Chesterfield boss feels his club are powerless to stop the furore generated by the Blues’ approach for his services.

Pompey had a move for Cook rebuffed yesterday as he emerged as a key target to succeed Andy Awford.

The 48-year-old is expecting a conversation with chief executive Chris Turner over the issue.

But he promised his focus is on the promotion-chasing Spireites’ clash with Bristol City tomorrow.

Cook told Peak FM: ‘It takes you aback. It’s football.

‘Wow, we’re in the play-offs. A million things go through your head.

‘But the biggest focus is on finishing the season properly.

‘I don’t mind it. I thought when we lost Eoin Doyle and Liam Cooper it’s what happens when teams are successful.

‘You are never going to stop the wheels of football going around. We’d be foolish to say we can.

‘Paul Cook hasn’t left the building. Paul Cook is focused on securing promotion.

‘When I have those conversations with Chris Turner and everyone else, we’ll have those conversations.’