Nicky Law, the young manager who has guided Chesterfield to the top of Division 3, is the latest name to be linked with the vacant Manor Ground hot seat.

According to reports, Oxford approached the Derbyshire club for permission to speak to Law, who is under contract at Saltergate until the end of this season, but this was turned down by Chesterfield chairman Darren Brown.

Meanwhile, Mike Ford, who could yet get the job if results improve, said he had no regrets about describing the club as a shambles.

He illustrated his point by saying: "The team has taken the backseat on a 46-seater coach".

Ford has already taken measures to try to make the players more professional.

Those on duty on matchday, which includes injured squad members, must now wear a suit.

"Yes, I've got everyone wearing a collar and tie," Ford confirmed. "I've said to them, it's the same as going to work. I want the players wearing suits when they are on match duty. We've got to be more professional."

"The players know how they're expected to act on and off the field. They should be portraying to the general public, and the people that pay to come and watch them, that we are a professional outfit.

"If you do not do things right off the field, you can't hope to do them right on it."