Chesterfield boss hides away in dramatic National League play-off final shootout

Chesterfield boss Paul Cook found the nerves to be too overwhelming in his side’s National League play-off final as he retreated to the dressing room during their penalty shootout against Notts County. The promotion hopefuls suffered heartbreak after being beaten 5-3 on penalties at Wembley, and Cook reportedly wasn’t present on the touchline as the dramatic final headed to penalties in a bizarre move from the boss.

Cook had watched his side go toe-to-toe with County, who had accumulated 107 points in a record-breaking season in the National League, and took them to extra-time as the two sides could not be separated after 120 minutes of pulsating action.

Andrew Dallas put the play-off hopefuls in front with a penalty after just six minutes and it took John Bostock until the 88th minute to find the equaliser after an error from Chesterfield goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons.

In extra-time, the Spireties went ahead again through Armando Dobra before Ruben Rodrigues clinched another equaliser, and the game soon went to penalties to decide promotion to League Two.

But after a long season consisting of 48 games, it was too much for Cook to bear as it all came down to five decisive spot-kicks from 12 yards out. According to BT Sport commentator Adam Summerton, Cook headed down the tunnel to the dressing room and did not reappear for the shootout.

It was certainly an unorthodox approach to shootout superstitions as Chesterfield’s players were left to hope they could get the job done from the spot. They were gifted another chance when Bostock’s cheeky panenka hit the bar at 3-2 up in the shootout.

However, few could deny Notts County deserved promotion after finishing only four points behind Wrexham with an impressive 107 points.

And they weren’t to be denied, as Cedwyn Scott stepped up to deliver the knockout blow, sealing the club’s return to the Football League.

It was a cruel end to the season for Chesterfield, especially as they had been only two minutes away from pulling off a stunning victory over the much-fancied Notts County. 

And only Cook will know if he had his reasons for staying in the dressing room rather than sticking with his players throughout one of the biggest matches of their careers.

He was seen after the final whistle congratulating his counterpart Luke Williams on the pitch as they lifted the trophy in a heartwarming moment. But the harsh reality for the club is they will be playing in the fifth tier again next season.