When are Chesterfield aiming to return to training and will Spireites fans be able to attend pre-season matches?

The Spireites are aiming to start pre-season training around six weeks before the new campaign gets underway and it is understood Town are targeting a return in the week beginning August 3.

A friendly match against Bakewell Town appears to have been arranged after the Central Midlands Football League side posted a blurred image of the two clubs’ badges on social media with the caption: “Bakewell Town set for a great test in their run up to the new season.”

But as it stands it seems Blues fans will have to wait until the opening day of the season before they can see their side in action with pre-season set to start without supporters inside stadiums.

The Football Association has submitted a proposal to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on how supporters can return to non-league grounds, but it is yet to be approved.

The FA’s letter states: “We have a specific proposal lodged with DCMS, with overview from the Sports Ground Safety Authority, on the return of spectators to National League System grounds. This is yet to be approved and as such, any pre-season fixture must be, until advised otherwise, planned to be behind closed doors.”

If social distancing measures are relaxed and fans are allowed in stadiums with a reduced capacity, clubs have been told to start considering how they might go about this such as introducing advance ticketing purchase schemes, 2m floor markings, more hand sanitisers and management of toilets and entrance and exit points.

The official start date for the upcoming season has not been confirmed but now the regular Football League fixtures have been completed - with just the Championship play-offs remaining - it is expected a date will be announced soon and the National League will aim to mirror it.

No pre-season friendlies can take place before August 1 and any training must be limited to a maximum of 30 people.

Players should arrive for training in their own vehicle and avoid car sharing, the FA has said.

Chesterfield will have to appoint a ‘Covid-19 officer’ who will be responsible for all risk assessments.