Football. It's a funny old game, isnt it? One minute you're hanging on to your job and facing the fans calls to go, and the next minute you're the best thing since sliced bread.
Take Chesterfield, and their under fire manager Lee Richardson for example.
Booed off at Saltergate after being held 1-1 at home to Chester, and booed off again after going down to Lincoln, it seemed Richardson's days were truly numbered. The team was languishing in mid-table, with lacklustre performances to boot. The fans expected better from a side expected to be in the promotion hunt this season. Mid-table mediocrity isnt good enough.
Yet, with the pressure seemingly on for the manager and the players, Chesterfield produced one of their performances of the season, comprehensively defeating Aldershot by 5-1.
However, Chesterfield supporters can't afford to get carried away, and rightly so. Afterall, this is only their first win in their last 8 attempts. It's been a disappointing start to the season to say the least.
So, this begs the question that remains from last season. Why cant Chesterfield be more consistent?
Clearly they're a match for anyone in the division on their day, and the talent is no doubt there within the squad.
Jamie Ward was at the forefront of Chesterfield's 5 star performance with an impressive hat-trick, and you have to feel he surely wont be playing in this division regardless of Chesterfield's progress this season. He is too good for this level, with his blistering pace and clever movement too much for so many defenders at this level. Keeping hold of the young striker will be key to any progress Chesterfield make this season.
And alongside him you have former Nottingham Forest man Jack Lester - the striker who took the division by storm last season with 27 goals in all competitions. It was Lester's goals alone that kept Chesterfield in the playoff hunt last season, and if the Spirites will be hoping to get Lester firing again this time around.
At the back, Chesterfield can call upon the likes of Kevin Austin and Robert Page. Two vastly experienced professionals, and proven winners throughout their careers. Their presense in defence and around the training ground will no doubt be of great benefit to the younger players at Saltergate.
Having said all that, the loss of Peter Leven to MK Dons would no doubt have hurt the Spirites. His influence and work rate in the midfield will be sorely missed, and it could be argued that he is a player yet to be replaced in the heart of Chesterfield's midfield. And that boils down to the manager.
Maybe Richardson is the problem? With such a strong squad at his disposal last season, Chesterfield failed to even make the playoffs, eventually finishing in 8th place. A strong start was always required this time around to gain some early momentum and ease the pressure on himself, but that hasn't materialized. Is a change of manager required?
One thing's for sure, consistency is key for Chesterfield this season if they are to truly prosper. A run of wins is required if fans are to even entertain thoughts about promotion. Wednesday night's win will mean little if it's not followed up with another result against Notts County at Saltergate on Saturday.
It's a game Chesterfield should really win, but all too often seem to draw or lose. It's a habit they need to get out of - and quickly.
No comments:
Post a Comment