After three seasons of pain, the new gaffer’s taking care of the Spireites

Martin Allen has wasted no time in rebuilding a title winning squad

As any Chesterfield fan will tell you, the last three seasons have been tough. Following the Spireites close shave with the Championship in the 2014/15 season, Town have been in freefall, subsequently suffering a back-to-back relegation from League 1 to out of the Football League completely. A number of factors have contributed to the downfall of Chesterfield Football Club, with blame being spread throughout the club, from the board down to the playing staff and management. Since Paul Cook’s departure in the summer of 2015, Town have appointed four permanent managers, with all four failing in their attempts to revive the Spireites. Alongside this, they have failed to replace the depth of quality that included £15m Swansea man Sam Clucas and World Cup appearance maker Sam Morsy.

However, despite our relegation out of the EFL, spirits were lifted with the appointment of former Barnet manager Martin Allen. Allen’s unique approach to signing announcements has helped to rebuild a relationship between the team and the fans, as he has felt it necessary to announce every one personally. Allen has come in and addressed the obvious issues from last season, such as a lack of experience, and has offered reassurance to the fans at every opportunity, with him promising success to the Town faithful.

Of course there is always the risk that expectations are being raised and he is putting pressure on himself to succeed, but it’s that sort of confidence and winning mentality that we have been missing since Paul Cook.

With the signings of six new players (along with the resigning of Drew Talbot) and more players set to come, Allen has wasted no time in shaping a squad to return Chesterfield to where they belong – the Football League. Also, in an attempt to remove a losing mentality from the club, many of last season’s relegation sufferers have been axed, with more expected to leave in the coming weeks.

What’s next for Chesterfield has been laid out by Martin Allen early on. Hard work, commitment and a willingness to learn from Allen and his coaching staff. With a few more additions and a strong start to life in the National League, I see no reason why attendance figures can’t rise once again, and most importantly of all, the Spireites fans will be able to have a new sense of pride and confidence in our football club.