MARTIN'S THE MAN

If you’d asked a Chesterfield fan about their excitement for the clubs first season in non league at the start of the summer, the responses would undoubtedly have all been negative. The National League gave Town fans an image of long away trips, poor football grounds and an even worse quality of football.

However, with the appointment of Martin Allen came hope. Many, if not all Town fans believed that for the position we find ourselves in, we’d found the perfect fit for the job. To follow would be a summer of lots of ins and outs and a perfect start to the season, that saw the Spireites take maximum points after three games. Since then, Chesterfield have been in freefall and are without a win in nine, including seven losses.

Understandably Town fans are beginning to fear the worst as Allen’s men edge ever closer to the bottom four, with many calling for a new manager to take the reigns. But with the Blues recent history with managers, would this prove to be counterproductive?

Since Paul Cook’s exit in 2015, Chesterfield have employed five permanent managers. This managerial merry-go-round has seen Town suffer back to back relegations and what threatens to be another tough season. Being the Chesterfield manager seems to be the toughest job in English football at the moment, so I thoroughly believe that Allen needs time. He seems to be getting the backing from the powers that be at the club, with a number of signings being made to try and rectify the poor form. Of course the fans will remain as loyal as ever, but they deserve more.

Martin has the players that can turn this around; this is evident from some performances this season, such as Aldershot at home. Players like Zavon Hines and Jerome Binnom-Williams have looked to be revitalised at times, proving that ‘Mad Dog’s’ methods are being taken on board by the players. With a full strength, fully fit squad, Allen will find a system and a side that can pick up wins in this division.

As difficult as it has been for Town fans over the last few years, all we can do is continue to support the side. The last thing this club needs is for a full-blown battle between the fans and the club, seen at clubs such as Blackpool or Charlton. With the return of Charlie Carter and a new strike partnership blossoming between Denton and Shaw, I have full belief that the results will come sooner rather than later. Give Martin Allen support and time, and he will find the winning formula to end the rut.