Friday 10th February 2012

It's top v bottom this week at the b2net as the Addicks come into town. As things stand tonight ahead of the game, it is looking like the game is on, but a pitch inspection by the match referee will take place in the morning to give the final go ahead.

Carlisle last week was another game held hostage to the wintry weather and one which saw the Spireites come home empty handed after a positive performance had kept them in the lead for 70 minutes.

They currently sit 3 points from safety, but after a clutch of wins and securing a trip to Wembley, they are confident that they can leave the relegation zone and danger behind.

Tomorrow's opponents, Charlton Athletic, are flying at the top of League One, 7 points clear of second placed Sheffield Wednesday and unbeaten in the last 4 games.

One familiar face will be returning to Chesterfield in the shape of Leon Clarke who Manager Chris Powell says will be "in the squad travelling north tonight."

We spoke to Spireites' Manager John Sheridan (left) ahead of the clash and he brought us bang up to date with this week at the ground, and also shared his thoughts on the England job.

Let's start by talking about last week - you must have been gutted not to have won at Carlisle?
"Very disappointing not to come away with anything. We should have won the game. The performance and the attitude were spot on and we were in a great position, but frustrating again to concede two goals like we did and not get anything from the game."


One positive was that Drew (Talbot) scored his first goal of the season?
"Yes, he's done well since he's gone back further up the pitch. I was pleased with Drew, he always gives you that work ethic and, just to get yourselves leading the game, it just gives you that advantage and something to hold onto but at the end of the day, it wasn't worth anything."

There was some doubt about it going ahead, we were amazed it did...
"We were surprised it was played but the pitch was perfect, the conditions were difficult but it was the same for both sides so there's no excuses. I'm pleased the game was on."

It's good to get it played rather than face a backlog at the end of the season?
"Yes, but at the same time, when we're playing, we need to pick up something from the game so, disappointed not to get anything but no, we don't want too many games to crowd the ones we've already got."

The new lad Nicky Ajose came on for his first outing - were you impressed with what you saw in him?
"Yes he did well when he came on, created one or two chances. He's a good footballer, an intelligent footballer. He hasn't played a lot of football so is still getting used to us, and the match situation. He came on when it was 1-0 and was unfortunate not to make it 2-0 - and we probably would have won the game then. I'm pleased with him so far."

Any injuries?
"We've got one or two knocks - James Hurst and Mark Allott - so we'll have to see how they are this morning."

Onto Charlton - what's expected from them?
"A tough game! They're the best team in the league and they've proved that throughout the season. Chris Powell has done a great job there and brought lots of new players in and they're the best, most consistent team in the division and they're proving that.

"They're a team that'll go up and I think it's a very good game for us, it'll test us. If we don't turn up and play at our best, we know what we'll end up with. If we go out with the attitude we've shown of late, I think we have a good chance of getting something from the game."

And of course Leon Clarke will be back?
"Yes, Leon did well for us and has gone there and, if he plays, he'll be a handful, so we've got to be very wary of that."

You watched a reserve game this week. It was quite disappointing wasn't it?
"It was terrible! I never expected a performance like I got from the team that we had out, so people need to look at themselves. If they want to try and get in the team, force their way into my team, they need to perform a lot better than they did."

And are there are any players planned to go out?
"No not at the moment. I've always said, if there are players not figuring and something comes in from another club, I would never stand in anyone's way but, no one's come in for anyone, so whilst they're here, they'll work hard and be a part of my squad."

Anyone likely to come in?
"No, no one's coming in."

You have of course been nominated for Manager of the month, we don't know at this time if you've won (Chris Powell has since been chosen for the award)...
"Manager of the month? I'm bottom of the league! It doesn't mean a lot to me at the moment. It means we've had a good month, which we have, but that doesn't mean anything to me. It's nice to win things but I'm only concentrating on the game against Charlton, what will be, will be."

The England job is now vacant again after Capello resigned this week, who do think should be a front runner?
"I'm not bothered! I'd never want to be an England manager! Only this morning I read about Stuart Pearce, it's pathetic and ridiculous how people get onto people and make their lives so uncomfortable. I'd be surprised if Harry Redknapp even wants it anymore."

For more information and other CFC news, go to www.chesterfield-fc.co.uk

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