January 2012

The Spireites are enjoying life at their plush new £13 million B2net Stadium, which has already proved that age old adage that a change is a good as a holiday.

No sooner had John Sheridan’s men moved into the 10,300 capacity ground than they were winning League 2 at a canter, having previously resided at Saltergate for 139 years.

As they currently struggle at the foot of League 1, seven points from safety, Chesterfield would dearly like a trip to Wembley to kick start their season, having shown such affection for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in the past season or two.

Last year, the Spireites were quite brilliant in beating League One side Walsall at the Banks’s, before looking even better at Hillsborough when so nearly beating Sheffield Wednesday.

This season has been even better for the Derbyshire men, and if there’s one team that appreciates the benefit of a good cup run, then it has to be Chesterfield.

Who could forget their epic 3-3 draw against Middlesbrough in 1997, when local lad Jamie Hewitt kept their FA Cup final dream alive at Old Trafford.

Fans we spoke to remembered the game well, and believe a visit to Wembley would be a perfect way to celebrate the 15 year anniversary of that game.

Brian Stray and David Whinson, both of Chesterfield, said the chance to get to Wembley would be ‘fantastic.’

“It would be great for the club, for the fans. And north Derbyshire as a whole,” said Brian.

Both said their side would benefit from former manager John Duncan’s know-how in closing games out too, as their side has been in winning positions.

Kevin and Lorraine Greaves were also excited about the prospect of a two legged tussle with Oldham Athletic, along with friends Nick and Tom Oxley.

“At the start of the competition, you tend to be a little bit less desperate to do well, but as we’ve gone on, we’ve all got into the trophy spirit.

“The trophy really could make our season. It could give us the impetus to get out of our league predicament, and also a memory to treasure, whether we stay up or go down.”

Terry and Jane Emerson, along with Paul Stray, could have talked all night about their side.

They said: “It is 15 years since we almost made it in 1997 and it would be lovely to finally get there.

“As for our league form, there has been too much expectation on the players after winning the league last season, but maybe some trophy success could act as a springboard.”

Father-and-son, Stuart and Keegan Middleton, explained how they thought the manager and players have been playing their hearts out and how they’ve already made plans for Wembley.

Stuart said: “You can’t fault the players for effort, hopefully that will be enough to get us to Wembley, which we’ll definitely be going to.”

Paul Bates and Mark Featherstone thinks the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy could keep manager John Sheridan in a job.

Mark said: “We’ve heard that something needs to happen soon before the season is beyond us. Maybe the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy could be that catalyst.”

Tony Fronia and John Green said destiny will dictate a path to Wembley Stadium for Chesterfield and came up with some, shall we say, questionable examples.

Apparently, the last time the Spireites played in a two legged cup match, they actually won the Anglo Scottish Cup, after beating Notts County along the way.

Tony said: “It is fate! We beat Notts County in this season’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy too, so we are on the way to winning it!”

Johnstone's. Bringing colour to the beautiful game.