Kop heroes have Spireites in sight
Two Chesterfield FC legends – David Reeves and Steve Blatherwick – want to take over the managerial reins at Saltergate.
The duo, both Kop heroes, believe they can strike the right note with success-starved supporters in their bid to lead the Spireites to promotion.
Blatherwick (35) said: ''We both know what Chesterfield fans want and we are very keen to be given the chance. We want to put bums on seats and we intend to send our CVs to the club.''
The pair, who between them have made more than 500 appearances for the Spireites, signalled their interest in the vacant post after Blues chiefs announced that they were seeking applications after deciding against renewing Lee Richardson's contract.
Blatherwick was a no-nonsense central defender who had a testimonial at Saltergate a couple of seasons ago while Reeves (41) was a free-scoring centre forward who was universally popular.
They are currently assistant managers at Gainsborough Trinity, the Conference North outfit, and it is thought that experienced coach Mick Wadsworth – who was an official match observer for England managers Bobby Robson and Graham Taylor – will be included in their application protfolio.
The duo are aware that they lack the one thing the Chesterfield board may regard at statutory: football league management experience.
''We are a bit inexperienced but I believe we have the potential. We just need to be given the chance. We would like to manage the players with a hint of fun and humour,'' said Blatherwick.
A whole host of names have cropped up in the wake of Richardson's departure. An early front runner was former Northern Ireland international John Sheridan (44), a midfielder with Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday, who has managed Oldham. Another tip is Andy Ritchie, who has been in charge at Oldham, Barnsley and Huddersfield.
When Richardson was stepped up following the sacking of Roy McFarland, chairman Barrie Hubbard justified appointing from within by stating that continuity was a key issue.
But it seems unlikely that Scott Sellars, assistant to Richardson, will be elevated to the hot seat. ''It will be a new face,'' said Hubbard.
The chairman has also indicated that the backroom staff – physio Jamie Hewitt, fitness coach Shane Nicholson and chief scout Dave Thompson – will retain their jobs.
Applications – about 30 so far – have been arriving at Saltergate on a daily basis and it is expected that the board will select a short list and hold interviews in the near future.
l Keeper Tommy Lee has agreed to sign a new two-year deal that will see him staying with Chesterfield until June, 2011. Lee (23), the Young Spireites Player of the Year, became an ever-present from January.
The former Manchester United youth team player, who has appeared for Macclesfield and Rochdale, has made 28 league appearance since joining Chesterfield last summer.
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Tuesday 07 February 2012
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