New boys find feet at Spireites
Tommy Wright and Mark Crossley – the two members of John Sheridan's new management team at Chesterfield FC – have been finding their feet at Saltergate.
The trio have all played at the highest level and they plan to use their vast experience in instil a winning mentality from the start.
Boss Sheridan, with assistant Wright and coach Crossley were at the helm at Oldham, until the parting of the ways in March, but and Wright could have stayed at Boundary Park.
However, citing ties of loyalty, he chose to forgo working in League One to be reunited with Sheridan in League Two.
Wright said: ''I had another year on my contract but I'd worked with John for three years and we had done well together.
''I let them know that whenever John got I new job I'd be joining him because I enjoy working with him. A lot of it is about trust, and I know John trusts me,'' he said.
Wright is also keen to discover what talent there is among the junior ranks at Saltergate.
''Youth team manager Dave Bentley has indicated that there are one or two promising youngsters on the books and if they good enough they'll get a chance,'' he said.
Crossley, meanwhile, is no stranger to Saltergate.
Before he signed YTS forms with Watford, the Barnsley-born keeper played with Chesterfield's reserves.
''I turned out along side Jamie Hewitt, who's now the physio, and Bob Bloomer,'' said Crossley.
He also gained a place in Spireites history in 1997 during the never-to-be-forgotten FA Cup run which saw Chesterfield light up the football world by reaching the semi-finals and gain a replay.
Crossley, now 39, was the Nottingham Forest keeper in the fifth round clash at Saltergate and he received his marching orders for bringing down Jonathan Howard. Tom Curtis smashed home the penalty and the Blues went on to win 1-0.
''I'm happy to be back at Saltergate. I started my playing career here and it looks like I'll be finishing it here as well,'' he said.
Crossley intends to register as a player to provide competition for No1 choice Tommy Lee. ''I've still something to offer as a player and I'll be available for selection.
''Tommy did not have a lot of competition last year but he will have this coming season.
''Players are always at their best when there's competition.
''In addition, I'll be coach and I'm looking forward to working with the back four.
''The manager likes to play football – we will not be lumping it,'' he said.
Meanwhile, Sheridan expects the players to turn up fit and healthy when they return for pre-season training on Wednesday, July 1.
''All the lads were given a schedule to follow before they went away and I'm sure they'll come back raring to go,'' said Sheridan.
The former Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday midfielder twice came close to lifting Oldham into the Championship and the new man is keen to get Chesterfield's 2009/10 campaign off to a good start.
And has issued a rallying call to fans, asking them to provide positive support.
''The most important thing is that they get behind us. If we are winning we will get support and winning is what we will be trying to do.
''The game is all about results. Of course, we all want to play football but the wins are all-important. There is no better feeling than winning. I try to win at everything I do
''It's very important to get off to a good start – we want other teams to be looking up at us. That is what we want to do and we will be trying our hardest,'' he said.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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