Caldwell: Why I believe Chesterfield will stay up

Gary Caldwell has revealed the reasons behind his belief that his side can defy the odds and avoid the drop.
Picture by Gareth Williams/AHPIX.com. Football, Sky Bet League One; 
Millwall v Chesterfield; 21/02/2017 KO 7.45pm;  
The New Den;
copyright picture;Howard Roe/AHPIX.com
Spirites boss Gary Caldwell barks out his ordersPicture by Gareth Williams/AHPIX.com. Football, Sky Bet League One; 
Millwall v Chesterfield; 21/02/2017 KO 7.45pm;  
The New Den;
copyright picture;Howard Roe/AHPIX.com
Spirites boss Gary Caldwell barks out his orders
Picture by Gareth Williams/AHPIX.com. Football, Sky Bet League One; Millwall v Chesterfield; 21/02/2017 KO 7.45pm; The New Den; copyright picture;Howard Roe/AHPIX.com Spirites boss Gary Caldwell barks out his orders

Chesterfield have won just one of his 11 games in charge as manager and are staring at a 10-point gulf between them and safety.

Eight games remain for the Spireites, so it is still mathematically possible, if improbably looking at how they’ve fared to date this season.

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Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s visit to Bristol Rovers, Caldwell listed the things that give him belief.

“Because of the games that are left,” he said.

“Because of the players and the way they’re working, the morale about the place.

“I don’t see people who’ve given up, I don’t see training being lacklustre, low on energy and quality.

“I believe that they believe and as long as they believe and we have points to play for them I think it can happen.”

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Caldwell’s belief has drawn derision from some sections of the club’s fanbase, supporters who have resigned themselves to a 2017/18 campaign in League Two.

The boss admits that to prove them wrong will take an achievement that has been beyond the Town squad thus far all season.

“It’s not going to be easy,” he said.

“We need to go on a run that we haven’t gone on all year.

“But while it’s still possible myself and the staff and these players will still be giving everything.”

The Scot took charge of a Chesterfield side in the relegation zone back in January after the sacking of Danny Wilson and became the club’s third manager since the departure of Paul Cook in May 2015.

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He understands that his results have not been good enough but says he had assurances when he arrived that he would stay in post even if this season should end in disaster.

“I had that reassurance but I didn’t think I would need it, I didn’t want to need it and I still don’t think I’ll need it,” he said.

“The pressure comes from myself, I know that one in 11 is unacceptable and I work hard every day to try and do something about it.

“Pressure to me from the outside is irrelevant, the pressure I put on myself is more than enough.

“I accept the results I’ve managed to get as manager haven’t been good enough.”