Chesterfield boss answers questions over his future and says they must strengthen as winless streak goes on

Martin Allen responded to questions over his future as Town boss by highlighting the youthfulness of his team and saying they need to strengthen.
Martin Allen pictured during the 1-1 draw at home to BromleyMartin Allen pictured during the 1-1 draw at home to Bromley
Martin Allen pictured during the 1-1 draw at home to Bromley

But he lambasted his side's performance and called the 1-1 draw at home to Bromley a 'step backwards' for the Spireites.

The Chesterfield manager was the subject of angry chants from home supporters during the second half.

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Bromley took a first half lead and defended well, Town looking bereft of creativity in the final third until the 90th minute when Zavon Hines rescued a point with a spot-kick.

Read our match report.And although their ninth successive league draw made it 12 games unbeaten in all competitions, Chesterfield have now failed to win a single one of their last 19 league games.

Supporters continued to vent their displeasure at full-time and Allen said he 'fully understood' their anger.

"They want to see a winning team, they're not getting it. They pay their money, they can shout what they like."

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When asked if he had considered his position, Allen replied: "All the time."

"We're in the middle now with younger players playing in our team.

"There are some nights when it won't be so good. It has been a good run.

"Our captain is 19, our sub who came on at half-time is 18.

"Maguire is playing centre-half for the first time on a regular basis.

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"I'm just disappointed we didn't get the level of performance we've had recently."

Chesterfield owner Dave Allen has continued to back the man he appointed in May, despite their lowly position in the National League.

Town sit 21st, in the relegation zone, after 22 games.

Allen was asked if he thought, should the winless streak continue, the owner's patience would run out.

"I think we need to strengthen our squad," he replied.

"We've certainly been looking.

"We had an offer a couple of weeks ago for a player turned down.

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"I've chatted with the owner, he knows everything that's going on.

"I explained the approach with giving the young players opportunities.

"He's pleased with our results away from home, but we haven't been winning our home games, that's a concern for him and for me.

"We've got to find more creativity, we've got options, but more importantly, we've got to work out how we're going to put a performance on for our supporters."

As for tonight's performance, Allen was scathing.

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He lamented the defending that allowed Bromley to take a 36th minute lead and said it was in stark contrast to the showings away from home recenty.

"I thought it was a poor performance, after some good performances away, when we've played with passion and determination, with and without the ball.

"We've looked well organised, disciplined, fit, started to look like a good team.

"Tonight I thought it was opposite, we were poor from the first minute until probably 20 minutes to go.

"A particular disappointing night for us.

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"We spoke yesterday about how important it was ot put a performance on in front of our fans .

"I did not enjoy that one bit."

He put the performance down to anxiety on the players' part and bemoaned Bromley's ability to win battles all over the pitch.

"We looked nervy, we looked rushed in possession, we were second to the ball.

"What do I put it down to? Nerves, worry. Players are on edge, same as the supporters.

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"I urged them tonight to put a good performance in for themselves and the fans to take us into a great weekend.

"We never got it, we were second all over.

"I thought we got rolled over, they had too many men, they were too competitive, too strong for us.

"I must have played four different formations and thankfully the one at the end with three at the back, we ended up getting something out of it.

"The supporters coming here tonight from the away games will probably have been saying it's starting to look better.

"But tonight was definitely a step backwards.

"It was poor, poor, poor."