David Buchanan has set his sights on winning promotion with Chesterfield next season

The 34-year-old signed for the Spireites last summer on a two-year deal with the aim of mounting a title challenge under John Sheridan.

Unfortunately Buchanan was on the receiving end of a nasty tackle against Stockport County in August which ruled him out for two months and poor results led to the sacking of Sheridan in January.

Town’s form improved massively when John Pemberton took over in January and the defender, who believes that he has “never been mentally better”, has ambitions of winning promotion back to the Football League with the Blues.

He said: “Last season was a struggle from the very start. It doesn’t matter in football what title is given to you, it’s about what you produce on the pitch and the belief you have in each other as a group.”

Had this season not been curtailed with eight games to go because of the pandemic, the former Preston North End and Northampton Town man is confident Chesterfield would have finished higher in the National League table.

“In the last 10 games before it all stopped, we were one of the top three in form teams,” he added.

Under Sheridan, ‘Buchs’ was arguably played out of position in central midfield - although he does not necessarily agree that was the case - but excelled in his regular left-back slot when Pemberton took charge.

“I wouldn’t say I was played out of position, I’ve played over 150 games in my career in midfield, so it’s a position I know well,” he said. “But left back Is more naturally suited to me and is where I’ve enjoyed my most successes in my career.”

The experienced defender, who was one of Chesterfield’s most consistent players in the second half of the season, has played more than 500 games in his career and wants to continue for as long as he can. He does however have a degree in sports journalism and has his own conveyancing business, so he certainly has something to fallback on when he does decide to hand up his boots.

“I’ve no thoughts yet of retiring as I still feel very fit and I want to be successful with Chesterfield this year,” he added. “I’m not 100 per cent sure what the future lies for me. I’d love to stay in the game as a coach/manager. I really enjoy the media side too, hence my degree but opportunities are hard to come by unless you are a face. I also have my own business in conveyancing, which is going really well too, so I have got a lot of different avenues to look at in the next couple of years. But for now, all I want to do is concentrate on getting Chesterfield promoted back to the Football League."