Four big priorities for Chesterfield's new manager

Chesterfield are hoping to appoint a new manager this week and Liam Norcliffe has picked out four big priorities for the gaffer:
The Spireites are hoping to appoint a new manager by the weekend.The Spireites are hoping to appoint a new manager by the weekend.
The Spireites are hoping to appoint a new manager by the weekend.

Shore up the defence

I am stating the obvious here but improving Chesterfield’s defensive record is the main priority. The Blues are conceding almost two goals a game and have let in three in each of their last two fixtures. They have shipped three goals on three occasions (Wealdstone, Altrincham and Notts County) as well as the four against Stockport County in the replayed FA Cup tie. They have recorded just two clean sheets in nine which is just not good enough. To be fair, I think they need to improve defensively as a whole unit and not just at the back. The Spireites have scored in every league match this season so if they can tighten it up at the other end then positive results should follow.

Change the mentality

To a winning one. This team is mentally weak and buckles under pressure. They have a soft underbelly and lack that grit to see out games. As the clock ticks down the nerves kick in, the panic starts and concentration levels drop. Six goals have been conceded after the 80th minute which is extremely high considering we are only nine games into the season. They need to be a bit more shrewd with their game management. In the seven games they have lost this campaign, they led in five of them. The 15 extra points from winning those five games would mean they would be sitting second in the National League on 21 points. It is costing them dearly.

Improve spine of team

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A centre-half, possibly two, and a tough-tackling central midfielder are a must. The Spireites had the joint second worst defensive record in the National League last season with a whopping 65 goals conceded - the same amount as bottom club Chorley. I think these additions will make Chesterfield a totally different team and improve everybody else around them.

Sign some leaders

Ideally, the players who come in will be experienced and organisers. John Sheridan and John Pemberton have both said this group is nice, want to improve and do well, but are quiet. A couple of voices and know-know amongst them would do them a world of good.