Chesterfield call for 'patience' after 'sideways and backwards' chant against MK Dons
Spireites fans have been encouraged to be a little bit more patient with Chesterfield’s style of play.
Unlike the majority of the teams in League Two, Town are a possession-based side who like to pass their way through the pitch to create their chances. The stats show that they have the second highest average possession in the division with 58.9%, which is only bettered by Crawley Town’s 59.1%.
Having the ball is not everything – it is what you do with it – as proved by the fact that leaders Bromley are ranked as having the second lowest possession with 44.2% and third-placed Walsall bottom with an average of 39.3%.
On Sunday against MK Dons, there were some grumblings from some of the travelling 1,000 Spireites, who could be heard singing ‘sideways and backwards everywhere we go’ in relation to Chesterfield’s style of play. Some supporters seemingly want the ball played forward quicker but that has never been Paul Cook’s way. First-team coach Kieron Dyer has been working a lot with the squad on how to play out from the back and they felt they got a lot of joy from it against MK.
Gary Roberts said: "I know the fans were a little bit frustrated today. They have worked just as hard as us over Christmas, but they have to be patient when we are building out and stuff and they are saying ‘sideways and backwards’ – the song – we are not that. We probe to go forward. Our lads know what they are doing. If we are going back it is to get out the other side. We are not a back to front team.”
As well as being second for average possession, Chesterfield are top in League Two for accurate passes per match, averaging 345.6, with a success rate of 76.9%. Although the camp appreciates the fans’ support, the numbers they come in home and away, it is hoped that they can see what they are trying to do and why.
Roberts continued: “I understand they want balls in the box but we will work to that. Teams can’t press you for the full 90 minutes. They (MK Dons) have tried to press us for 60 minutes, that is when teams will drop off you, and then you will find your players are higher up the pitch. So a little bit of patience is required with the way we play. Paul Cook’s team have never been back to front. I have played in them. Our fans have watched them for years, we are not a back to front team. We are getting better.”