'Terrific' Chesterfield servant backed to get testimonial
Kieron Dyer hopes Liam Mandeville stays at Chesterfield long enough to get a testimonial.
Mandeville has been at the Spireites for nearly seven years and has just signed an extended contract until summer 2028. Another 12 months after that would mean he would hit the 10-year mark and a testimonial would be arranged to celebrate his long-service.
The 29-year-old was with the Blues as they struggled in the National League relegation zone, lost in a play-off final and then won the title. He is now thriving in League Two, creating the most goals in the division with 10 assists.
Dyer laughed: “I am on Mandy probably more than anyone in the club, we have real banter, I am always on him. I say most of his assists don’t count because they are just from corners! I said a real assist comes from open play.
"He has been a terrific servant. You can always trust him. He is always fit. He is always available on the pitch. No one runs as much as him on the pitch. And he has top of the charts for most assists in this league.”
Although there are older players in Chesterfield’s squad, Mandeville’s likeable personality and drive to win means that manager Paul Cook looks to him to keep standards high.
Dyer continued: "He needs to score more goals – he will be the first to admit that – again I have given him a bit of stick because he has missed a few sitters. But he is willing to learn. He is a leader in the changing room. I know he hasn’t got the captain’s armband but the gaffer leans on him to get the changing room in-check.
"I love Mandy and hopefully he gets the 10 years at the football club. He always jokes that he will have a sell-out and get a big club and a nice little payday.”
Chesterfield have always been proactive with extending contracts under Cook and it is something they see as vitally important as they aim to keep the core of the group together.
Dyer added: "The manager, the recruitment team and Ash (Kirk) sit down probably every two to three months and go through how the squad is going to look and areas we need to improve, players we want to tie down, and we are starting to tie down players. It is really important. We feel we want to be a League One club then we have to get the pieces of the puzzle complete.”