Liam Norcliffe: Get excited and start believing - I have a feeling Chesterfield will prosper in 2021

It's been a rollercoaster of a year for the Spireites.

It was a real shame because the Spireites had built up some momentum in the run up to the festive period but health always comes first and I hope those affected make a full recovery.

2020 has been my first full year covering Town, and one that I will never forget. Three managers, a relegation scrap, a global pandemic and a takeover has kept me on my toes!

It all started when John Sheridan was sacked on January 2 with the Blues third bottom and five points from safety. His departure feels a lot longer than 12 months ago given what has happened. He’s not been up to much since has he?

James Rowe has brought some belief back to the Technique with his attacking style of play.

In came John Pemberton as caretaker manager and an announcement that the Spireites community trust were closing in on a takeover deal to buy the club from Dave Allen.

Pemberton steadied the ship and only lost two of his nine games in charge to steer Chesterfield out of the relegation zone before the pandemic halted the season in March and eventually stopped it altogether. The last-gasp win against Wrexham and victory at Chorley turned out to be more important than anyone could ever have imagined.

There were no competitive games between March and October but the DT still had a paper to put out and I had five pages to fill each week as well as daily web targets. No longer does a blank weekend without a game fill me with fear after those six months!

The takeover dragged on and on but it was eventually completed in August and with it came a new sense of optimism and hope with the club now in the hands of people who truly have it at heart.

Pemberton was confirmed as manager on a 12-month contract at the start of September in an appointment welcomed by many but he left by mutual consent after just eight games of the new season, which finally got underway in October.

And so James Rowe became Chesterfield’s third manager of 2020. A young, forward-thinking boss who was used to winning games at Gloucester City. His appointment was a big gamble given the Spireites’ lowly position but it is paying off so far with an attractive, attacking style of play bringing belief back to the Technique Stadium.

It is still early in the Rowe era but his arrival does have an exciting feel about it. Five new players have come in and they all look quality additions which is why I think this is more than just a little upturn in form.

There is something bubbling under the surface and if Chesterfield can get off to a positive start in 2021 then anything could happen and nothing can be ruled out, especially if they can take advantage of their games in hand and if fans can return to the Technique to roar them on.

So start believing, get excited and enjoy the ride because I have a feeling 2021 will be prosperous for Town.

My highlight of the year? Curtis Weston’s stoppage time winner against Wrexham and the recent 6-0 thrashing of Barnet.

My lowlight? Town supporters not being allowed inside the Technique. Football is nothing without fans.