Next six games are 'crucial', says Chesterfield midfielder Tom Whelan

The 25-year-old came off the bench to bag his fifth goal of the campaign against King’s Lynn Town last weekend.

The Spireites face rivals FC Halifax Town and Wrexham in the coming weeks and the midfielder knows the importance of those matches.

“The next six games are crucial, we have got some really tough games coming up against some of our play-off rivals,” Whelan, who signed from Weymouth last December, told the DT. “We have got to pick up as many points as we can and see where it takes us.

“I came in a game later than the gaffer and at that time it was just ‘stay up’ and see what happens next year but now we are in the play-offs so it is exciting stuff. We have just got to make sure we stay in there and finish as high as possible.

“Everyone has got tunnel vision, everyone knows what we are all aiming for, we all want to get promoted and we all want to help each other.”

Whelan was James Rowe’s third signing after joining for a reported five-figure fee from the Terras and he has quickly made himself a favourite with the Town faithful.

On working with Rowe, Whelan said: “He is very detailed, loves the game, I enjoy working with him and no stone is left unturned with him. It is enjoyable.

“He wants you to work hard, that is the minimum, run hard and if you can chip in with a few goals and assists as well that always helps.”

The former Yeovil Town man has scored five goals in a Blues shirt and he admits he has a target in mind.

“I have never really been a massive goalscorer but I am playing more higher up the pitch more than I have ever done in my career so it is happening for me at the minute,” he added.

“At the start of the season I usually set myself double figures so 10. I got three at Weymouth and I have got five here so I am two off my target.”