Pride at stake for the Spireites against the champions

Pride is at stake when Chesterfield take on the League One champions at Bramall Lane on Sunday.
Chesterfield FC v Sheffield Utd,Chesterfield FC v Sheffield Utd,
Chesterfield FC v Sheffield Utd,

Gary Caldwell says that and the chance to give supporters some hope for the future are the only things at stake against Sheffield United this weekend.

“We’re playing for pride first and foremost. We’re going to have to out there into a difficult game and play for pride,” he said.

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“It’s an important thing in football, that should be the minimum you play for every week.

“If we give the fans something, obviously at local rivals, something over them, in a disappointing season then it might be a small glimmer of hope.”

He’s under no illusions as to the size of the test facing his relegated side.

But on a pair of occasions this season Town have given a very good account of themselves away from home against the ‘big boys’ of the division.

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“They’re champions for a reason, they’re a very good side playing with a lot of confidence and we know it will be a very big challenge,” he said.

“But we have to have confidence in the players, we’ve done it at Millwall, we’ve done it at Bolton.

“We know how to play away from home in these big stadiums and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

A sell out crowd, with just 500 Spireites in attendance, will make for a party atmosphere and that’s something Caldwell wants his players to both relish and ruin.

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“I’m looking forward to playing in front of 33,000 fans,” he said.

“I said to the players, we ain’t going to play in a stadium like this next season.

“We have to enjoy this occasion and try and spoil the party.

“It’s important we go there and play with a pride and quality that puts them under pressure and asks questions of them on the day.”