James Rowe's impressive record as Chesterfield manager in first nine months in charge
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"It is about taking the weight off the shoulders because I feel there is a bit of apathy around,” Rowe explained last November. “We have got to have some fun now. We have got to enjoy what we do every day and reap the benefits on the pitch.”
Sitting third bottom of the National League after nine games while the country was gripped by the pandemic, it had been a long time since Town fans used the word ‘fun’ and ‘football’ in the same sentence.
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Hide AdBut the enjoyment has returned and there has been a lot to smile about as the Spireites remarkably rose from the relegation zone to the play-offs in six months.
There was the 6-0 thrashing of Barnet, Rowe’s memorable dart down the touchline after a late winner against Wrexham and a final day play-off clinching victory over Halifax among many other highlights.
Such is the transformation in player recruitment with 27 incomings and 23 outgoings, only seven players of Laurence Maguire, Haydn Hollis, Curtis Weston, Joe Rowley (loaned out), Liam Mandeville, Tom Denton and Nathan Tyson remain from the squad he inherited.
Reflecting on Rowe’s time in charge so far as he leads them into a new season, his stats are incredible.
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Hide AdThe win against Aldershot last Saturday was his 20th in 34 National League games. His win percentage is currently a very impressive 58.82%. Victory against Wealdstone on Saturday would jump it up to the 60 mark.
The Blues have secured nine victories from 16 home matches during his tenure, a win percentage of 56.25%. A healthy record but one Rowe will be no doubt be looking to improve this campaign.
It is on the road where Chesterfield have really put their foot to the floor, winning 11 of 18, giving a win percentage of a huge 61.11%.
We all love seeing the ball hit the back of the net but clean sheets are satisfying and Chesterfield have kept out the opposition in half of Rowe's 34 league matches which is immense.
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Hide AdIn terms of areas for improvement, nine teams scored more goals than Town (60) last season but you would think that issue has been rectified with the arrival of Kabongo Tshimanga. Sutton United found the net 72 times as they won the title last time out.
Fifteen or so extra goals from Kabby and Blues fans could be celebrating come the end of the season. Now that would be fun!
ROWE’S HOME LEAGUE RECORD:
Games: 16
Wins: 9
Draws: 3
Defeats: 4
Win percentage: 56.25%
ROWE’S AWAY LEAGUE RECORD
Games: 18
Wins: 11
Draws: 2
Defeats: 4
Win percentage: 61.11%
ROWE’S OVERALL LEAGUE RECORD
Wins: 20
Draws: 6
Defeats: 8
Win percentage: 58.82%
ROWE’S CLEAN SHEET LEAGUE RECORD
Games: 34
Home: 9
Away: 8
Total: 17
Clean sheet percentage: 50%
ROWE’S OTHER MATCHES
FA Trophy (H) Brackley Town 0-0 (won 4-3 on pens)
FA Trophy (A) Boston United 1-1 (won 4-1 on pens)
National League play-off eliminator (A) Notts County (lost 3-2)