Sheridan Doing it the Rite Way

AFTER failing to secure promotion from Npower League-One with Oldham Athletic during his two year spell, John Sheridan is looking to secure his first managerial honour with League-Two outfit Chesterfield.

The Spireites currently sit top of the league, nine points clear of Wycombe Wanderers - who they thumped 4-1 in midweek - but having played a game more. Even so, there is a substantial gap for the Chairboys to make up.

With just two defeats in their last 16 league games, the Derbyshire club are on course for a return to the third tier of English football after a four year exile.

The Spireites stunned English football when they made it to the FA Cup semi-final in 1997 - taking Premier League side Middlesbrough to a replay having draw the initial tie 3-3 at the Riverside. That season, they overcame Bolton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest before the Division Two (now League One) side were finally seen off by the eventual runners-up.

Chesterfield came close to sealing a Play-Off spot last year but were pipped to seventh place by eventual Play-Off winners Dagenham and Redbridge, who beat already relegated Darlington 2-0, despite their 2-1 win against second place Bournmouth in Sheridan's first season at the helm.

It turned out to be the last game played at Saltergate, the Spireites home since 1884, and what a send off it was with Derek Niven netting a 96th minute winner to spark a pitch invasion.

In their new home the b2net Stadium, Chesterfield have won eleven out of 16 games scoring 43 goals along the way - more than any other League Two side. The most noticeable victory being a dramatic 5-5 draw with Crewe Alexandra on October 2 2010.

46-year-old Sheridan has transformed a club used to losing to one that never gives in, and has attracted high quality players to the b2net,with former Brighton and Hove Albion striker Craig Davies, who leads the club's goalscoring chart with 19 goals in all competitions, the perfect example.

Add to that the loan signings of Scunthorpe United's Ian Morris, Crystal Palace's Kieran Djilali, Manchester City's Javan Vidal and Deane Smalley whom he worked with during his time at Boundary Park.

But, there is also a vast amount of experience in the Spireites squad, namely the shape of veteran striker Jack Lester, who has netted ten league goals this season. With players such as Danny Whitaker, Mark Allott, Robert Page and Ian Breckin all over the 30 barrier, it is the guidance young stars such as Scott Boden need to develop into quality players.

It is the right formula for success that Spireites fans deserve, and what they have been craving since they were last promoted in 2001 - after overcoming a nine point deduction.