Cod Almighty | Diary

It's not over

11 April 2018

After we beat them on Saturday, certain figures in Cod Almighty Towers were giving out the opinion that Chesterfield were mentally gone. Middle-Aged Diary isn't certain they actually said 'told you so' around 8.30 last night when the Spireites were two down at Morecambe, but certainly the mood changed pretty quickly later on as they rallied to save a draw.

That point might not make a huge different mathematically, but Chesterfield are sure to take heart from it. Michael Jolley is therefore right on the money when he wrote, in a statement that managed to be thoughtful but not rambling, that 41 points is unlikely to be enough for safety and that "we will have to earn anything that come our way." We can't rely on other club's failings.

But it no longer seems outlandish after an upturn in commitment, organisation and finally results to hope that we can save ourselves rather than rely on others' failings. Let's leave the rest to Chris Smith. He actually wrote to us before the Wycombe match so his email accentuates both the progress that has been made but how much more remains to be done to restore the club to health:

"I'm writing this before our away game to Wycombe and don't expect anything today. Can we stay up? No, but I hope to be proved wrong.

There is nothing in this side. I first became really concerned at our capitulation at home to Accrington. Crewe away confirmed my fears and the defeat at home to Morecambe just added to the certainty. Seen it all before as a Town fan. It really is unforgivable that we find ourselves in this situation. I was warned about a few of our signings by Brentford and Sheffield United supporters. I can't understand how the fans can see the danger of signing journeymen but a manager can't. I would ask if we had learned anything but the answer is that we obviously haven't.

For a good number of years, Town games have been incidental to meeting old friends and having a good day out irrespective of the football. Sadly, friends are throwing in the towel and I don't blame them. That takes away much of the incentive for me too after 39 seasons.

There was some hope in 2009-10 but this season has been the most soul sapping experience ever. No light relief at all. Friends leaving at half time. I left a home game on 54 minutes once; never done that before. Still, they may yet surprise me. It's telling that when I watch a local game, I'm only checking for our score a few times during the 90 minutes. UTM"