Football League 2
Saturday 31st October 2009
Kick off 3.00pm
Stadium Recreation Ground, Saltergate, Chesterfield, S40 4SX
Telephone01246 209765
Club Colours Blue and White
Nickname Spireites
Official Club Website www.chesterfield-fc.premiumtv.co.uk
Key Personnel
The Spireites manager since June 2009 has been English-born Republic of Ireland international John Sheridan. John made over 700 first team appearances in a mammoth 22 year playing career, the vast majority for Leeds United, Sheffield Wednesday and Oldham Athletic. He has 34 RoE caps and has played in two World Cups squads. Sheridan became coach at Oldham in December 2003, taking over the managerial reins in June 2006 from Ronnie Moore.
How not to impress the Locals
In 1997 Chesterfield reached the FA Cup semi final losing to Middlesbrough in a replay but not before a most controversial refereeing decision occurred in the first 3-3 draw at Old Trafford.
With Chesterfield leading 2-1 Jonathan Howard's shot clearly crossed the line, and this was confirmed in TV replays, but Referee David Elleray ruled it to have not. Had the goal stood the club would have been in the final of the FA Cup for the first time in its history and accomplished a feat which no club in the third tier of the league has achieved.
Brief Directions By Road
Take M1 motorway until its junction 29. On the exit roundabout take the A617 (signposted Chesterfield) where you will be on a duel carriageway for approx. eight miles.
As you approach the end of the A617 get in the middle lane and at the first roundabout just after the railway bridge take the second exit still the A617 keeping in the left-hand lane. At the next roundabout just after passing under the footbridge take the first exit onto the A619 Markham Lane. Follow this road (still the A619) pass the Retail Park and at the West Bars roundabout take the 3rd exit into Foljambe Road. This has a KFC or Hooded Fried Chicken on the corner. At the top of the hill you will see the home Kop end of ground. Go straight over the traffic lights and look out for a right turn into Cross Street were you will find the visiting fans turnstiles. These directions are courtesy of Chesterfield Football Club.
Car Parking
Local streets are unrestricted if you can find a space! There are many car parks to choose from within 10 minutes walk from the football ground in the town centre but the best bet is the Chesterfield Town Hall Park, which is a short stroll away from the ground. Charges are approx. £3.00. This facility is well signposted when approaching the ground.
Directions by Train
A mid morning direct train from St Pancras will arrive in Chesterfield in just under 2 hours. The station is only a 15 walk from the ground. Simply follow the road out of the station and into Corporation Street. Cross the big roundabout and you will find yourself on Saltergate. The ground will be on your right.
Supporters Coaches
The BFCSA is running a coach to this fixture and seats are priced at £30.00 adults £25.00 Concessions. The coach will depart from outside the Barnet Odeon at 9.30am. For further details about supporters coach travel and how to book check out the BFCSA website at www.bfcsa.co.uk. You can also phone the Coach Travel hot line on 01707 647365. Please remember that you must be a member of the Association to travel - don't worry you can join on the day. The club wishes me to point out that supporters' coach travel is entirely organised and operated independently by the Barnet FC Supporters Association. Barnet Football Club Limited cannot be held liable for any losses occurred.
Eating and Drinking Locally
Allegedly there are over 20 pubs all within 10 minutes walk of the ground and most are friendly although I am informed that the local Police try to direct visiting fans to the two pubs closest to the away terrace, The Chesterfield Arms or The Industry. Both have a good range of beers and serve food. Further out of town and "on the way" I have been recommended the Jolly Farmers in the village of Holmewood which is situated on the A6175 (Heath Street) which is accessible from junction 29 of the M1. It boasts a childrens play area and allegedly serves great food and I have been told the local Sausage, mash and onion gravy dish is to die for!
The Social Club
The Saltergate Club can be found near the Kop or home end and we will be made welcome.
Ground Description
The main stand at Saltergate is of a type that is fast becoming a rarity in this country. Built in 1936, in what is known as the Leitch style after the sporting ground architect Archibald Leitch, it occupies the whole of one touchline with front straight loading stairways leading up to, in some sections quaint old bench seating. Alas, it will soon be demolished as the club is currently waiting on final planning permission for a new 12,000 all seater stadium on the other side of the town. Opposite is another old-fashioned structure, the Compton Stand. It was built in 1921, although the roof is not the original you would hardly notice, and it was an all standing area until a couple of years ago.
To the left is the covered Kop Terrace, which has always been a home fan stronghold. To the left is our home for the afternoon, the uncovered Cross Street Terrace which has room for 1,400. We will be allocated a section of seating in the main stand too.
The grounds' exterior and interior was cleverly disguised and utilised for the recent Brian Clough biography film Damned United.
Admission Prices
Terrace: Adult £15 - Senior Citizens £8 - Under 16's £5
Seating: Adult £17 - Senior Citizens £11- Under 16's £11
Our Last Meeting& Memories
Our last visit to Chesterfield was in February 2009 when an Ismail Yakubu goal featured in a 1-1 draw.In 2000 goals from Robbie Sawyers and King Kenny Charlery were enough in a 2-1 win. A Gary Bull brace bought home the spoils again by 2-1 in 1991 but the highlight of the duels for me personally was Dougie Freedman's, admirably aided I must add by Gerry McMahon, majestic performance at Underhill in October 1994. Dougie scored two in a 4-1 win that frankly didn't tell the whole story of a wonderful Bees performance.
Overnight Stay Factor
Ah now we are cooking! The Derbyshire Peak District (only some 4 miles east of Chesterfield) is a beautiful part of this wonderful country of ours and the peace and tranquillity of this area should be experienced. When we met the Spireites in 1992 (Mick Bodley and Duncan Horton in a 3-2 defeat) Mrs Reckless and I took a weekend break in Bakewell staying at the Rutland Hotel. It sounded too obvious at the time but this was where the delicious Bakewell Pudding, now Bakewell Tart, was first invented. Mr Kipling has developed it into a sickly sweet multipack snack with a half cherry on top but the real dish consists of a puff pasty shell housing Strawberry or Blackcurrant Jam and covered by a fondant of eggs, sugar, butter and almonds. It was served sitting in a lake of Almond flavoured custard - truly scrumptious. Overnight Stay factor 7/10.
Celebrity Watch
Page 3 model Jo Guest is a Chest-er-field lass (very apt) and she has been seen cheering on the chaps at Saltergate. The Rt. Hon. Baroness Barbara Castle MP was also born here, as were two Arsenal goalkeepers Bob Wilson and John Lukic. If you are just looking for "fillers" for your autograph books then ex Blue Peter presenter Simon Groom can often be seen wearing his Spireites badge proudly along side his gold Blue Peter one. Also you may bump into Princess Diana's ex-Butler and The Queens ex-Footman Paul Burrell.
