Column: Green shoots of recovery for Town side '“ but don't throw the babies out with the bathwater

The off-field issues remain and show no sign of abating, but at least – finally – things are looking up on the pitch.

It might be the equivalent of taking a very sick patient some grapes and a copy of Shoot! magazine, but it’s still a very worthwhile turn of events, a pleasant distraction.

The Spireites recently had the look of a side who didn’t know where a goal was coming from, never mind a league win.

But in the space of a week they fired in six goals and picked up six precious points.

The mini revival has sparked a little optimism and in football that can go a long way.

November brought four victories after a nine-game winless streak that sent them to the very depths of League One.

Now, they’ve jumped two places, sit three points ahead of bottom side Shrewsbury and just two points from safety.

An FA Cup win would only add to a burgeoning feelgood factor.

Danny Wilson maintained throughout the wretched run they were on that one positive result would be all it took and then his men could go on a very positive run.

The green shoots of recovery hint that the manager might just be right and if the six points aren’t enough to lift your expectation, the cavalry can be heard just over the hill, charging back into the fray.

What a boost a player like Dan Jones would provide, should he make it back to full fitness before Christmas.

Jones is a quality addition and will add some much needed experience and balance to the left hand side.

A player playing in his natural position will almost feel like a luxury for Wilson.

Paul McGinn is also edging closer to a first team return and although we’ve seen too little of him since his arrival, what we did see was promising.

Ched Evans is over his injury and working on his fitness, Jon Nolan is in the same boat, Tommy Lee can’t be too far off and after 15 months on the sidelines, what a Christmas bonus it would be for everyone should Angel Martinez make it back at all.

All of a sudden, Wilson could find himself with a very welcome selection headache and some genuine options, with a strong bench.

But if several first team players do rejoin the squad, I hope there is still a place for youth.

Ricky German, Laurence Maguire and Jake Beesley have certainly not disgraced themselves and made contributions when called upon.

Chesterfield’s place in the table necessitates experience, but it would seem unfair to throw the babies out with the bathwater.