Former Blade Dimaio puts fond feelings for United to one side

The Chesterfield lad would dearly love to be selected to face his former club at the Proact, but his dream outcome is a Spireites win, regardless of who plays.

After 11 years at Bramall Lane, making his Football League debut and taking a Young Player of the Year award, the 20-year-old can’t deny fondness for the Blades.

He knows which way his bread is buttered, however.

“It was massive for me to develop at Sheffield United Academy, I had some great coaches,” he said.

“Obviously I have to thank them for my development, I still have feelings for them and hope they do well in the league but I’m a Chesterfield supporter, I used to come and watch Chesterfield.

“I think I needed to move on for my career. It was dead there, I wasn’t getting a chance so I came here. I’m happy to be here, I’m proud to be here.”

Dimaio’s family are Spireites and will be out in force on Sunday, prompting the midfielder to make a cheeky and unsuccessful request for 30 tickets from the club.

He’s one of several in the Town set-up with close links to United, including boss Danny Wilson and assistant Chris Morgan, so it’s a big fixture.

“I’ll have loads of family there,” he said. “It’s going to be a massive game, we need the fans behind us.

“It would mean a lot to me to play, but if we get a win it would mean a lot more, for the fans and for us in League One.”

And coming off back-to-back victories, Dimaio thinks Chesterfield have given Sunday’s visitors something to think about: “I think with (these) two wins Sheffield United will be a bit worried.”