SPIREITES: Chesterfield’s Chris Herd targets run in ‘widely supported’ FA Cup

Fleetwood Town vs Chesterfield - Chris Herd - Pic By James Williamson

The versatile 26-year-old featured for the Spireites in the first round of the prestigious competition in a 4-1 win over FC United of Manchester.

And, if Chesterfield can overcome Walsall in a second round replay on December 15, they will travel to Brentford of the Championship in January.

Herd said: “It’s a cup that is really held highly in people’s minds, in my mind and in Australia too. It’s a widely supported cup and it’s a privilege to be able to play in it.

“We’re looking to get a win against Walsall in the replay. We have the players to do so. We’re in the hat and you could feel the excitement around the ground.

“We’re concentrating on the next game and, who knows, with a bit of luck we might get through and get a run.”

He missed the chance to play in Spireites’ 1-1 draw against Walsall on Saturday in the second round but is hopeful he will be involved in the replay.

An injury sustained away at Doncaster Rovers towards the end of November has restricted his first team involvement in recent weeks.

But Herd said it was merely precautionary.

“I feel great. Injuries are just part and parcel of football. It’s just how you bounce back from them,” he said.

“You have to look after your body and I wanted to get myself right. I’ve been in the side and played 14 games in a short space of time.”

Herd regularly appeared under previous Spireites boss, Dean Saunders, who brought the former Aston Villa man to the club in September.

Herd said: “I was disappointed to see him leave. He obviously brought me to the club and I got on well with him.”

Academy boss Mark Smith has since taken over the reins at the Proact Stadium on a temporary basis and is expected to oversee Saturday’s trip to Bury, as the search for a new manager continues.

“I’ve not really had chance to train with him yet, as I’ve been looking after my knee,” said Herd. “Everyone’s in good spirits and we’ll hopefully get three points on Saturday.

“You have got to be consistent and get those narrow wins and ugly draws to pick up points. That’s League One football. You have got to be organised and you won’t get points if you do not deserve them.

He added: “The squad is a good one and we’re not far off from being up there challenging, which is where I think we’ll be at the end of the season.”