True character of players revealing itself to Wilson in relegation fight

The true character of Chesterfield's players is being revealed in their final crucial games of the season.
Barnsley vs Chesterfield - Danny Wilson back in the dugout at Oakwell - Pic By James WilliamsonBarnsley vs Chesterfield - Danny Wilson back in the dugout at Oakwell - Pic By James Williamson
Barnsley vs Chesterfield - Danny Wilson back in the dugout at Oakwell - Pic By James Williamson

Danny Wilson says the relegation battle, which will finally be over if they beat Bury on Saturday, is a ‘test of character’ and helping him form opinions on who he wants at the club next season.

The Spireites boss said: “The one thing you’ve got to remember at this time of season, particularly when you’re having the type of season we are, it’s a test of character.

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“When you’re winning three or four games you don’t see the character of the players come out. We certainly are now, we’re seeing the true Chesterfield player.

“We need to strip everything back and see what kind of player we’ve got at the club.

“Are we good enough to stay up, are we good enough to push forward after that if that is the case? These next two games will be suggestive as to who we want to keep and who we don’t.”

He’s adamant, however, that he has got the necessary talent and desire in the dressing room to achieve his stated aim as Chesterfield manager – League One status.

“We know exactly what’s needed now,” he said.

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“Up until last weekend we didn’t know exactly what we’d need. We know now it’s three points, or two points really, but we know a win will secure us. It’s quite black and white now.

“The players are big enough to put a big performance in, which is what is needed.

“We’ve got to make sure that we keep a level head no matter what’s going on around us, and go out there and put the biggest performance in we can.”

Wilson and his backroom staff will be tuned in to events elsewhere on Saturday, knowing that wins for Blackpool and Doncaster would ensure the battle to avoid the drop goes to the last weekend, if Spireites fail to overcome Bury.

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He said: “It’s in our hands, that’s the good thing about it.

“I think we’ll have to try and respond in some respect, if things (elsewhere) aren’t going our way.

“We might have to take chances we might not normally take. We have to be mindful that other results impact us, not just ours.

“But we know what is needed, it’s up to us to deliver.”

Sitting comfortably in 15th, Bury might be one of several teams with nothing left to play for in the 2015/16 season, but Wilson expects them to come and try to take three points back to Lancashire.

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“Bury are safe but players at their place will want new contracts, the manager will want to finish on a high and will see wins in the next two games as putting them in a very good position confidence wise for next season,” he said.

“We don’t underestimate them because they’re midtable. It’s going to be a very tough game.”

And he made one last appeal for the supporters to do their bit, in what will be their final chance to see the Spireites in home action this season.

“I can’t say enough how important they are.

“They can be the difference this weekend.

“Put to one side the disappointment of this season, it’s a one-off, one home game left.

“We need a big, big response from everybody, the players, staff, the supporters. We need to stay in this division.

“Hopefully we can send the fans home really happy.”