“These are the games you want to play in”

Ahead of this Saturday’s televised away game Notts County (3pm), midfielder Liam Mandeville praised the atmosphere that both sets of fans bring to the fixture.

Speaking to the media, he said: “They’re going to be hungry for revenge. You’d expect them to come out all guns blazing. We seem to play better in the big games.

“Obviously Notts County is a massive game and there’s going to be a massive crowd. These are the games you want to play in.

“Every time we play Notts County, both sets of fans are brilliant. Most of the time it’s on TV as well, which sometimes you wouldn’t expect as many to be there. But they always come out in full force.”

The midfielder celebrated 100 games for the Spireites in February and spoke about how manager Paul Cook has had an effect on him.

“When I first arrived at Chesterfield, I had such high hopes,” Mandeville said. “I thought that this a massive club in the National League and I probably took the league for granted.

“I think I’ve had a bit more freedom recently. I think [Cook] would like me to score more goals, which hopefully I can do.

“His belief in me has been a massive thing. Previously it had been 60 minutes or out one game and in the next. A player like myself needs a bit of belief behind me so I can get that consistency.”

Mandeville also gave an honest assessment of what he needs to improve on – getting more involved with goals.

The 25-year-old said: “Goals is the major one because in the last few games, I’ve created a couple more chances. So, that will come.

“It’s getting in the box mainly. I’m the sort of player that gets attracted to the ball. I always want to be creating stuff rather than getting on the end of things. 

“I need to get into that box and probably just shooting more often.”

Chesterfield sit ten points behind leaders Stockport County and look likely for play-off football. However, Mandeville and the rest of the squad are still have their eyes set on promotion.

“There’s not even a thought of that in the changing room of it slipping away. We’ve had a lot of injuries but in the coming weeks, I think you’re going to see a few faces coming back,” he said.

“I think we’ll come strong at the right time.”