Loach: “It’s a massively proud moment”

Goalkeeper Scott Loach believes that the Spireites have to continue to play with the same attitude and mindset when much-improved Southend United visit the Technique Stadium on Saturday.

Speaking to the media, he said: “I know their coaching team quite well because I worked with Darren Currie, and I know they’ve taken good people there. If you get good people at a football club, the players react.

“They’ve obviously been a key factor in how they’ve turned around. They’re riding on that crest of a wave at the minute and are on a great run.

“We’ve lost four all season, so they won’t be too excited to come here. I know we’ve got bodies out, but we’ve just beaten one of the best teams in the league.

“It’s going to be an interesting game and one for the neutrals – two good teams fighting it out. We’ve just got to play with the same attitude and mindset that we have done all season.”

Loach will reach 500 career appearances should he play at the weekend, and he is grateful for the chance to reach the milestone.

“It’s a massively proud moment,” Loach said. “If you said to me when I was 17 that I would’ve played ten games, I would’ve bit your arm off.

“To get to 500 and still only be 33, I would’ve never believed it. I’m really honoured to be able to do it and grateful to have the chance.”

Despite being called up to play for his country and win numerous individual awards, Loach believes his biggest achievement is still being able to play week in, week out.

He said: “First of all, I just love being a professional. I love the feeling of walking out, whether that’s here, Watford, Ipswich, it doesn’t matter. When you’re in the tunnel and walk out in front of the crowd, it’s one of the best feelings. 

“My biggest achievement is just walking out every day. I’m a bit of a goalkeeping geek. I just love it and I hope I never lose that feeling.”