Final Position: 5th
Overview
Chesterfield’s remarkable rise in Division Three was epitomized by their
surprise fifth placed finish. Although their season ended in disappointment
with a 3-1 loss to Barnsley in the play-off semi-final, they should be proud of
their extraordinary efforts in the regular season, grabbing a play-off berth in
their first season back in Division Three, when many considered they would be
fighting in the relegation battle.
The Spireites were in a rebuilding phase following the key losses of
leading scoring duo Dmitri Torbinsky and Hugo Rodallega but found solace in new attacking trio of Alberto Paloschi,
Miraleum Sulejmani and Mehmet Ekici who combined for 34 goals and 28 assists.
The Derbyshire club began with an
impressive 2-0 win over Leicester City and 7-2 win over relegated
Norwich City however the 3-1 victory over relegation candidates Swindon Town was a
more significant result. Their excellent season continued after securing of
safety in record time (24 games) and impressive wins over promotion candidates
Northampton Town, Tranmere Rovers and Hull City. The Spireites were poised for
a promotion play-off spot however their hopes were dealt a blow after newly
signed Russian defender Vladimir Granat suffered a season ending metatarsal
injury. But Chesterfield rallied to a 10 game unbeaten run and secured a play- off spot only
to be beaten by Barnsley.
Despite a disappointing finish to the season, it cannot mask the incredible over achievement for the second consecutive season.
Most Valuable Player: Denys
Garmash
One doesn’t know the value of a player unless they are gone however
ironically in Denys Garmash’s case, his value wasn’t known until an injury to a fellow
team mate. Last season, former Spireites player Nemanja Matic was a
quintessential part of Chesterfield’s ascent into the play-off spots unfortunately
a season ending injury firmly put a halt to any impending promotion hopes. But
in came the versatile Ukrainian international Garmash who seamlessly fit into
the all-important defensive midfield role and the rest was history,
Chesterfield won the play-off final and made another play-off semi-final a
division higher this season.
Steady Eddies don’t always get their due; they do their job consistently
yet unspectacularly. His ability to tackle and pass along with his versatility are
all part of the reason why Garmash is so important to Chesterfield. This season,
although his statistics don’t look impressive, he provided a crucial goal
against Northampton Town to run out 2-0 surprise winners but
his value was demonstrated when manager Glory Days commented on his omission
“We simply cannot replace Denys in this team, he is the heart of what it means
to be Chesterfield”
Golden Boot: Alberto Paloschi 15 goals
When Columbian striker Hugo Rodallega left the club for Tomila, there
was bemusement and confusion from fans and media alike, why would you let go
your leading striker especially with a difficult season in Division Three
ahead? It would have been somewhat understandable that the move was dictated by
finances but it was also because of manager Glory Days belief that Italian striker
Alberto Paloschi would be able to step up.
Often in the shadows of Hugo Rodallega last season, Paloschi was able to
make his mark on the team. A crafty central striker who has the ability to run
in behind the defences, strength to hold up play and strong in the air, the
Italian hitman showed what he was capable of grabbing important goals against
Tranmere Rovers, Hull City and Reading. Although he has a tendency to drift
offside a bit too often, there is significant upside to Paloschi’s game and
having secured a first team place, he could look forward to leading the line
for another season.
Leading Assists: Miraleum
Sujemani 11 assists in 24 appearances
Much fanfare came with the arrival of Chesterfield’s marquee signing
Miraleum Sujemani who was known for his off the field antics as much as his
talents on the field. Rumours persisted that the troubled 24 year old moved to
the Derbyshire club for a change in scenery but what he got was a change in
discipline, manager Glory Days instilled a belief in him that when the time
came, he would be ready to step up.
Despite constant cries from the media and fans alike for the Serbian
star to start, manager Glory Days held firm and he was given a start on the
left wing against Crystal Palace. Although he didn’t sparkle initially, it
wasn’t until he was given the central playmaking role that Sujemani really
shone. Most notably against Hull City,
Sujemani turned in a Man of the Match performance with two lovely assists for
front man Alberto Paloschi and sealed the game with the final goal. What makes
Serbian playmaker’s achievement of leading assist man even more impressive is
that he missed the first third of the season yet was still able to get 9 goals
and 11 assists.
Fan’s Favourite: Marcos Rojo
Strong in the air, consistent and solid are all attributes that Argentinian
defender Marcos Rojo has in abundance. Rojo who is only 23 years old has
maturity and composure beyond his years and has proven to be vital member of
the defensive unit. It’s an interesting contrast to the player that Rojo was
three seasons ago where the young Argentine was considered to be surplus to
requirements after putting in some horrendous performances, the most notable
being his studs up tackle to the knee of an opponent which saw him duly sent
off within the opening ten minutes of the game, not only did that rash tackle
result in Chesterfield having the numerical disadvantage but the sending off
cost Chesterfield all three points. Rojo was endemic of the culture at
Chesterfield at the time: ill-discipline.
Fast forward to the current season where Rojo has become a pillar of the
three man back line which has chopped and changed for various reasons but the
one constant remains: Marcos Rojo. One of the most noticeable changes to his
game is his ability to read the game and to execute a well-timed tackle,
another is his discipline which has completely turned around with only two yellow
cards to his name in 33 appearances.
Surprise Packet: Koo Ja Cheol 5 goals, 2 assists (8 appearances)
Since the arrival of Koo Ja Cheol, he has given new life to Chesterfield
especially towards the back end of the season.
Koo’s debut off the bench couldn’t have been any better with the South
Korean captain grabbing a match winning brace against fierce rivals Barnsley at
Oakwell Stadium.
His excellent technical ability coupled with his eye for a pass and
foraging runs into the opponent’s penalty box made him an ideal Glory Days
signing. Known as the utility man, Koo has produced some fine performances
scoring a goal in every position he was given, employed in the central
midfield, right wing, attacking midfield and supporting striker, he gives
manager Glory Days great tactical flexibility. With such a remarkable impact in
his first season, one wonders whether he can replicate that success next
season.
Awesome article!
ReplyDeleteYes, this is top drawer, off the page article, well done
ReplyDeleteGreat write up mate. Superb first season in division 3.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone appreciate the comments =D
ReplyDelete