Harry Kewell’s side travel to Chesterfield FC in Vanarama National League this evening as the Bees go in search of the first three points of the season (19:45 KO).
If you’re heading to Derbyshire for the match, take a look at our Away Guide that’s packed full of all the key information you’ll need to know for the trip.
STADIUM
Technique Stadium, Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, S41 8NZ
NICKNAME
The Spireites
COLOURS
Blue and White
KEY PERSONNEL
38-year-old Ipswich born Manager, James Rowe has had previous managerial experience at Aldershot Town and Gloucester City before taking the reins at Chesterfield in November 2020.
As a player he was a prolific goal scorer in the lower leagues notably for Histon, AFC Sudbury, Canvey Island and Leiston.
He has coached Academy players at Birmingham City and West Ham United.
IMPRESS THE LOCALS
In 1997 Chesterfield reached the FA Cup semi-final losing to Middlesbrough in a replay, but not before a most controversial refereeing decision occurred in the first 3-3 draw at Old Trafford.
With Chesterfield leading 2-1 Jonathan Howard’s shot clearly crossed the line, and this was confirmed in TV replays, but Referee David Elleray ruled it to have not.
Had the goal stood the club would have been in the final of the FA Cup for the first time in its history and accomplished a feat which no club in the third tier of the league has achieved.
DIRECTIONS BY ROAD AND TRAIN
The trusty M1 until Junction 29. At the roundabout take the second exit signposted Chesterfield A617.
After approx eight miles of dual carriageway, keep right at a roundabout and take the A61.
At the next roundabout, take the first exit (stadium signposted at this point) into Lockoford Lane.
At the next roundabout take the 3rd exit B6057 (Sheffield Road) and you will see the stadium.
CAR PARKING
Car parking at the stadium is for permit holders only. There is limited street parking available nearby on a matchday.
GROUND DESCRIPTION
The Technique Stadium is a 10,000 all-seater stadium which opened July 2010. It is situated on the outskirts of the town at Whittington Moor. It cost £13 million to construct.
The stadium has four stands, and The Harold Lilleker & Sons (North) Stand will be our home for the evening.
EAT AND DRINK
The adjacent retail Park has the normal array of Hooded Fried Chicken’s and McMobiles type eateries.
The concourse at the visitors end opens around 18:30 for an evening kick-off.
Hot and cold food is available including the famous Jackson’s pies, plus usual beers with Bramptons as the Real Ale.
The nearest pubs to the stadium are the Glass Works opposite the entrance. The Donkey Derby is normally friendly to away fans and has a good Greene King menu.
For those with time on their hand the Reckless Recommendation is The Spread Eagle Pub, 7 Beetwell Street, Chesterfield, S40 1SH.
This little place comes highly recommended by my spies – Homemade steak pie or a very agreeable curry.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS AND MEMORIES
One of our previous visits was in December 2017 when a John Akinde goal wasn’t enough in a 2-1 defeat. Two superb Paul Furlong goals featured in a 3-1 at Underhill in 2010.
The highlight of all our meetings, for me personally, was Dougie Freedman’s, admirably aided by Gerry McMahon, majestic performance at Underhill in October 1994. Dougie scored two in a 4-1 win that frankly didn’t tell the whole story of a wonderful Bees performance.
CONNECTIONS
Players who have been employed at both clubs include Scott Loach, Curtis Weston, Junior Agogo, Michael Nelson, Sam Togwell and of course Martin Allen who has managed both clubs.
CELEBRITY WATCH
The Rt. Hon. Baroness Barbara Castle MP was also born here, as were two Arsenal goalkeepers Bob Wilson and John Lukic.
If you are just looking for “fillers” for your autograph books then ex Blue Peter presenter Simon Groom can often be seen wearing his Spireites badge proudly alongside his gold Blue Peter one.
Also you may bump into Princess Diana’s ex-Butler and The Queens ex-Footman Paul Burrell.
Enjoy the match, ‘Reckless’
