[Zigsuk]

In that he’s just about the only town player I can recall who in his early career here received plenty of criticism, probably justified, but went on to improve to the extent that he not only became a fans favourite but also a player of the season winner. It’s difficult now to believe when he was competing for a place with Whelan and Clarke he was no higher than those two in the pecking order and was just as likely to be the first to leave.
Even if he never plays another game (heaven forbid) he will now go down as one of our greatest players of this generation.

[Osborne again]

Zigsuk, on 12 March 2025 - 02:00 PM, said:

In that he’s just about the only town player I can recall who in his early career here received plenty of criticism, probably justified, but went on to improve to the extent that he not only became a fans favourite but also a player of the season winner. It’s difficult now to believe when he was competing for a place with Whelan and Clarke he was no higher than those two in the pecking order and was just as likely to be the first to leave.
Even if he never plays another game (heaven forbid) he will now go down as one of our greatest players of this generation.

I think it's down to those around him. We have so many players who have improved immeasurable under Cook , but probably none more than Liam Mandeville. It's interesting to look back and read the posts about him, but some may have been justified too.
He has become the ultimate utility player, but he does it all equally well, right back, defensive midfielder, winger and the one behind the striker, he's a manager's dream.

[Lincs Spireite]

He has been messed about as well, in and out of the team as a utility player and never had the chance to get a settled run of games. So to produce a performance like last night is exceptional. That sprint back to deny their man a shot a goal, wow. Got to be a strong candidate for POTY.

[Wooden Spoon]

Zigsuk, on 12 March 2025 - 02:00 PM, said:

In that he’s just about the only town player I can recall who in his early career here received plenty of criticism, probably justified, but went on to improve to the extent that he not only became a fans favourite but also a player of the season winner. It’s difficult now to believe when he was competing for a place with Whelan and Clarke he was no higher than those two in the pecking order and was just as likely to be the first to leave.
Even if he never plays another game (heaven forbid) he will now go down as one of our greatest players of this generation.

Sam Hird

[Osborne again]

Lincs Spireite, on 12 March 2025 - 04:27 PM, said:

He has been messed about as well, in and out of the team as a utility player and never had the chance to get a settled run of games. So to produce a performance like last night is exceptional. That sprint back to deny their man a shot a goal, wow. Got to be a strong candidate for POTY.

He gives his all every game, wherever he plays. Those little triangles he was playing on Saturday with Banks, and Naylor amongst others were sublime, and his understanding with certain players is almost telepathic.
When Markanday left, I think Mandy should have been back in his old position on the right of the attacking three, but injuries put paid to that idea. Great player who keeps getting better.

[danblue]

No player is irreplaceable, but some come darn close for varied reasons.
I think Mandeville fits into that category.

[Osborne again]

danblue, on 12 March 2025 - 04:59 PM, said:

No player is irreplaceable, but some come darn close for varied reasons.
I think Mandeville fits into that category.

Naylor, Williams, and Dobra, amongst others can all play different roles, but none can cover what Mandeville does, and he could probably play on till his late 30s too.

[gordon_brittas]

Allott?
Was a bit of a boo boy up at Saltergate but quickly established himself as a bit of a Chesterfield legend.

This post has been edited by gordon_brittas: 12 March 2025 - 06:45 PM

[Blue95]

My favourite player
When did he join was it 2018?

[Siberian Spireite]

Evatt was fairly crap in his first games, as a midfielder, but once he moved to centre-back and had the game in front of him, he was excellent.
Even the great Tommy Lee had a bit of a shaky start, competing with Trevor Carson IIRC.

[PontePete]

Blue95, on 12 March 2025 - 07:52 PM, said:

My favourite player
When did he join was it 2018?

Sheridan pre-season signing 2019/20 iirc? Pretty much his only one of note I believe.

[60s 70s Spireite]

Siberian Spireite, on 12 March 2025 - 11:11 PM, said:

Evatt was fairly crap in his first games, as a midfielder, but once he moved to centre-back and had the game in front of him, he was excellent.
Even the great Tommy Lee had a bit of a shaky start, competing with Trevor Carson IIRC.

Isnt the story that Duncan signed Evatt as a defender, but Norton Lea wouldnt approve the transfer, as he thought we had enough defenders.
So Duncan played him in midfield initially to assuage Lea.

[sixmilliondollardan]

60s 70s Spireite, on 13 March 2025 - 07:52 AM, said:

Isnt the story that Duncan signed Evatt as a defender, but Norton Lea wouldnt approve the transfer, as he thought we had enough defenders.
So Duncan played him in midfield initially to assuage Lea.

Norton Lea and Duncan were long gone by Evatts time, he was a McFarland signing.

[60s 70s Spireite]

sixmilliondollardan, on 13 March 2025 - 09:09 AM, said:

Norton Lea and Duncan were long gone by Evatts time, he was a McFarland signing.

Oops, thanks.
Story stands, but different cast members.

[Comeonyouirons]

Zigsuk, on 12 March 2025 - 02:00 PM, said:

In that he’s just about the only town player I can recall who in his early career here received plenty of criticism, probably justified, but went on to improve to the extent that he not only became a fans favourite but also a player of the season winner. It’s difficult now to believe when he was competing for a place with Whelan and Clarke he was no higher than those two in the pecking order and was just as likely to be the first to leave.
Even if he never plays another game (heaven forbid) he will now go down as one of our greatest players of this generation.

Tony Moore
When Ifirst went (67 ) he was given pelters from some fir even walking on the wrong blade of glass
1969-70 nearly 30 league starts ( 5 goals from wing ) established him as more than a bit part in the successful 4th Division championship season side … the side that I actually think were THE BEST ever 4th tier side I have ever seen … Be that Tahn , or any other club

This post has been edited by Comeonyouirons: 16 March 2025 - 01:32 PM

[lindave]

Zigsuk, on 12 March 2025 - 02:00 PM, said:

In that he’s just about the only town player I can recall who in his early career here received plenty of criticism, probably justified, but went on to improve to the extent that he not only became a fans favourite but also a player of the season winner. It’s difficult now to believe when he was competing for a place with Whelan and Clarke he was no higher than those two in the pecking order and was just as likely to be the first to leave.
Even if he never plays another game (heaven forbid) he will now go down as one of our greatest players of this generation.

the arrival of PC turn Manders career right round, he made him into a classy world beater.