One man, Chris Brandon, will greet Roy MacFarland’s arrival at Chesterfield with particular joy. The 27-year-old flourished under Big Mac’s managerial style at Plainmoor when he was in charge of Torquay, so much so that a move to Chesterfield followed. With Dave Rushbury resigning just before the end of the last campaign it was left to Lee Richardson to guide them through to safety, courtesy of a last day draw at Blackpool. However, the board at Saltergate wanted an experienced head and they sent for ex Derby centre half and proven lower league gaffer, McFarland. Brandon broke his wrist in the run in, but will expect to be fully fit for the resumption of pre-season training and spoke exclusively to Ian Clarkson about the travails of last season and what Spirerites supporters can expect under MacFarland.
Q:
WHAT HAPPENED LAST SEASON?
A:
To be honest we started the season reasonably well and reached 40 points quite quickly. We were doing alright and probably exceeding expectations but then I am not quite sure what went wrong. I know it’s an old cliché but we suffered from a few injuries, which hindered us with such a small squad.
Q:
APART FROM YOU DID THE TEAM MISS ANYONE IN PARTICULAR?
A:
The biggest loss for us was goalkeeper Carl Muggleton. He has played fro clubs such as Leicester and Celtic and you can tell as he had been in superb form. We missed his guidance and it was probably no coincidence that, allied to other injuries, when Carl was absent our form took a downward curve.”
Q:
WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT ROY MACFARLAND AS A MANAGER?
A:
He was really good for me and he certainly knows his stuff. He likes to play in an attacking styli and it is usually 4-3-3. The style of football is the sort that I like and when he came to Torquay my football really started to pick up and improve.
Q:
YOU CAME INTO FOOTBALL LATE FROM BRADFORD PARK AVENUE – HOW DID THAT OCCUR?
A:
It was actually an ex professional called Mickey Holmes who recommended me. He had played for Wolves and Torquay as well and he recommended that I go to Plainmoor for a trial. I was a bit dubious at first because I have seen before where clubs don’t really give you a chance, but I am glad I made the decision to go as it was the best thing that has ever happened to me.
Q:
WITH THE TRANSFER MARKET THE WAY IT IS DO YOU THINK CLUBS SHOULD BE LOOKING MORE AT THE NON-LEAGUE GAME?
A:
Definitely. The talent is out there and I was one of the fortunate ones. I know plenty of good players who haven’t made it into the professional ranks, but I also have to thank my family, who have been really supportive.”
Q:
WHO OR WHAT HAS IMPROVED YOUR GAME SINCE YOU ARRIVED IN FULL TIME FOOTBALL?
A:
If I am honest I have learned most by just playing games. I am certainly improving as I get older and I think the more you play the more you know how to handle certain situations.
Q:
ARE YOU OPTIMISTIC ABOUT NEXT SEASON AFTER THIS YEAR’S NARROW ESCAPE?
A:
We have the players to finish in a far higher position than this year. I am sure Roy will see where we were suffering last season and take steps to rectify that by bringing in new players. There is a good structure at the club so the potential to improve is there.
