Opinion: Was Automatic Promotion a Realistic Prospect?

Opinion: Was Automatic Promotion a Realistic Prospect?

A surprising win against Halifax and an expected loss against Solihull left us dreaming of a summer rebuild under the command of Paul Cook. The additions of Ollie Banks and Armando Dobra lead us into wonderland and dreams of an automatic promotion out of the National League. 

Little did we know at the time, that across the borders, much like the armies of Sauron, a threat to that dream was growing, unbeknown to the Spireites at the time! Wrexham with their masses of wealth and Notts County with the appointment of Luke Williams and the signing of Gateshead Sharpshooter, Macaulay Langstaff were set to set the league alight. 

Personally, Automatic Promotion was nothing going to be the aim of the Spireites this summer. Financially, no one can compete with Wrexham, it’s always been their league to lose. Notts are trying their best to challenge that. 

The Spireites currently find themselves in 4th. 5 points off 3rd with 2 games in hand over Woking. The battle for 3rd has never been hotter in the National League. With tough competition from Barnet and Woking, 2 sides that the Spireites have lost to in recent weeks. Should we be surprised with the position we find ourselves in? I think not.

For us, 3rd Place has to be the aim. It’s always been the aim. 

Do we need more additions! YES. An out & out goal scorer is unlikely to be achieved at this point. Can McCallum be that? Let’s hope so! Possible signings are Dallas (Solihull) out of contract in the summer with Football league interest in the January window. He’s free to explore his options in the summer. Why sign for another club in the same league? Do Solihull want to sell? 

With 18 games left to play, the race for promotion is going down to the wire. There will be more ups and downs to come. As a football fan, you wouldn’t want it any other way.

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