Monday 15 April 2013

SHERIDAN RETURNS TO SPIREITES IN SEARCH OF VICTORY

After a last gasp defeat against Burton Albion on Saturday, Plymouth Argyle return to the Midlands to face manager John Sheridan's former club Chesterfield as they bid to secure their League Two status.

Sheridan's spell at the Proact Stadium, between 2009 and 2012, proved to be a successful one as he led the Spireites to the League Two title in the 2010-11 season.

Although their stay in League One only lasted for a season, the current Argyle boss did lead them to glory in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy during the 2011-12 campaign after they defeated Paolo Di Canio's Swindon Town 1-0 in the final at Wembley.

The former Republic of Ireland international's tenure at the Proact Stadium came to an end at the start of the current season after Chesterfield failed to win any of their opening four games of the campaign before he was later appointed as Carl Fletcher's successor at Home Park in January.

His former assistant Tommy Wright and goalkeeping coach Marc Crossley are still employed at the Proact Stadium under the guidance of his predecessor Paul Cook.

With the Pilgrims currently on 49 points, victory, in what would be their third away win under Sheridan's reign, would virtually guarantee League Two football next season for the Pilgrims.

They will also be looking to prove that there is life after Jason Banton after the League Two Player of the Month for March was recalled by parent club Crystal Palace following the Pilgrims' defeat at Burton on Saturday.