ECHOSPORT talks to Chesterfield fan and BirminghamWorld journalist Ben Ramsdale ahead of this Saturday's match at Roots Hall. 

Chesterfield are currently fifth in the table. What have you made of the start to the season?

"Being four points off top and having lost just one game in 10, it's hard to be anything but pleased with the start.

"With that said, it certainly could have been better.

"In the last three matches alone we've thrown away six points from winning positions in games we really ought to have won.

"So that has quite rightly left people feeling a little ticked off as we know with just one automatic spot in the National League, every result counts."

What are the main targets for Chesterfield this season and what do you feel is possible this season?

"The main target this season has to be promotion. However it comes.

"Had you said that this time 12 months ago you'd have probably been laughed out of the town but the turnaround since James Rowe has come in has been remarkable.

"There has been such a dramatic turnover in players but it was needed and he's built a squad capable of promotion.

"We lost out in the play-offs last season and nobody wants to see that happen again.

"With the quality of player we have for this level, winning the league is certainly possible but it won't be easy."

Like Southend, Chesterfield are a club most people associate more with the EFL. How have you found the National League? It seems to have taken Chesterfield time to challenge

"Having followed recent events at Southend the parallels between the clubs are scarily similar.

"The National League can be enjoyable at first - a laugh, if you will.

"You're the big fish in the pond for the first time ever but that soon becomes very tedious.

"It has taken us a lot longer than anyone would have wanted to challenge but we were never going to under the previous regime.

"We were on a downward spiral that was only halted by a positive wave that was brought in thanks to the fan consortium that had taken over.

"Whether it takes something like that for similar to happen at Southend is anyone's guess but the fanbase certainly have the sympathy of every Chesterfield fan."

Who would you say is the danger man?

"Hard to look past Kabongo Tshimanga. What a player he has been since he has come to the club.

"Nine goals already this season which would have been 10 had he converted the penalty midweek against Wrexham.

"But when all the attention is on Tshimanga, that leaves space for someone like Danny Rowe who has a ridiculous record at this level himself.

"We certainly have the fire-power and it's sometimes puzzling that we don't score more when you look at the strike force on paper."

What's the team news?

"George Carline who was last year's player of the year unfortunately suffered a fractured knee-cap midweek in the draw away at Wrexham. That's expected to put him out for five months so that's a huge blow.

"Last year's top scorer Akwasi Asante also remains a long term absentee with his ACL injury.

"Better news for us comes in the shape of Manny Oyeleke. He's been unavailable for the last few games and his presence has left a massive gap in midfield but he is now fit and available for selection once more.

"Striker Stefan Payne picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Wrexham so he'll also be unavailable. It might leave a spot open for veteran Nathan Tyson to make his first appearance of the season though it would likely be from the bench if so."