Chesterfield manager John Sheridan has given out a rallying call to players and fans alike ahead of this weekend's home game against Bradford City. 

He reckons that dropping out of the top seven for the first time since last January is a stark reminder that the team needs to start winning games.

But with three games left he says it's time for the players to stand up and be counted.

He said:  "I understand everyone's frustrations as I want what the fans want, with the team winning football matches and Chesterfield out of this division.  .   

"I don't think we have played well at all over the last eight matches or so and our points tally doesn't add up to what we should have achieved.

"Although we are still in a very good position of reaching the play-offs we will only succeed if we all stay together and battle for the results we need,

"With just three games left it's time for the players to stand up and be counted as managers can only talk. 

"At the end of the day it's only ever about the players and what they produce once they walk over the white line.

"It now looks as though there are nine teams all competing for one of the four play-off positions and we want to ensure we are one of them."

On the injury front there has been some good news concerning forward Drew Talbot who has returned to training this week.  He has been suffering from the after-effects of concussion and has had a series of tests to confirm he can resume training.

Meanwhile, midfielder Simon Whaley is now out for the rest of the season following a knee operation to clear-up debris due to a knock that caused his knee to swell-up.

There are no new injury problems with the rest of the squad, apart from the long-term injured, all are available for Saturday's big game at Saltergate against the Bantams.

There will be a special presentation on the pitch at half-time to Chesterfield cheerleaders the Spirettes who have won The Football League Best Cheerleaders Award for 2010, the fifth year in a row they have won this prestigious award.