CHESTERFIELD chief Roy McFarland brings his charges to Town on Tuesday warning: "Write us off at your peril!"
The Spireites have jousted with the drop zone for the last two seasons, and it took a last-gasp goal in the final game against from ex-Emley favourite Glynn Hurst to save them last time around.
McFarland has lost Hurst, to Notts County, as well as Chris Brandon to Town, but he's confident his new recruits will help ensure this season is less stressful for the long-suffering supporters.
As well as Town old boy Wayne Allison, McFarland has brought in defenders Shane Nicholson, the ex-WestBrom player, from Tranmere and Alex Bailey from Arsenal.
"We're favourites with the bookies not just to go down but to finish rock-bottom," said former Derby and England defender McFarland, who bossed Bradford, Derby, Bolton, Cambridge and Torquay before being appointed last December.
"For us it's a big challenge, because we want to prove them all wrong.
"Last season is was team spirit that took us through. It was crucial the players believed they would get out of trouble, and they did so. They were very positive.
"Since then we have lost two players we didn't want to lose, but that happens.
"We have tried to replace them despite our limited facilities and money, and I believe the existing players will get stronger and better as the season progresses.
"We have learned a lot from last season, and this time we have to aim high. That means the play-offs.
"I'm sure our supporters would be satisfied with staying in the division, but we want better than that and we'd love to make a challenge for the play-offs."
Chesterfield, who have former Town midfielder Lee Richardson as No2 to McFarland, last visited the stadium in April 2003, when Mel Machin's home side won 4-0 with two goals apiece from Jon Stead and Martin Smith but were unable to stave off relegation.
Every League meeting between the clubs has been in the current division, with it known as the Third when the first clash took place in September 1973, Town winning 1-0 with a goal by Irishman Mick Fairclough at Leeds Road.
Two months later, Town won the return match at Saltergate 2-0 through Alan Gowling and Terry Dolan, and on Tuesday, will be chasing an eighth win in the 17th clash between the pair.
While Town were in action against Stockport County at Edgeley Park this afternoon, Chesterfield were kicking off their Coca-Cola League I campaign at home to Brentford.
