Lee Richardson believes Chesterfield have more reason to be positive than many of their rivals despite failing to reach the play-offs.The Spireites' top seven aspirations ended following Saturday's 1-1 home draw against Darlington, prompting a small section of fans to call for Richardson to be sacked.

But with Sheffield United also unlikely to reach the Championship play-offs, Sheffield Wednesday and Mansfield battling against relegation from their respective leagues and Rotherham recently entering administration, Richardson has called for the club's supporters to try and look on the bright side.

He said: "Without doubt, there is more to be positive about at Chesterfield than some people probably appreciate.

"I heard the crowd at the end of the Darlington match shouting 'Rico Out'. They were superb during the match, but I'd ask the ones who have been a little bit negative just to think about teams like Mansfield or Rotherham or Sheffield Wednesday, even Sheffield United, who likewise are disappointed with their seasons.

"I do think it has been a decent season. We have had plenty of good performances, plenty of good results, we have played some decent football and we have scored goals, so there's lots to be positive about and it is worth people bearing that in mind."

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