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More than 20,000 fans have a ticket to the hottest show in town – but luckily for Wanderers they are being lead by one of the coolest heads.
It has been easy to get caught up in the excitement of a promotion push this week, as public demand reached nostalgic levels.
Significant discounts have tempted back some old fans this weekend, and brought a few new faces back to the Macron. And on paper, the second-placed Whites hold a commanding advantage over Gary Caldwell’s struggling Spireites and some who snapped up their £5 seats may expect a one-sided affair.
Phil Parkinson is long enough in the tooth to know better.
While the Wanderers boss aims to use the overwhelming positivity which has swept around Bolton during a five-game winning streak to his advantage, he is keen to ensure expectation levels remain realistic.
“We need the fans to come in and understand their support and patience in this game may be required,” he told The Bolton News. “I’ve felt the place galvanise as the season went on. The atmosphere has got better and better and this is bound to be a cracking one because of the sheer numbers. But my message to all of the fans is that we have to treat this one like a cup final.
“We can’t fold our arms and expect to be two or three up. Chesterfield are fighting and they will make it difficult.
“Teams at the bottom don’t get hammered every week – it’s 1-0, 2-1, 2-0. They come out the wrong side of the little details. Physically and mentally we have to be prepared for a tough game and the fans have to be the same.”
Parkinson has tried to keep Lostock shielded from the hype. But even a man as level-headed as the Whites boss admits there has been an extra bit of spice added to the occasion by a crowd likely to be the biggest since the Boxing Day 2014 victory over Blackburn Rovers in the Championship.
“I always think players have the same mindset as the supporters,” Parkinson said. “We can’t let Chesterfield stand in our way.
“The effort which has gone in over the last month or so has got to be put in again.
“The lads are refreshed, they have had a great week in training and they are champing at the bit. They can’t wait for Saturday and there is an edge around the place.
“Whether there is five thousand, 10,000 or 20,000 there, everyone has to understand the importance of continuing the run.”
Parkinson is also conscious that the backing of his supporters can work to his advantage in the remaining three home games.
Victory in a tense and nervous affair against Northampton Town was only kick-started by a 75th Adam Le Fondre penalty. But the manager insists the vociferous appeals of the home fans played a major part in turning the game for his team.
“I thought that was great,” he said. “We have to make this an uncomfortable afternoon for Chesterfield. The intensity of support will reflect the level we play at.”
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It has been easy to get caught up in the excitement of a promotion push this week, as public demand reached nostalgic levels.
Significant discounts have tempted back some old fans this weekend, and brought a few new faces back to the Macron. And on paper, the second-placed Whites hold a commanding advantage over Gary Caldwell’s struggling Spireites and some who snapped up their £5 seats may expect a one-sided affair.
Phil Parkinson is long enough in the tooth to know better.
While the Wanderers boss aims to use the overwhelming positivity which has swept around Bolton during a five-game winning streak to his advantage, he is keen to ensure expectation levels remain realistic.
“We need the fans to come in and understand their support and patience in this game may be required,” he told The Bolton News. “I’ve felt the place galvanise as the season went on. The atmosphere has got better and better and this is bound to be a cracking one because of the sheer numbers. But my message to all of the fans is that we have to treat this one like a cup final.
“We can’t fold our arms and expect to be two or three up. Chesterfield are fighting and they will make it difficult.
“Teams at the bottom don’t get hammered every week – it’s 1-0, 2-1, 2-0. They come out the wrong side of the little details. Physically and mentally we have to be prepared for a tough game and the fans have to be the same.”
Parkinson has tried to keep Lostock shielded from the hype. But even a man as level-headed as the Whites boss admits there has been an extra bit of spice added to the occasion by a crowd likely to be the biggest since the Boxing Day 2014 victory over Blackburn Rovers in the Championship.
“I always think players have the same mindset as the supporters,” Parkinson said. “We can’t let Chesterfield stand in our way.
“The effort which has gone in over the last month or so has got to be put in again.
“The lads are refreshed, they have had a great week in training and they are champing at the bit. They can’t wait for Saturday and there is an edge around the place.
“Whether there is five thousand, 10,000 or 20,000 there, everyone has to understand the importance of continuing the run.”
Parkinson is also conscious that the backing of his supporters can work to his advantage in the remaining three home games.
Victory in a tense and nervous affair against Northampton Town was only kick-started by a 75th Adam Le Fondre penalty. But the manager insists the vociferous appeals of the home fans played a major part in turning the game for his team.
“I thought that was great,” he said. “We have to make this an uncomfortable afternoon for Chesterfield. The intensity of support will reflect the level we play at.”
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