Spireites for the drop - Gerrard

Anthony Gerrard

ANTHONY Gerrard has responded sharply to comments from Chesterfield manager Gary Caldwell concerning Athletic's conduct, stating his belief that the Spireites are destined for the drop.

Gerrard, who turned 31 yesterday, was sent off after reacting angrily to a confrontation with Ian Evatt as the players made their way towards the changing rooms at half-time on Saturday. It means he serves a one-match ban for tonight's clash at MK Dons.

"People should be more professional than they were," said Caldwell after his side lost 1-0. "I don't like to see the way they acted as individuals at half-time and full-time."

While apologetic over his own conduct, Gerrard had his say on Chesterfield's ineffective style while also making the claim that bottles were thrown towards Athletic's players in the tunnel at the Proact Stadium.

"Maybe his own team could have done with not having that bit of professionalism and then, maybe they could have got the three points.

"It's not always about being pretty and passing it around the back four when 1-0 down with four minutes to go.

"They haven't got it and for me, personally, I think they will go down.

"When you don't test a goalkeeper for 45 minutes of a side that is a man down, it tells you all you need to know about the pretty passing football.

"They were devoid of ideas. Maybe that is down to the coaching, who knows?

"On a lack of professionalism, maybe I did lose my head a little bit. Sometimes things happen on a football field that aren't professional, like sticking your head on someone. If you are going to do that, please carry on. Because it means only one thing to me - I want to fight.

"Instead of running into your changing room and chucking bottles out of your changing room, if you are man enough to start sticking your head into people's faces, be man enough to stand there toe to toe."

Gerrard returns in time for Athletic's home clash with Coventry on Saturday and holds his hands up over the dismissal, which resulted in Ryan Flynn being sacrificed for Paul Green at half-time.

"I have apologised to the people I need to apologise to - the chairman, the fans and the players," he added.

"My silly mistake didn't end up costing us. In fact it brought us closer together and made us more tight-knit."

Sheridan was also left unimpressed with Caldwell's post-match comments on Athletic.

"That's something I would never, ever say," Sheridan said. "They just couldn't break down 10 men. There's the problem."