Ward has scored five goals for the Spireites this season

Chesterfield's Jamie Ward has described the constant chants for manager Lee Richardson to be sacked as 'pathetic'.

The former Northern Ireland under-21 striker, 22, said the fans of the League Two club need to get behind Richardson for the team's sake.

"To be honest it is pathetic, the fans should be getting behind us," Ward told BBC Radio Sheffield.

"The majority are, but you always get a certain section that want the manager's head when things aren't going well."

The Spireites currently sit 14th in League Two, with three wins from their opening 10 games, and have been knocked out of both the Carling Cup and Johnstone's Paint Trophy at the first round stage.

They have only won once at Saltergate this season, which has added to the pressure on Richardson.

"Hearing fans chant 'Richo out' does get through to the players," Ward added.

"I think at times you can see that and it doesn't help.

"It goes through the lads and knocks the confidence."

Meanwhile Chesterfield will be without Alan Goodall for Saturday's trip to Lincoln City.

The defender has been banned for one match, after he picked up his fifth booking of the season against Chester City at the weekend.

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