Saidou Khan Interview: “It’s a big draw and a dream for everyone involved.”

I spoke to Spireite midfielder Saidou Khan ahead of the big FA Cup clash at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.  

Khan joined Chesterfield in the summer following a successful season at Dagenham & Redbridge and has made an immediate impact. 

The 26 year old signed on a free from Maidstone after his contract ran out whilst on loan at Dagenham & Redbridge. 

He already has five goals in all competitions this season including one in the first round of the FA Cup against Southend. 

I asked Saidou what the preparations have been like for Chelsea and if he’s done anything different?

“My personal preparations have been the same and so have the teams prep, it’s a big draw and a dream match for everyone involved but ultimately it’s just another game of the season.”

Khan scored his first goal in a blues shirt during a 2-0 victory over Wealdstone with a long range strike. 

“I won’t change anything in my individual match prep routine and my mentality going into every game is to do my best for the team and make the most out of my playing time.” Saidou added. 

Saidou spoke about this seasons good form and how that could help going into the weekend’s game. 

“We’ve been doing good so far this season thanks to our manager, staff, fans, and ourselves.” 

“We all believe in each other, going into this Chelsea game we’ll have the same belief, nothing will change with our mentality.”

Saidou played the full 90 minutes on Saturday against Kings Lynn and looked a threat going forward, could he be the one to unlock the Chelsea defence? 

I asked Saidou what the possibility of playing in front of 6,000 away fans felt like as Spireite fans are set to invade the capital on Saturday. 

“I’m very excited, it’s always a joy to play in front of the Spireite fans, they’re amazing, they push us that little bit more.” 

Saidou made his debut during the first game of the season against Aldershot where he was backed by 700 away fans and they have seen him flourish ever since. He has mainly featured just behind the striker alongside another number 10 but he could be asked to perform a different role if picked on Saturday with the Spireites more than likely having less of the ball against Chelsea.