WELCOME TO OUR SECOND SEASON IN THE VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE.

National League Statement: Remaining League Matches To Be Cancelled

National League Clubs were asked to support an ordinary resolution on 9 April to end the Playing Season for all fixtures scheduled up to and including 25 April 2020.

WORK TO START ON REPLACING PITCH

With no match action for the foreseeable future, Premier Pitches have been instructed to start preparing the pitch for next season.

Work on taking up the pitch and then re-seeding is set to get underway on Monday.

The cost of the work is circa £12,000.

SPIREITES AGREE WITH NATIONAL LEAGUE RESOLUTION 10TH APRIL 2020

The Spireites have agreed with the National League’s resolution to immediately bring the season to an end as a result of the pandemic.

Company secretary Ashley Carson has today lodged the vote on behalf of the club following receipt of a voting paper which has been circulated to all National League clubs.

The document outlines the proposal as follows:

Under Chapter 2 of Part 13 of the Companies Act 2006, the Company propose that having regard to the current restrictions which the Government has imposed as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the disruption this has caused and may continue to cause to the operation of the National League, the following resolution be passed as an ordinary resolution.

ORDINARY RESOLUTION

That the Playing Season (as defined in the FA Standardised Membership Rules 2019/20 of the Season of the Company, i.e. The National League) shall immediately end for all fixtures scheduled up to and including 25 April 2020.

STATEMENT RELATING TO TAKEOVER 26TH MARCH 2020

Chesterfield FC Community Trust’s plans to purchase Chesterfield FC have been delayed by the current coronavirus pandemic, but the deal remains on course to be concluded.

Providing an update on the takeover situation, Trust chairman Mike Goodwin said: “The pandemic has had an impact on the timing of the takeover as our funding partners currently have various pressing matters to deal with at what is a very challenging time for everyone.

“They do, however, remain committed to working in partnership with the Trust to bring the takeover to a conclusion. It is hoped that we will be able to get things underway again at the end of April.

“I have been in regular contact with Ashley Carson and kept him informed of developments. The matter which has led to the delay is of course beyond our control and something that nobody could have envisaged.

“I would like to thank Ashley, who has been very understanding and supportive, as he has been since the negotiations got underway.”

A further statement regarding the progress of the takeover will be issued in due course.

 

CORONAVIRUS UPDATES

Spireites agree with National League resolution

The Spireites have agreed with the National League’s resolution to immediately bring the season to an end as a result of the pandemic.

Company secretary Ashley Carson has today lodged the vote on behalf of the club following receipt of a voting paper which has been circulated to all National League clubs.

The document outlines the proposal as follows:

Under Chapter 2 of Part 13 of the Companies Act 2006, the Company propose that having regard to the current restrictions which the Government has imposed as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the disruption this has caused and may continue to cause to the operation of the National League, the following resolution be passed as an ordinary resolution.

ORDINARY RESOLUTION

That the Playing Season (as defined in the FA Standardised Membership Rules 2019/20 of the Season of the Company, i.e. The National League) shall immediately end for all fixtures scheduled up to and including 25 April 2020.

CLUB STATEMENT

Company secretary Ashley Carson has issued the following statement:

I would like to provide you with information regarding the current business and operational side of the football club. As I am sure you are aware we are currently facing financial uncertainties due to the total loss of all income that would normally be derived from playing football matches and also from a very successful Conference and Banqueting facility.

During the last couple of weeks, the owner and I have been looking to find solutions to keep the club operating for both the immediate term and long term. We are also still waiting to see if there will be any financial assistance passed down through the leagues and if so, how much.

Full wages were paid to all players and staff in March, the club is now totally closed and all staff have taken ten days’ holiday first and then all have been furloughed, for at least the next three weeks and probably into May. The club has asked the staff to accept the 80% and the club is unable to make the 20% top up. I sincerely thank everyone who has agreed to this.

Following discussions with the players, I can now report that with particular support from Will Evans and David Buchanan, all the players have also been furloughed. They too appreciate the severity and impact that closure makes to the club and have also agreed to forgo a “top up” from the 80%. The club acknowledges the agreement reached by the players and for some who are not expecting to be retained next season, this is a massive gesture.

In terms of operations within the club, C&B staff have performed a deep clean of all the bars, kitchens and concourses, together with all lines and pumps that administer beers and lagers. All good to go, for when we next play at home.

The pitch is currently receiving low level maintenance as the uncertainty of when the next match will be played is preventing us from commencing preparation for next season. Our pitch is without doubt the best in the league and I would have really liked to have been able to take it up now and give it some extra months to bed in for next season. The same is currently happening at Hasland, but again this is in need of attention before next season as the extreme weather recently has taken its toll on both sites.

The Club Superstore has currently suspended despatching orders, but we will be looking to launch some promotional incentives once it re-opens. The 2020/21 PUMA kit is due to land in the next couple of weeks.

We have obviously had to cancel the Player of the Year event but we will be looking to offer something to the shirt sponsors once we can open the doors again and include a new kit launch.

The season tickets prices are all set to be announced, but for now those too will just be parked. Early Bird prices have been agreed, but I also have to consider the four matches that have not been played this season and how to acknowledge this.

We have now come to the end of the Proact Stadium sponsorship, so stand-by for the announcement of a new name for the stadium for 2020/21. Again, this will be announced once we are allowed to stage photo opportunities etc.

While the uncertainty of club ownership rumbles on, I am still in close regular contact with Mike Goodwin from the Community Trust and also a couple of other potential buyers. Both the owner (whose birthday is tomorrow) and I are still focused on selling to the Community Trust and they remain optimistic for completion within the next month, irrespective of COVID-19. Failing this, Dave Allen’s financial commitment will remain in place and at some stage very soon, if there is no imminent take over, then we must prepare for next season and put the uncertainty to bed.

I would like to thank the fantastic staff of the football club for their continued 100% support and dedication to their club, including the players, coaching staff and John Pemberton. John has been amazing over the last few weeks and has been planning for next season, even though, in fairness, he does not know if he will still be here, what his playing budget is or who will own the club and he has now also been furloughed.

Finally and most importantly Dave Allen and I want to send out our very best wishes to all our supporters, club partners, sponsors and the local community. A special mention also to Jim Brown, who has recently had a successful second hip replacement and is now out taking his 30-minute walk each day.

Please keep healthy and follow the NHS and government advice. We hope to see everyone return to the football club as soon as possible.

Ashley Carson
Company Secretary

NATIONAL LEAGUE STATEMENT

The following statement has been issued by The National League:

The National League Board met earlier today and has reviewed its prior decision to suspend the competition until at least 3rd April 2020.

In consideration of the very serious and unprecedented national public health emergency caused by the coronavirus, the Board has taken the decision to suspend the National League, National League North and National League South competitions indefinitely.

The National League is currently obtaining specialist legal advice, is consulting regularly with The Football Association and other stakeholders, and is committed to involving its member clubs in a pending decision on how best to conclude the 2019/20 season.

JORDAN SINNOTT TRIBUTES

As a club, we plan to pay tribute to former player Jordan Sinnott, who passed away at the weekend, in various ways.

Members of Jordan’s family are being invited to attend our next home match, against Wrexham on Saturday week, as guests of the club.

An image of Jordan will feature on the front cover of the programme and there are plans to hold a minute’s applause before kick-off. With an image of Jordan on the Big Screen, fans will also be encouraged to join in with a minute’s applause after 25 minutes to mark Jordan’s age.

It has been proposed that a mini-tournament will be staged at the Proact in honour of Jordan in pre-season, involving the Spireites, Matlock Town and Alfreton Town. Funds raised on the day will be donated to a suitable cause.

FORMER SPIREITE PASSES AWAY

Jordan seen above celebrating his only goal for the club vs Port Vale on 19th August 2017.

The tragic news that former Chesterfield player Jordan Sinnott passed away just before 7pm this evening at the age of 25 has been confirmed in a statement issued by the club he had been playing for, Matlock Town.

Police confirm that Jordan was found unconscious in Retford town centre last night with a suspected fractured skull. He was taken to hospital where he was put on a life support machine and joined by family and friends at his bedside.

We send our deepest condolences to Jordan’s family and friends and our thoughts are with them at this time.

Jordan joined the Spireites in 2017 after leaving FC Halifax Town and made eight league appearances before leaving the Proact the following year.

The midfielder subsequently joined Alfreton Town and had latterly been on loan at Matlock.

TYSON JOINS THE SPIREITES

The Spireites have secured the signing of Nathan Tyson from Notts County on loan until the end of the season, subject to the deal being approved by the FA.

The experienced striker has played the vast majority of his career in the Football League, having stints with the likes of Nottingham Forest, Derby County, Doncaster Rovers and Wycombe Wanderers.

He signed for the Magpies after their relegation to the National League last summer and has made sixteen appearances for County this campaign.

After the 37-year-old completed the move, caretaker manager John Pemberton stated how pleased he is with his new recruit.

“He adds experience which is important and is what we needed,” said Pemberton

“I think in his career he’s scored 122 goals so hopefully he’ll add some goals to us.

“He’s played at a high level and he fits with what we are trying to put together in the dressing room.

“It’s competition for everybody so when we get Mike (Fondop) back we’ll have four strikers and two young ones which are coming through.”

UPDATE ON PROPOSED TAKEOVER

Company secretary Ashley Carson has provided answers to questions relating to the proposed sale of the club to Chesterfield FC Community Trust.

Please provide a background to the takeover talks with the Community Trust…

AC: A sale price had been agreed in principle with both the supporters’ consortium and Community Trust. Depending on when completion could be made would have an influence on how much they paid, but both agreements equated to approximately the same amount of money.

At their own cost, the Community Trust provided Heads of Terms (something no other potential purchaser had produced). This was signed and entered into and completed by all parties on January 1, 2020.

All parties are the shareholders who will be transferring their shares on the completion of the club sale: Dave Allen, Sue Roberts, Ashley Carson and Mike Warner.

We were led to believe at the time of signing that the funding was confirmed and the Trust went out publicly to confirm this, however we were not privy to the details of the funding.

As Dave Allen and I wanted to conclude the deal as soon as possible, we funded an additional accountant, appointed by the Trust, to assist them in completing their due diligence as soon as possible, with the hope that we would be able to complete the sale before the Wrexham match on February 8.

What is the purpose of the due diligence process?

AC: Due diligence is for the Trust to be satisfied that the club’s finances are all correct and there are no undeclared warranties or outstanding liabilities. The process also involves a business plan being put together to justify the purchase and the running of the club to their funders and also to the National League.

What is the position now, as you understand it?

AC: Two weeks ago, the Trust’s chairman, Mike Goodwin, informed me that they would now not be able to meet the February 14 deadline, due to funding issues and timeframes for the release of the necessary funds.

The Trust met Michael Tattersall (CEO of the National League) on Thursday, January 9. Following this meeting, I was informed that one of the funders had pulled out, therefore now leaving the Trust with a shortage of funds to complete the deal. I now understand that at this point there were five funding parties involved.

Why was the period of exclusivity agreement waived?

AC: As the Trust’s plans have had to be revised, they felt it was only right to no longer hold us to the agreement and have now legally removed this covenant.

From your point of view, what is the current position regarding the takeover?

AC: Dave Allen and I remain committed to wanting the fans to take ownership of the club. Every month that goes by means that Dave needs to inject a minimum of £150,000 into the club. This month it will be over £200,000.

I am still working closely with the Community Trust and remain hopeful that a deal can be concluded with them, but I am now also talking to other potential purchasers again – including the supporters’ consortium – and we will sell the club to whoever is first over the line with the necessary funds.

Who will be responsible for paying the money owed to John Sheridan following his departure from the club?

AC: For clarification, the termination of John Sheridan’s contract will be absorbed into the monthly running costs of the club going forward until paid up. To date we have still not reached an amicable settlement.

I am still working closely with the Community Trust and remain hopeful that a deal can be concluded with them, but I am now also talking to other potential purchasers again, including the supporters’ consortium and we will sell the club to whoever is first over the line with the necessary funds.

COMMUNITY TRUST STATEMENT ON TAKEOVER

Chesterfield FC Community Trust remains committed to purchasing the majority shareholding in Chesterfield Football Club. Due diligence is currently taking place, with no issues identified so far and future plans are being formulated.

The original agreed deadline of February 14 for completing the purchase unfortunately cannot be met. The total financing has also suffered a setback involving funding partners taking longer than originally anticipated.

The exclusivity period agreed with owner Dave Allen has now been waived following talks between both parties, thus permitting them to seek alternative purchasers.

It is anticipated that if all goes to plan, the deal could still be completed by mid to late March following the conclusion of due diligence and final funding being put in place.

A further update will be provided in due course.

FITZSIMONS JOINS ON LOAN

Chesterfield have signed goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons from fellow National League side Notts County on a loan deal until the end of the season.

The 25-year-old began his career at Crystal Palace where he came through the youth ranks before spending time out on loan at the likes of Havant and Waterlooville and Hendon.

Fitzsimons then left Palace permanently to join Bolton before having spells at Braintree Town and Chelmsford City.

He joined Notts County in the summer of 2017 and has gone on to make over 50 appearances for the Magpies.

On signing, the goalkeeper said: “I want to play as many games as I can but I’ve got to wait for my chance.

“Hopefully when I get it I can take it with both hands and help us as much as I can.”

YOUNG BURNLEY DEFENDER JOINS THE CLUB

The Spireites have signed young defender Jordan Cropper on loan from Premier League side Burnley until the end of the season.

The right-back was a regular in the Clarets’ U23 team and has featured in first-team squads on a couple of occasions.

On signing, Cropper said: “It’s not been the best of starts for the club but I think we can really kick on.

“I’m looking forward to it and it’s going to be a really good rest of the season. I can’t wait.”

SHERIDAN LEAVES THE CLUB

John Sheridan’s employment as first-team manager has today been terminated.

Following the season’s poor performances that have led to the club currently sitting in 22nd position and with only 17 games to play, the decision was taken with the best interests of the club in mind.

Following the recent departure of Charlie Williamson, assistant-manager Glynn Snodin and goalkeeping coach Mark Crossley will also leave the club.

The club would like to place on record its thanks to John and his backroom staff and wish them all the best for the future.

John Pemberton has been named as caretaker manager and will take over from Friday morning ahead of this weekend’s home fixture against Sutton United.

Company secretary Ashley Carson said: “The decision was taken after full discussion last night with majority shareholder Dave Allen and also with Mike Goodwin, chairman of the Community Trust, who is heading up the potential takeover of the club.

“Whilst I think we all knew the time was right to make this change, it is important that I work very closely with Mike Goodwin, as ultimately we look forward to a change of ownership very soon.

“There will be a joint plan going forward so that any decisions taken regarding the appointment of a new manager will be made in full agreement with the Community Trust.”

A statement will be made after the weekend regarding the plans to appoint a new manager.

STATEMENT BY THE CLUB…..

Click on the link below to read the statement.

https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/sport/football/chesterfield-fc-takeover-everything-ashley-carson-told-chesterfield-fc-staff-during-13-minute-speech-at-proact-on-monday-morning-1-10175570?fbclid=IwAR2f8JuPv3ylAKyHduiccLwuvKm-mM8FDvu9t214cILYz8puorJoE1DXQdA

CHESTERFIELD FOOTBALL CLUB TAKEOVER

The majority shareholder of the club has entered into a period of exclusivity with Chesterfield FC Community Trust (CFC Trust) to enable CFC Trust to carry out due diligence with a view to completing the acquisition of the majority shareholder’s interest in the club on the basis of an agreed set of heads of terms.

The agreement will, if completed, see the Trust take control of Chesterfield FC with a shareholding of 84% and the current majority shareholder Dave Allen will cease to have any ongoing involvement with the club.

Commenting on the news, Allen said: “I am delighted that a deal has been agreed in principle with the Trust.

“A number of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the majority shareholding but the Trust has been the only one to progress to this position.

“My preference has always been to hand over the running of the club to local people so it is pleasing that we have been able to reach an agreement in outline with the Trust which if completed will enable this to be the case.”

Mike Goodwin, chairman of Chesterfield FC Community Trust, added: “I would like to first of all thank Ashley Carson for his help and co-operation, enabling us to reach this position.

“Our aim if we successfully conclude the agreement is to make the club very much a community organisation, building on the work being done by the Trust to help the people of Chesterfield and North-East Derbyshire.

“We urge fans to support the Trust’s efforts to stabilise the club and get behind the team at this crucial period in the season.”

Both parties hope that the sale will be concluded by mid-February.

THE SPIREITES HAVE DRAWN

Notts County in FA Trophy first round draw…..

CHIEF EXECUTIVE DEPARTURE

Chief executive Graham Bean has today been made redundant as a result of ongoing cost-cutting measures being taken by the club.

Club chiefs would like to place on record their thanks to Graham for his efforts since joining the Spireites last December and wish him all the best for the future.

SPIREITES DRAW WREXHAM AT HOME IN THE FA CUP

The Emirates FA Cup draw has been made and the Spireites will play Wrexham at home in a Fourth Qualifying Round tie on the 19th of October.

OLDHAM WINGER SIGNS ON LOAN

The Spireites have signed Curacao international winger Gevaro on loan from Oldham Athletic, subject to the deal being approved by the FA.

The 26-year-old, who is due to remain at the Proact until January 1, spoke of his delight at signing, saying: “It’s a big club and the facilities and the stadium are amazing.”

Gevaro revealed that he talked to former Chesterfield pair Dan Gardner and Chris O’Grady before agreeing to sign and the presence of his old manager John Sheridan was also a factor in his decision to make the switch. He said: “They told me that Chesterfield is a great club with amazing people.

“I had good communication and a good feeling with the manager at Oldham so it was an easy decision for me. He gives me confidence and helps me to be a better player.”

Gevaro was born in Curacao and raised in the Netherlands. He played in Holland for FC Den Bosch and Fortuna Sittard before stints in Romania and Portugal. 

Oldham signed Gevaro in September 2017 and he featured regularly for the Latics last season, scoring six goals in 49 appearances.

MCGLASHAN SIGNS ON LOAN

Chesterfield have signed winger Jermaine McGlashan on a loan deal from Swindon Town until January 1.

McGlashan has featured for the likes of Aldershot Town, Cheltenham Town, Gillingham and Southend United.

The 31-year-old made over 20 appearances for Swindon last season and had a short loan stint with Wrexham at the end of the campaign, scoring one goal in eight games.

SPIREITES SIGN FONDOP

The Spireites have secured the signing of striker Mike Fondop on a one-year deal, subject to receiving international clearance.

The 25-year-old scored five goals in the first nine games of the 2018/19 campaign for fellow National League side Wrexham before having a spell out on loan at Maidenhead United.

After signing, the forward said: “I’m very excited and there couldn’t be a better club than Chesterfield because we all know the history of Chesterfield.

“I want to help the club get back into the Football League.”

Fondop’s contract at Wrexham was cancelled by mutual agreement and the striker is keen to get back out on the pitch for his new club.

“I want to get started as soon as possible,” explained the new signing.

“I’ve been working on my fitness so I feel fresh and really fit. I’m ready to start straight away.”

SHAW LEAVES ON LOAN

Lee today joined National League North side Guiseley on a season-long loan deal.

ANTHONY SPYROU JOINS THE CLUB

19 year old Norwich City academy striker has signed on a season long loan, Spyrou said: “I’m delighted and I can’t wait to get started. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the club and I feel I can make a contribution.” 

DREW’S LOYALTY HAS BEEN RECOGNISED

Following his decision to retire from playing, Drew Talbot has been offered a testimonial to mark his loyal service to the club and will take up an honorary role as a club ambassador.

“This club means a lot to me and I am very grateful that I am being honoured in this way,” said Drew. “I’d like to thank Ashley Carson for offering me a testimonial and asking me to become a club ambassador.”

Spireites chief executive Graham Bean said: “Drew is very much a part of the Spireites family, having served the club with distinction over many years. He is a club legend and we feel that his loyal service should be recognised in this way.

“I am sure that Chesterfield fans will fully support Drew’s testimonial year and join me in wishing Drew and his family all the very best for the future.”

Originally a striker before being switched to right-back, Drew first joined the club on loan from Luton Town in January 2009 before signing permanently the following summer.

After featuring in two League Two title-winning sides and helping Town win the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in 2012, Drew left the Proact to join Portsmouth in the summer of 2016 when his contract came to an end.

He returned to the club on a short-term contract in January of last year and was re-signed by Martin Allen last summer.

Drew played 13 times last season, taking his total for Chesterfield to 312 appearances and 19 goals.

DREW TALBOT RETIRES FROM FOOTBALL

Announcing his retirement from professional football after a 15-year playing career, popular former Spireites player Drew Talbot has today released the following statement:

It is with a heavy heart that today confirms my retirement from professional football. Unfortunately, after spending the summer trying desperately to overcome the knee problem that ended my season early, it wasn’t to be and I have had to think of the bigger picture, considering my quality of life for the future going forward.

This is not a decision that has been easy to accept, quite the opposite. I consider myself extremely fortunate, however, to have had the opportunity to live out my boyhood dream of playing professional football for 14 seasons. 

Throughout those years, I have been privileged enough to have represented six wonderful clubs – Sheffield Wednesday, Scunthorpe United, Luton Town, Chesterfield, Plymouth Argyle and Portsmouth – where I have enjoyed many successes and created memories I will cherish for a lifetime! 

As I reflect on my career, I would like to place on record my thanks for the support I have received from clubs, managers, backroom staff, colleagues, friends, family and fans from all over the country.

To the clubs and managers I have represented: Thank you for welcoming me into your community – allowing me to do what I love, week in, week out, feeling trusted and supported during the good and the bad.

To the players I have had the privilege of playing alongside: It has been a pleasure to share a dressing room with you all. I have made some lifelong friends.

A massive thank you to my family, whose unwavering support over the years has allowed me to fulfil my boyhood dream of being a professional footballer, whilst keeping me grounded and humble. 

And finally, to the mighty Spireites, my football family, the place that feels like home: It has been a complete pleasure to have given over nine years of service to this wonderful club. Over the years, together, we have experienced our fair share of low times. These have, however, been outweighed by the most incredible highs. There has never been a day where I haven’t felt welcomed, supported or valued and for that I am truly grateful!

I believe I played some of my best football in a Chesterfield shirt and to accrue over 300 appearances, while captaining such a historic club, is an honour that I cannot put into words. This is a special club, a club with a special place in my heart, a club my children now support!  

From the playing staff – to the staff behind the scenes that are around the club on a daily basis – you are awesome! I know it is an old cliche but I have truly made friends for life and I cannot thank each and every one of you individually for the help, guidance and kindness you have given me. It was never unnoticed or taken for granted. 

Finally, to the Spireites fans: Your support – whether it be at home or away – has always been second to none. From the Wembley trips, to Cheltenham away on a freezing cold Tuesday night, you were there. During our unbeaten runs, sitting pretty at the top of League Two, to our painstaking losing streak at the bottom, you were there. Without you guys, we couldn’t do what we do and your support means the world!

It’s going to be strange not doing what I love, day in, day out, but I will now be able to see the game in a totally different light, as a fan, with my children and experience the emotions you fans have felt over the years.  

Thanks for everything,

Drew

FIXTURES CAME OUT TODAY

CARTER MOVES TO STEVENAGE

Charlie with a year left on his contract has joined Stevenage for a undisclosed fee.

MARK CROSSLEY REJOINS THE SPIREITES

Mark rejoins on a part time basis as goalkeeping coach, having left Notts County as assistant manager, manager John Sheridan said: “Mark is a top goalkeeping coach who will be an excellent addition to the backroom staff. I’m delighted he has agreed to join us.”, Crossley said: “It is great to be back at Chesterfield and I’m really looking forward to working with John again and his assistant, Glynn Snodin. It promises to be an exciting season and I can’t wait to get started.”.

SPIRIETES SIGN 3 PLAYERS

Anthony Gerrard, Josef Yarney and Jack Makay all sign 2 years deals from July 1st,  John Sheridan is delighted to have further strengthened the squad. He said: “I’ve been a bit patient but I’m just glad to get them over the line.

“I’ve been trying to get Anthony for a while now and I think he’ll be a top player for us. He’s played at a higher level and he’s just what we need.

“Josef is only young and he’s still learning the game, but I like his attitude and hopefully we’ll bring him on.”

Commenting on the signing of McKay, Sheridan said: “I thought Jack got better and better towards the end of the season. He got stronger and he’s a player I think I can make better.”

After agreeing to sign, Gerrard said: “It’s a massive club and hopefully we can get it back to where it belongs, in the Football League. I’ve spoken to quite a few people who’ve played here including Eoin Doyle and Dan Gardner and they told me that there’s a big fanbase and it’s a great club.”

Yarney was equally pleased to return to the Proact. He said: “The gaffer mentioned at the end of last season that he wanted to sign me and I’m delighted to have got everything sorted. Now I can concentrate on plans for the new season.”

McKay said: “It’s good to be back. Knowing the lads, the gaffer and ‘Snods’ is a big part of why I wanted to come back.”

 Robbie Weir has signed a one-year extension to his deal.

SPIREITES SIGN TWO PLAYERS

Left back David Buchanan, 33 and goalkeeper Luke coddington, 24, both agree 2 years deals effective from 1st July.

HEAD OF RECRUITMENT JOINS THE CLUB

Former Chesterfield player Charlie Williamson has today been named as the club’s new head of recruitment/chief scout.

Williamson, who made 62 appearances for the Spireites during a two-year spell in the 1980s, will also be involved in coaching the new development squad which is being introduced. 

Commenting on his appointment, Williamson said: “I can’t tell you how excited I am to be back involved again. It’s a great opportunity for me and I’m really looking forward to it.

“The brief is to look at teams we’re coming up against and also look out for players who can make the squad as strong as possible. The more information we can get on players, the better it is going to be.”

The 57-year-old will draw on his youth development experience with Sheffield Wednesday to help the youngsters in the development squad. He said: “I’ve always had a major interest in developing players. The manager is looking at 18/19-year-olds being involved in the development group and the plan is to play games on a weekly basis.”

Manager John Sheridan added: “Charlie is very experienced in football and I think it’s important to have someone going out and hopefully finding players for us.

“He’ll be out and about, watching players and be involved with the development squad as well. Charlie has got some good contacts in the game and I’m very confident that he’ll be a great asset.”

Williamson began his career at Sheffield Wednesday and had spells on loan at Lincoln City and Southend United before joining the Spireites in 1985. 

SPIREITES SIGN FORWARD

The Spireites have today agreed to sign 22-year-old forward Liam Mandeville on a two-year contract.

Mandeville, who arrives at the Proact after being released by Doncaster Rovers, decided to join Chesterfield after being impressed with what manager John Sheridan had to say. He said: “We had a good chat and I liked what I heard. It’s an excellent set-up and ’m looking forward to it.”

Assistant-manager Glynn Snodin said: “Liam could have stayed in the Football League, so credit to him for dropping down to the National League to join us.

“He creates and scores goals and we think we can get the best out of him.”

Mandeville started his career at Doncaster in 2015 and scored 15 goals in a total of 64 appearances for the South Yorkshire club. He had a spell on loan at Morecambe last season after a previous temporary stint at Colchester United.

ACADEMY MANAGER LEAVES THE CLUB

Academy Manager John Pemberton has today left the club by mutual consent.

Commenting on his short spell with the club, Pemberton said: “I’ve enjoyed my time at the club and helping the club with the first team over the Christmas period. An opportunity has come up which I couldn’t turn down.   

“I will help the academy over the next few weeks and hope that the club gets back to where it belongs, back in the Football League. I hope that I will be welcomed back in the future should my situation change and wish the best of luck to the club for the new season.”

Academy director Steve Coe said: “It has been a pleasure to work closely with John in the academy over the past nine months. He has made further improvements within the academy structure that will benefit us in the future. 

“I am also pleased that he will be on hand to assist our coaches in their career pathway over the next few weeks. We all wish John well in his new role and look forward to seeing him back at the club in the future.”

HAYDN HOLLIS SIGNS FOR THE SPIREITES

Haydn who played 35 games last season on loan from Forest Green Rovers, today signed a one year deal to remain at the club, and he says he is delighted to be staying with the club having enjoyed his time last season, especially the second half of it, He says there was a bit of interest from elsewhere but he didn’t look into it, as soon as he heard Sheridan wanted him he decided to stay.

12 PLAYERS RELEASED

It has been announced that 12 players will leave Chesterfield when their contracts expire at the end of next month while Robbie Weir and Charlie Wakefield have accepted the new deals offered to them. The club has also taken up an option to extend Jonathan Smith’s contract until the summer of 2020.

Drew Talbot, who made over 300 appearances for the Spireites after first joining the club in 2009, is among those departing. He is joined by Bradley Barry, Jerome Binnom-Williams, Michael Nelson, Joe Anyon, Sam Muggleton, Kyel Reid, Marc-Antoine Fortune, Louis Dodds, George Smith, Gozie Ugwu and Ify Ofoegbu.

Loanees Haydn Hollis, Jack McKay, Josef Yarney, Alex Kiwomya and Ellis Chapman have returned to their parent clubs.

Spireites boss John Sheridan said: “There were some tough decisions because the lads have done really well since we came in, but when you’re a manager, you’ve got to make these decisions.

“We appreciate everything the players have done and they all played a part. Not one of them gave me a problem so I respect them for that. Hopefully they’ll all go on to have success and play for as long as they can.”

NEW SHIRT SPONSOR ANNOUNCED

Click on the link below for the new shirt sponsor…

https://www.chesterfield-fc.co.uk/news/2019/may/20190501-technique-learning-named-as-new-shirt-sponsor/

NEW KIT LAUNCHED

Click on the link below for the new kit launch…

https://www.chesterfield-fc.co.uk/news/2019/may/20190501-new-kits-launched/

SEASON TICKETS ON SALE

Click on the link below to see about season tickets…

https://www.chesterfield-fc.co.uk/news/2019/april/20190429-season-tickets/