The future of the Spireite youth players

As the season seems to becoming closer to void, Ashley Carson put out a statement regarding the future of the football and contracts of players, staff etc. In that statement Carson alluded to the contract situation with a couple of Chesterfield’s youngsters as there will be no academy or development squad as of next year.

It’s seems more and more likely that John Pemberton will be in charge next season which gives the youngsters an even better advantage than ever as we’ve seen Pemberton likes to give younger players a chance.

One of those players mentioned was Jack Holmes, who hasn’t been seen a lot around the first team despite being offered a pro deal in 2019 by John Sheridan. Holmes did feature in pre season, scoring in a 4-4 draw against Staveley MW. Predominantly an attacking midfielder, Holmes was used as a defensive midfielder by Miguel Llera which could offer cover for Pemberton’s side next season.

Another academy graduate who’s out of contract at the end of the season is Levi Amantchi. Amantchi was a popular pick during Martin Allen’s tenure and played 14 first team games last season, impressing with his pace and drive towards goal. He didn’t manage to turn any chances into goals and was sent out on loan. Amantchi went on to score a brace on his Mickleover debut, more recently he was on loan at Blyth Spartans in the National league North. Pemberton has previously mentioned  Amantchi’s lack of game time at Blyth however, he did score a last minute equaliser against Gateshead. Before the season was suspended Amantchi joined Staveley MW in search of more game time and experience. If it was in your hands would you keep or let Amantchi leave?


Another Spireite striker who could be set to leave is Luke Rawson. Rawson has also had his fair share of loan spells away from the club, leaving on 6 occasions to Matlock, Sheffield FC, Brighouse, and Handsworth. During his time at Brighouse Rawson scored 4 in 13 and he recently scored 2 in 2 for Handsworth. Rawson made his debut in 2017 in league 2 and has also featured in a couple of national league games.

In recent games Spireite fans have seen the emergence of Regan Hutchinson in Pemberton’s side. Earlier in the season Hutchinson had a loan spell at Sheffield FC and later went on to make 2 first team appearances against Harrogate and Dover. During the 4-3 defeat to Harrogate, Hutchinson was introduced after 66 minutes and impressed with his pace and eagerness to create. Hutchinson seems to be versatile being able to play out wide, upfront, and in the middle. An exciting prospect with plenty of time to improve, would you keep him?


Possibly the most experienced of Chesterfield’s youngsters, Charlie Wakefield has little time left on his current deal. Still only 19 years old, Wakefield has played 4 games this season and also featured in Chesterfield’s league 1 and 2 campaigns and made appearances in the EFL trophy. A creative midfielder Wakefield worked his way through Chesterfield’s academy and last season had his loan spell at Sheffield FC cut short as Martin Allen felt he was unfairly left out of the side. Wakefield is yet to mark down a consistent place in the side but still has time to improve.

The final youngster with his contract running out is Jamie Sharman. A very versatile player who has been used by all the recent managers but not on a regular basis. He has been used as a centre back, right back, and a central defensive midfielder. It’s seems that Sharman is liked by Pemberton after being played in a number of games since he took charge. It’s likely that Sharman will get a new contract as he has shown the most promise and improvement out of the youngsters at the club and his versatility could prove very important for the squad.

Baring in mind the clubs budget and the first season without the academy set up, who would you offer a new deal to?