Press Conference Summary

 

 All things takeover and the future of Chesterfield FC 

On Thursday the sixth of August 2020 Chesterfield FC Community Trust agreed terms and finalised a deal to take over the football club. 

It meant Dave Allen’s reign as owner had finished and Spireite fans had their club back after years of turmoil. 

This Friday the trust unveiled themselves to the press and fans bringing a sense of optimism and relief to the town. 

Mike Goodwin (chairman), Dave Simmonds and Martin Thacker (vice chairmen) opened up to the press about the future of the football club. 

Mike Goodwin started off by announcing his relief and excitement of getting the deal completed after first expressing interest in September. 

Mr Goodwin spoke about the plans to take the football club to the highest level possible.

‘First and foremost we need to create a stable football team.

There certainly won’t be a five year plan to get to the championship’.

Mr Goodwin stated that it has been ‘heartbreaking’ to see the football club drop to non league. 

The new chairman has been a lifelong Spireite fan and he recalled his memories of watching the blues at Saltergate. 

Mr Goodwin also mentioned that he is expecting to receive payment from Leeds within the week after Liam Cooper and Leeds gained promotion to the premier league.

‘We’re monitoring Sam Morsy’s situation very closely too’. Mike Goodwin added. 

This is alluding to a clause in Morsy’s contract that gifts the club 10% of his next transfer fee. 

During the press conference Mr Goodwin announced that John Pemberton will stay on as manger. 

‘Nothing is signed yet but I’ve spoken to John and we’ve come to an agreement.

John had some questions but we soon allayed his fears’. 

Although it is key to have optimism and belief, the community trust are still trying to keep things realistic. 

‘If we were to finish mid table and not flirt with relegation that would be alright. 

The manager doesn’t agree with that, he wants to go up’. Dave Simmomds added. 

Pemberton took over as manager after John Sheridan’s dismissal and helped steer the club away from relegation which was enough to persuade the trust to make him their first managerial appointment. 

‘The trust made a consensus decision that if we were to takeover we would make John Pemberton manager, he’s done a terrific job’. Dave Simmonds said. 

Martin Thacker was delighted with the fan reception they received after it was announced that the takeover was complete. He spoke about the possibility of getting more bodies through the gate and into the stands. 

‘The goodwill is brilliant but let’s see you through the turnstiles, let’s see you getting behind the team like we know you want to’. 

There is a good feel factor around Chesterfield FC before and balls even been kicked and any signings have been made. The town, fans, and community have their club back but the hard work starts now.