End of Era project nears launch pad
Chesterfield FC's End of an Era campaign is on course and gathering momentum.
The scheme, masterminded by marketing consultant Alan Stevenson, has been organised to mark the Spireites move from Saltergate to the new ground at Whittington Moor.
Its chief aim is to maximise the amount of cash raised for the club as it switches from its old home to a new all-seater 10,500-capacity stadium.
And a major milestone was passed this week when it was announced that the Wall of Fame project had sold its 1,000th brick.
For 39.99 supporters can buy a brick inscribed with their name or message which will be sited at the home end of the new ground.
The 1,000th brick was bought as a 52nd birthday present for lifeling fan Paul Naughton by his wife Julie and he received his certificate of purchase from Alan and Blues commercial manager Jim Brown.
Alan, the former England U23 keeper who made 116 appearances for Chesterfield and was a key member of the 1969/70 Division Four championship winning team, was full of praise for supporters who had invested in the Wall of Fame and other End of an Era projects.
''It has been a fantastic response. The supporters have shown a lot of faith in the club,'' he said.
The End of an Era scheme will be given a formal launch in August but Alan, who has overseen ground moves at Coventry, Doncaster and Shrewsbury, believes Chesterfield are well ahead of the game.
''At one or two other clubs where I've helped out, it has sometimes been done in a bit of a rush, sometimes starting only three months before, but here we have got it all planned,'' said Alan.
A Founder Members Club, which costs 200 to join has so far attracted 238 members, and a host of money-raising events are planned as the club begins its coundown to leave Saltergate, the Blues home since the 1870s.
In addition, the home shirts for next season will feature a picture of Saltergate and it is hoped that replica shirts will be in the club shop shortly, to give fans an opportunity to buy one before they go on their summer holidays.
Other things planned include matches on the pitch for local teams, a book remembering and an auction of memorabilia from the current ground.
After the end of next season, which is expected to be the club's final on at Saltergate, a huge marquee will be erected on the pitch for a farewell banquet, the player of the year dinner and a family fun day with a barbeque.
Planning permission has been granted for the construction of the new ground and the project gained a massive boost last month when former Sheffield Wednesday chairman Dave Allen became the new majority shareholder in the Spireites and pledged a 6m package towards building costs.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Chesterfield
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -3 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light sleet
Temperature: 1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
