CHESTERFIELD FC: Winning competition entry was '˜not legitimate'

The news comes following a recent unsuccessful supporters’ competition and subsequent ‘misleading outcome of activity’.

In a statement director and company secretary Ashley Carson said information supplied to the club’s communications department had clearly been falsified with regards to the winner of a place at the pre-season training camp.

An earlier press release entitled ‘Disappoitment for raffle winner’ issued on the club’s site four days ago read:

“Spare a thought for Surrey-based Spireite James Higgins, who won the raffle for a couple of places on the club’s pre-season training camp in Hungary.

“James was due to fly out with the party last weekend, but illness prevented him from travelling. It was hoped that he and a friend would be able to travel a few days later in time to watch Wednesday’s practice match against Limassol, but he failed to recover in time.

“James, who is naturally very disappointed to have missed out on the trip, will be invited to a game during the forthcoming season as a guest of the club and be treated to hospitality.

“As a gesture of goodwill, all those who entered the raffle are entitled to a refund. Please contact the club to make the necessary arrangements.”

But this evening (Monday, July 18) a club statement has been posted on Chesterfield FC’s site from Mr Carson declaring disciplinary action will be taken following an internal review.

He states: “Following a recent unsuccessful supporters’ competition and subsequent misleading outcome of the activity, a full review of communications and marketing procedures has been actioned.

“I have discovered that a winning entry was not legitimate and the information supplied to the club’s communications department had clearly been falsified with regards to the winner of a place at the pre-season training camp.

“Fortunately, no supporters have been affected financially or inconvenienced.

“However, the club has a zero tolerance approach to such misleading activities and we remain committed to supporting our supporters on every level, which includes transparency and clear communications.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the supporter who contacted me personally about his concerns, which ultimately led to the enquiry.

“Chesterfield Football Club apologises unreservedly to the four supporters who entered the competition and we can assure all supporters that following the internal review, disciplinary action will be taken.”