Chesterfield: 12 Spireites players leave in Caldwell cull

Chesterfield have announced a massive first-team clear-out, with a dozen players departing this summer.
Gary CaldwellGary Caldwell
Gary Caldwell

Boss Gary Caldwell has offered new contracts to only four of those out of contract, including club captain Ian Evatt.

The Spireites’ retained list does not include PFA chairman Ritchie Humphreys, but the veteran may remain at the Proact in a coaching capacity.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Caldwell’s relegated side, who finished their League One season with a 3-2 defeat at champions Sheffield United on Sunday, will take on a very different look for the new League Two campaign.

New deals have been offered to young defender Laurence Maguire, midfielder Dan Gardner and attacker Rai Simons who is currently injured.

But there’s no place in Caldwell’s rebuild for New Zealand international Liam Graham or goalkeepers Thorsten Stuckmann and Lloyd Allinson.

Youngsters Curtis Morrison and Jake Beesley will both be looking for new clubs, while Sadiq El Fitouri - recently disciplined for going AWOL - will unsurprisingly be released.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Charlie Raglan, who spent much of the season on loan at Oxford United, has not been offered a new contract.

Last week it was confirmed that experienced trio Angel Martinez, Dan Jones and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake had been told they were free to find new clubs.

Caldwell said the cull was necessary.

“It is never easy having to tell players that they will not be offered new contracts but it something that has to be done as we look to rebuild over the summer and shape a squad capable of competing in League Two,” said the Scot.

“We have made contract offers to four players and we hope that they will all sign. I would like to thank the players who are leaving the club for their service and wish them all the very best for the future.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Perhaps the least surprising news is that Jay O’Shea will not be offered a new contract.

The Irishman has been on loan at Sheffield United since January and hopes to land a permanent move to Bramall Lane ahead of the 2017/18 Championship season.