"The hard work starts now" - new Chesterfield FC chairman urges fans to get behind the club after "ground-breaking" deal

The protracted takeover was completed last Thursday afternoon after several months of negotiations.

In a statement the community trust said it is a "ground-breaking agreement" as it is thought they become the first such organisation to ever own a professional football club in this country.

The sale brings an end to Dave Allen’s ownership of the club.

Mike Goodwin, who is the new Spireites chairman, said: “It has been a long road to reach this position and we are now at the start of a new era for the football club. I would like to thank Dave Allen and Ashley Carson for their co-operation and wish them all the best for the future.

“There was a very real possibility that the club could have been sold to someone who did not have the best interests of the club at heart. We would urge supporters to embrace the community trust as a safe pair of hands to safeguard the future of the club. We are all in this together so it is vital that supporters get behind us.

“As a trust, we have used the power of football and Chesterfield to make a positive difference to the lives of the people of North Derbyshire. The importance of the club to the community has been acknowledged by Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council, who have each agreed to provide financial support for the acquisition and operation of the club.”

John Pemberton will be appointed manager in the near future, Mr Goodwin has confirmed.

Ashley Carson, Mike Warner and John Croot have all resigned.

“Having spoken to John Pemberton, he shares our on-the-field vision for the club and he will receive the support he needs to shape a squad capable of competing effectively during the forthcoming season,” Mr Goodwin added.

“The hard work starts now and we are under no illusions about the size of the task in front of us. Now is the time for everyone to pull together and work to put the club on a firm footing.”