Long-time fan stands down from board of Chesterfield FC

A supporter for nearly 70 years, he has helped with the improvements at the club over recent times.

Mr Simmonds will remain a trustee of the Chesterfield FC Community Trust.

“I am particularly proud of my involvement in the Trust saving the club six years ago,” he said. “It has been an honour to serve on the board since that time and see the progress that has been made.”

Dave started his working life in the Valuation Office of the Inland Revenue before leaving to train as a PE teacher.

His teaching career started in 1980 as a sports lecturer at Chesterfield College. A qualified FA coach, he was vice-chairman of Derbyshire Schools Football Association for many years and for a time was manager of the U19 team.

He set up the Chesterfield FC academy, run by the college on behalf of the club, which once established was passed on to the club.

Dave progressed to the position of assistant principal at Chesterfield College before retiring in 2016 after 36 years’ service.

Chesterfield chairman Ashley Kirk thanked him for his time on the CFC 2001 Ltd board and added: “If you want to see your legacy, take a look at where the club was when you became involved!”

The departure leaves the board with six members – Mr Kirk, Mike Goodwin (vice chairman), John Croot, Sharon Kirk, Andy Fantom and Dr Paul Stankard.