Tributes paid to "wonderful" and "graceful" former Chesterfield player John Ridley

Tributes have been paid to “wonderful” and “graceful” former Chesterfield player John Ridley.
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The 68-year-old, who made 150 appearances for the Spireites between 1979 and 1982, passed away on Saturday.

The centre-back, who could also play in midfield, was signed from Leicester City for £35,000 and was part of the team that won the Anglo-Scottish Cup in the 1980/81 season.

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During his career he played with the likes of Gary Lineker at Leicester City and George Best and Gordon Banks at Fort Lauderdale Strikers in America.

Former Chesterfield player John Ridley passed away on Saturday, aged 68.Former Chesterfield player John Ridley passed away on Saturday, aged 68.
Former Chesterfield player John Ridley passed away on Saturday, aged 68.

His former teammate, Phill Walker, 63, who is now a magistrate, told the DT: “John was a lovely, lovely man. He was a very tough player. He reminded me of Alan Hansen. He was a centre-half who could play. There were a lot of centre-halves in those days who were just big and aggressive but John was a graceful player. He could play midfield as well. He was a stylish, talented centre-half. He was a magnificent guy all round.”

During his time at Town Ridley forged a strong defensive partnership with Bill Green under manager Arthur Cox.

“They complimented each other because Bill was aggressive and he would win everything and John would pick up the pieces and bring the ball out and he would link into midfield,” Walker said.

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As one of the younger players at the time Walker recalls how he was quiet and a bit nervous but Ridley, who was also a teacher, was always someone he could go to for advice.

“He was the kind of person you could go to and ask his opinion and at times I did,” Walker explained. “He was one of the players I would regularly go to and say ‘can I ask you opinion on this John’. Him and Ernie Moss would probably be the ones I would go to first. Ernie was the ultimate professional but John was pretty much close to him. I know I could ask him any question, no matter what it was. Even if it was a silly question or an obvious question. He was so patient.”

County Durham born Ridley also made an effort to have a word with all the younger players especially before big games.

“He did it all the time,” Walker said. It made me feel 10ft tall. I could not have done it without people like him. He was like a brother. He would put an arm around me and chat to me. He was very clever and he taught maths. He is sort of the person you would want as your dad. He was a wonderful person.”

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Ridley was released by Chesterfield at the end of the 1982 season due to financial constraints and returned to his first club Port Vale.

He carried on playing into his 40s and also had a coaching spell at Matlock Town.

On receiving the sad news last weekend, Walker added: “It shocked everybody. He is not someone I kept in touch with but I have so many memories of him. I wish I could see him again.”

As well as the Spireites, Ridley made more than 300 appearances for Port Vale over two periods, had a loan spell at Fort Lauderdale Strikers and played for Leicester City.

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Paying tribute to him, Chesterfield said: “He was a tall, strong defender but maintained the elegance he had demonstrated in his midfield roles. The side he played in was regarded as one of the most entertaining in the club’s history.”