Club News

May 4, 2026

The raw sting of last season's play-off semi-final exit against Walsall still lingers for every Spireite, a painful reminder of how close we came to reclaiming our Football League status. But from the ashes of that heartbreak, a renewed fire burns brighter than ever, epitomised by the drive of young talent like Sam Curtis, whose firsthand experience of that Wembley dream slipping away has only sharpened his hunger for promotion.

Chesterfield's 2022-23 campaign was, for long stretches, a thrilling spectacle that had the entire town buzzing with optimism. Paul Cook's men demonstrated a potent blend of attacking flair and defensive solidity, often dominating the National League table. The SMH Group Stadium was a fortress, brimming with passionate support as the Spireites surged towards what many believed would be an automatic return to the Football League. However, a late-season dip in form meant the direct route eluded us, pushing the club into the perilous lottery of the play-offs. The anticipation for the semi-final clash against Walsall was immense, a two-legged affair that promised drama and high stakes. The first leg away from home saw us battle valiantly, but the crucial second leg at home, under the floodlights, ultimately ended in devastating disappointment. A 4-1 aggregate defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, leaving fans, players, and staff grappling with another year in non-League football. The collective groan that night was almost palpable, a profound 'what if' hanging heavy in the air. Yet, even in that despair, the seed of determination for the next season was sown.

Amidst this rollercoaster season, the arrival of Sam Curtis on loan from Sheffield United was a shrewd piece of business that added youthful exuberance and quality to the Spireites' ranks. The talented defender, still in his formative years, joined the club for invaluable senior experience, finding it in abundance in the cut-and-thrust of the National League. Curtis seamlessly integrated into Paul Cook's defensive setup, often deployed at right-back or as part of a back three, showcasing a maturity beyond his years. His athleticism, ability to read the game, and willingness to get forward quickly endeared him to the Spireites faithful. He wasn't just making up the numbers; he was actively contributing to the team's performances, holding his own against seasoned professionals and demonstrating a genuine hunger to improve. His consistent displays were a testament to his potential, providing defensive stability while also offering an outlet on the flank, adding to Chesterfield's attacking build-up. For a young lad experiencing his first taste of regular senior football, Curtis handled the pressure with remarkable composure, a quality tested in the season's climax.

The play-off semi-final against Walsall presented the ultimate test for the entire squad, and particularly for a young player like Sam Curtis. He would have felt the immense weight of expectation from the passionate Spireites crowd, acutely aware of what was at stake for the club and its supporters. The first leg at Walsall was a cagey affair, a tactical battle where every inch of the pitch was contested fiercely. Curtis, in the thick of the action, would have learned quickly about the fine margins that decide such encounters. Returning to the SMH Group Stadium for the second leg, the atmosphere was electric, a cauldron of noise. The roar from the terraces as the team emerged was designed to lift spirits and intimidate, a spectacle both awe-inspiring and intensely demanding for a young professional. As the game unfolded, the hopes and dreams of an entire town rested on the shoulders of the players. The eventual 4-1 aggregate defeat, particularly the manner in which the second leg slipped away, must have been a profoundly disheartening experience for Curtis. Witnessing first-hand the anguish of his teammates and the crestfallen faces in the stands, the pain of missing out on Wembley would have left an indelible mark, a stark lesson in the brutal realities of professional football. For a player targeting a long and successful career, this experience, though painful, served as an invaluable, harsh education.

The play-off defeat, amplified by the individual experiences of players like Sam Curtis, offered stark tactical lessons for Paul Cook and his coaching staff. It highlighted the need for sustained intensity, composure under extreme pressure, and greater depth in key positions to navigate the relentless National League schedule and the high-stakes play-off format. Against Walsall, while the Spireites showed flashes of brilliance, there were moments where defensive lapses proved costly, and the clinical edge in front of goal was absent when it mattered most. For Curtis, this would have been a masterclass in the psychological and physical demands of playing for promotion. He observed what it truly takes to cross that final hurdle. From a fan perspective, seeing young talents like Curtis come in, give their all, and feel the sting of defeat alongside the lifelong supporters, fosters a unique connection. Even if his future lies back at Bramall Lane, his journey with Chesterfield has added to the collective memory and strengthened the club's narrative of resilience. His experience underlines the importance of mental fortitude – not just raw skill – as the foundation for a successful promotion bid. Every player who felt that pain, regardless of contract, carries a piece of that lesson forward, influencing their approach to the new season.

As the dust settled on the previous campaign, the focus at the SMH Group Stadium immediately shifted to the future, with one overriding ambition: promotion. The bitter disappointment of the play-off exit has not dampened spirits but rather intensified the club's resolve. Manager Paul Cook has been meticulously planning, assessing the squad, and identifying areas for strengthening, determined to build a team capable of going all the way this time. The transfer window will bring new faces, adding fresh impetus and competition, but the core lesson from last season – unwavering consistency and mental toughness – remains paramount. The Spireites faithful, known for their unwavering loyalty and vocal support, are already buzzing with anticipation, ready to once again pack the stands and be the twelfth man for their beloved club. Sam Curtis's journey, even as a loanee, symbolises this renewed ambition. Having tasted the pressure cooker environment of the National League play-offs and experienced the agony of coming so close, he understands the sheer magnitude of the task. Whether he returns or contributes to his parent club, his time with the Spireites will have instilled in him a profound appreciation for the relentless pursuit of promotion, a pursuit now defining Chesterfield Football Club's every move. The collective experience of falling short has forged a steelier determination, a promise that this season, nothing less than a triumphant return to the Football League suffices.

As the new season dawns, the echoes of that painful semi-final still resonate, but they now serve not as a deterrent, but as a potent catalyst. The lessons learned, the resilience forged, and the hunger ignited by experiences like Sam Curtis's, will undoubtedly fuel every tackle, every pass, and every roar from the stands. This year, the Spireites are not just targeting promotion; we are absolutely driven to achieve it, leaving no stone unturned in our relentless pursuit of a return to the Football League.