Spireites legend Lester has eye on future managerial role after coaching '˜apprenticeship'

Jack Lester admits a job in senior football management will be his ultimate aim once he's '˜served an apprenticeship' in youth coaching.
Jack Lester in action at Ernie Moss' Legends match  (Pic: Phil Tooley)Jack Lester in action at Ernie Moss' Legends match  (Pic: Phil Tooley)
Jack Lester in action at Ernie Moss' Legends match (Pic: Phil Tooley)

The Chesterfield legend works within Nottingham Forest’s youth set-up and will take control of the Under 21s next season.

Lester, who spent time at the City Ground in his playing career, has spent the last two years working with the Forest Under 18s at the Nigel Doughty Academy.

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Last season he led them to a Professional Development League Two North title, finishing 12 points clear of second placed Sheffield United – another of his former clubs.

“It’s going really well,” admitted the man who achieved heroic status with the Spireites fans by scoring 85 goals in197 Football League appearances

“I’ve had a couple of years doing the 18s and I’m moving up to the Under 21s next year.

“I’m enjoying it.”

Some of Lester’s youngsters have earned chances to play senior football with the Reds this season.

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The 40-year-old has half an eye on his own future involvement within the men’s game.

But you get the feeling he wants to work his way up the coaching ranks before he makes a leap to senior management.

“Once you’ve done your apprenticeship it will be something you go into,” he said.

“I’m learning a lot, I’ve learned a lot in the past couple of years and it will definitely be something I get into eventually.”

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Lester was back at the Proact on Sunday, two years and three weeks after leaving Chesterfield on a high with two goals in his final appearance against Exeter City.

He wasn’t so prolific last weekend however in a charity match in honour of Chesterfield’s record goalscorer Ernie Moss who is suffering from a rare form of dementia.

Lester missed a number of chances playing up front for a Chesterfield Legends XI against a team of celebrities, but did finally find the net late in the second half.

He admitted the misses had led to an ear bashing at the interval from his old boss.

“It’s not been too long but it’s always nice to come back and support Ernie and his family.

“Neil Warnock gave me a bit of a hammering at half-time – nothing changes.”