BREAKING: Chesterfield management team depart in wake of relegation from Football League
Saturday’s defeat at Forest Green Rovers effectively confirmed the drop, Town needing three wins from their final three games of the season and an impossible swing in goal difference.
A club statement released this morning confirmed his departure, by mutual consent.
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Hide AdThe statement read: “It has today been confirmed that following a meeting yesterday with director and company secretary Ashley Carson, an agreement has been reached to terminate Jack Lester’s contract as manager by mutual consent.
Lester thanked the club and the fans for their support and expressed his sadness at not being able to stave off relegation.
It appears the club’s future plans, which the Derbyshire Times understands would have included cuts to the management team, brought about Lester’s exit.
He said: “I’ve spoken to Ashley Carson at length and I’m desperately sorry I’ve not been able to save the club from relegation. Looking ahead, with the proposed plans, I felt it correct for the club to move forward without me as manager.
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Hide Ad“I would especially like to thank Dave Allen and Ashley Carson for their amazing support. They could have not done any more.
“I would like to thank the Chesterfield fans for their support since my return to the club. Their support through difficult times was, as always, fantastic.”
Director Carson confirmed that three other members of staff would be leaving.
“This is an extremely sad time for the club and I am sorry to be losing Jack. NIcky Eaden, Tommy Wright and SImon Tracey will also leave the club with immediate effect.”
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Hide AdIan Evatt will take charge of the team for the rest of the season, assisted by academy coach Miguel Llera.
After Saturday’s game Lester was a dejected figure and perhaps hinted at his imminent exit.
He told journalists: “Whatever happens at this club, I’m sure they’ll come back.
“I’ve been in the driving seat when it’s gone down so whatever decision the club makes, we’ll wait and see.
“It’s just shocking. I’m so sad about it.”
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Hide AdThe manager was appointed at the end of September with Chesterfield in the relegation zone.
He was in charge for 37 games, nine of which Town won, with seven draws and 21 defeats.
Chesterfield’s best spell during his tenure was a six-game unbeaten run in October and November, before an injury crisis derailed the Spireites’ survival bid.
A grand total of 11 players were brought in by Lester during the January window, but many of them were unable to make any kind of positive impact.
Town failed to rise above 21st position under Lester and as he departs, the club are bottom of the table, five points behind Barnet.