Spireites cancel Player of the Year award after '˜attempt to scupper the voting'

The Spireites opened up the vote online to supporters and were due to present the winning player with his trophy on Saturday before the final home game of the season.

But a club statement released this afternoon claimed that club officials had become aware of a plan to ‘scupper’ the voting.

The Derbyshire Times understands a large number of Spireites supporters were involved in a protest vote to express their disgust at the club’s relegation.

Proact chiefs then moved to spare the blushes of both the club and the player leading the vote before it was withdrawn.

“The decision has been taken to withdraw the Player of the Year award, which was due to be presented before Saturday’s home game against Wycombe Wanderers,” read a statement.

“Club officials have been alerted to the fact that there has clearly been an orchestrated attempt to scupper the voting for the award, leading to it being withdrawn.

“Several other awards will be handed out before kick-off at the weekend, honouring the Academy Player of the Year and recognising contributions made by people off the field.”