Chesterfield hand professional contracts to former Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United teenagers

Chesterfield have handed professional contracts to a pair of teenagers who will join the new development squad.
Alex Render in action (Pic: Tina Jenner)Alex Render in action (Pic: Tina Jenner)
Alex Render in action (Pic: Tina Jenner)

Jack Holmes and Alex Render, both 18, graduated from the Spireites' own academy.

Holmes, a midfielder, is a player first team boss John Sheridan highlighted last season as one he liked the look of.

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He's twice appeared on the bench for the first team, once in League Two at Barnet and once last season against Billericay in the FA Cup.

A spectacular goal in a friendly against Sheffield FC caught Martin Allen's eye, but a debut didn't materialise last season.

Holmes came to the club in December 2016 following his release by Sheffield United.

Render is a versatile defender who can play anywhere across the back four.

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He arrived at the Proact after a spell with Sheffield Wednesday, catching the eye of a Spireites scout at an exit trial at Barnsley.

In 2018 he was included in 'The 11' - a list put together by League Football Education (LFE) that recognises the on and off-field achievements of young players.

Render followed in the footsteps of Everton duo Ademola Lookman and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, earning the accolade that highlights the ‘holistic development’ of teenage footballers.