Former Spireite helped to sell Proact move to new striker

Gary Caldwell wasn't the only one to convince Gozie Ugwu that a move to Chesterfield was a good idea.
Gozie Ugwu (Pic: Tina Jenner)Gozie Ugwu (Pic: Tina Jenner)
Gozie Ugwu (Pic: Tina Jenner)

The striker, signed from National League side Woking, is friends with former Spireite Gboly Ariyibi and sounded him out about the club.

Ugwu, 24, said Ariyibi’s contribution assisted him in making up his mind.

“We’re from the same area, both from Oxford,” he said.

“We both know each other through football.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I did speak to him when it came about to ask questions about the club and how it is and everything like that.

“To be fair he had nothing but positive things to say which probably helped me to come here.”

Ariyibi, now at Nottingham Forest, is among a number of players to go on and sign for clubs at a higher level having first impressed with the Spireites.

Ugwu hopes for his and Chesterfield’s sake that his future travels down a similar path

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I think as a striker in football if you go somewhere and you’re doing well people like to see what’s going on,” he said.

“If you’re doing well at any level it’s going to raise speculation and interest, which can only be good for both parties, the club and the player.”

The Spireites weren’t the only club tracking Woking’s top goalscorer last season.

Walsall boss Jon Whitney went on record to say he would consider the striker.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But Chesterfield’s desire to bring him to the Proact for their League Two promotion challenge tipped the situation in their favour.

“There was quite a bit of interest but after the conversation I had with Chesterfield, looking at the club it definitely stood out for me,

“I spoke to the manager and I pretty much knew what my decision would be.

“They did show interest quite early and it ticked all the right boxes for me. I was delighted to come here in the end.”