From one Spireites legend to another: Jack's tribute to birthday boy Ernie

Jack Lester and Ernie Moss are two of the most popular fan favourites in the club’s long history.

Spireites boss Lester said the man who scored a club record 162 league goals in three stints for Town was a more worthy recipient of a shirt-retirement than himself.

Speaking on Moss’ 68th birthday, Lester - who had the number 14 shirt retired thanks to 94 Spireites goals of his own – he said: “He’s a fantastic ambassador for the club and someone the club is very proud of.

I know people ask me about my shirt number (retirement) and if he had played in an era with squad numbers he was far more worthy of it. A terrific guy.”

Moss was diagnosed with Pick’s disease, a rare form of dementia, in 2014.

He still attends games at the Proact, religiously, with his family – but he needs full-time care.

Lester, who played in a charity game in Moss’ honour last year, remembers his fellow striker as someone who took a keen interest in him when he joined Chesterfield in 2007.

“When I first signed I spoke to him a lot.

“He’s done unbelievable things for the club as a player and I know a little of his family too, we’ve been in touch and I’ve played in one of his games.

“Not only did he play but he showed massive interest in the football club after he left.

“When I was a player he showed me terrific support, he was someone you could talk to and get advice off.”

A road adjacent to the Proact Stadium was named Ernie Moss Way earlier this year, in honour of the club’s all-time leading goalscorer.