Retro: Chesterfield's home grown talent in action

Phil Brown in action for Chesterfield v Southend United in September 1984

This week's retro hones in on home-grown talent as Joe Rowley attempts to follow in the footsteps of ex Spireites like Phil Brown.

Our photo shows action from the September 1984 game against Southend United at Saltergate, writes club historian Stuart Basson.

Brown is pictured leaping and twisting to try to get hishead on a cross.

With the inclusion of Rowley in the Shrewsbury game’s matchday squad, no fewer than eight former or current Chesterfield FC youth team and Academy players have seen first-team involvement so far this season. Around 25 per centof all those entering the youth team since apprenticeships started in 1963 have turned professional with the club.

Transfer fees aggregating around £3 million have been received for those who were sold on to other clubs.

Most have stayed, and some, like Brown, have made significant contributions to the club’s progress.

Many of his 19 goals from 87 Football League games were scored in the 1984-5 Fourth Division championship season.

In December 1986, Ernie Moss and Brown were transferred to Stockport County for a joint fee of £10,000.