'˜Utter shock' could galvanise Spireites to band together in consortium

Phil Tooley believes the '˜utter shock' of Dave Allen's resignation will give way to a galvanising of the Chesterfield FC fanbase.
Partial unveil of new memorial at Chesterfield FC, pictured here is Phil Tooley with artwork of David Blakey, an ex player who died this year.Partial unveil of new memorial at Chesterfield FC, pictured here is Phil Tooley with artwork of David Blakey, an ex player who died this year.
Partial unveil of new memorial at Chesterfield FC, pictured here is Phil Tooley with artwork of David Blakey, an ex player who died this year.

And the lifelong Spireite wouldn’t be surprised if a number of wealthier Town fans banded together to aid their beloved club.

Long time Derbyshire Times correspondent Tooley was taken completely by surprise by Allen’s announcement and the questions it raises.

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“I think the message that came from Dave Allen probably caught everyone in the room at the AGM with some degree of surprise,” he said.

“In the short term, is there enough cash in the pot to service the requirements of the next couple of months?”

“Can the board fill that pot to see the club honour its commitments in the short term?”

What isn’t in doubt, in Tooley’s mind is the willingness of fans to find solutions.

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“It will galvanise the supporters out there who have got a few quid to think of getting together,” he said.

“There’s very few, you could probably count them on one finger, who could finance a complete acquisition. But there might be a few who will consider a consortium, a bit like the old days when there would be a number of local business people in the boardroom, taking equal responsibility.

“Let’s not forget the role Dave Allen has played and may play in the future – we wouldn’t be at the Proact without him.

“Unfortunately over the last couple of years there has been a big problem with the club’s day to day finances.”