Spireites to Celebrate Big Day

Last updated : 05 March 2007 By Paul Fisher

Chesterfield fans, old and new, are going to get the chance to celebrate the Spireites finest hour.

It's ten years ago that Chesterfield were the talk of the football world, around the world, with a sensational FA Cup run. It culminated in probably the finest semi-final there has ever been when the Spireites took Premiership club Middlesbrough to a replay after extra time with a 3-3 scoreline at Old Trafford.

To mark the occasion, the Spireites are planning a number of events in April that will bring back happy memories to so many people.

The personalities at the time are being invited to attend, including players and the management team.

Chesterfield's match against Gillingham on Saturday 14 April 2007 is the tenth anniversary weekend of the big occasion. A special commemorative programme is being planned, which will be free for season ticket holders.

Chesterfield chairman Barrie Hubbard said: "For many people the FA Cup Semi-final in 1997 was the Spireites finest hour and 24,000 Chesterfield folk made the trip to Old Trafford."

"We hope that many of those who were there on that day ten years ago will come back to Saltergate in April so they can equally claim they were also there at the Spireites tenth anniversary celebration."

A special evening event is also being lined up, similar to last year's Anglo Scottish night, at the town's Winding Wheel on Sunday 21 April.

The Spireites historic occasion will also be recognised at the club's end-of-season presentation evening later in April, which is being held this year at the Sheffield Park Hotel on the evening of Sunday 29 April 2007.

Barrie Hubbard said: "What happened in 1997 is not only part of the history of our football club, it had such an impact on the town as well. By organising these sorts of events it will ensure they will never be forgotton by the townsfolk of Chesterfield."

More details of the Spireties FA Cup 10th anniversary celebrations are expected to be announced later this month.