Spireites’ title-winning parade captured on video

Manager Paul Cook and players arrived at the Town Hall, on Rose Hill, about 6.15pm, on Monday, May 12, on an open top bus as it made its way from the Proact home stadium, at Whittington Moor.

The title was secured in the last match of the season during a 2-1 home win over Fleetwood at The Proact in what Cook described as the best moment of his career.

Cook, who appeared on the Town Hall balcony, told cheering fans: “We’re delighted because at the start of the season we set out with the players to try and be successful.

“And you know it’s tough in football, so we have to pay great credit to the players because without them we wouldn’t be standing here today. We’re very proud of them.”

The players were in great spirits as they returned from a break in Benidorm after the last game of the season to mark their championship glory with the gathering fans.

Chesterfield FC’s success this season also included a trip to Wembley when they reached the final of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and lost 1-3 to Peterborough despite a cracking performance.

Captain Ian Evatt praised fans for turning out for the parade.

He said “It’s brilliant. Thanks for everyone coming out on such a rainy day. At the start of the season we said we wanted to win the league and we got a trip to Wembley to boot.”

Supporters can now look forward to League One football and the fans are convinced the club’s Blue wave of success will continue into the next season.

Roy Frisby, of Old Whittington, said: “It’s great and I’m looking forward to the new season. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the players to play in a higher league. I believe there will be more investment in the team and chairman Dave Allen will be more hands on.”

Abbie Wostenholme said: “The Fleetwood game was great. Although, I didn’t get on the pitch after the match so I came down to the parade to celebrate again.”

Jessica Goddard, of Boythorpe, said: “We’ve got the players to go into League One and do well this time round. I got on the pitch after the Fleetwood match and to be at the parade is brilliant.”

Kerry Childs, of Middlecroft, said: “It’s fantastic and they really deserve the title. They have played some great stuff this season.

“They showed great spirit to get over the blips and now they’ve won the title.”

Fan Joshua Dalton, of Wingerworth, said: “It’s really great that they have got promoted and won the title. We had some ups and downs but we’ve survived and done amazing. They will definitely be staying up in League One.”