Chesterfield FC: doomed to non-league football?

Six points adrift from safety and matches running out it is increasingly likely Chesterfield will be relegated from the Football League for the first time in its history. What has brought about this sad state of affairs?  The first match I saw was in the 1950s when Leeds United played Chesterfield in Freddie Capel's benefit match. John Charles played for Leeds.

I lived within the sound of cheering from Saltergate when Chesterfield scored.  I saw Gordon Banks play and in the late 50's early 60's I remember seeing Powell, Clarke, Sears, Havenhand, Hutchinson, Blakey, Smallwood, Lewis, Frear, Rackstraw, Randall, Frost, Fenoughty, Kettleborough, Moss and Maddison.  I saw Neil Warnock play a few times.

Chesterfield only once challenged for promotion to the second tier and failed through being caught up in the Anglo-Scottish Cup, beating Rangers. The very idea that Chesterfield could lose its league status was anathema.  But it has come to pass and it is probable that Chesterfield will join the long list of clubs relegated to the Conference, or even worse a further relegation to Conference North.

Opposition to Rusthall Parish Council

On the bus into town yesterday two people sat behind me expressing vehement opposition to having to pay money to the useless parish council.  Oh joy.

Parish Precept up again!

Rusthall Parish Council has increased its precept by an inflation busting 7.6%.  The effect is that I am forced to pay £43 per year to the parish council, whilst the borough council will receive £165 per year.  The parish council serves no useful purpose and should be ashamed of its charges.

Apathy in Rusthall

I mentioned recently that three of the nine parish councillors had resigned.  There has been no call for an election and the vacancies will be filled by co-option.  No surprise. There has not been a vote for a parish councillor since 2011.