To conclude our look at players who are leaving the club when their contracts expire at the end of the month, we reflect on the Chesterfield careers of Jonathan Smith, Dylan Wharton and Josef Yarney.
Jonathan Smith
Age: 34
Position: Central midfielder
Appearances: 84
Goals: 11
Time at Chesterfield: In September 2018, Smith joined Chesterfield on an initial 93-day loan. The move was made permanent in November and the midfielder went to to make 35 appearances in his first year at the Technique Stadium. Smith has shown his versatility during his time in north Derbyshire, popping up with a goal every now and then.
Most memorable moment: In John Pemberton’s first three gams as Spireites manager, Smith played an integral role in the Blues’ good start. He scored in three successive games as Chesterfield secured seven points from nine.
Dylan Wharton
Age: 18
Position: Goalkeeper
Appearances: One
Goals: N/A
Wharton came through the club’s academy. He made only made one appearance for the Spireites, which came in the Buildbase FA Trophy tie at Boston United.
Memorable moment: Wharton was labelled a hero in his only appearance for the club after making two saves in a penalty shoot-out when the game finished level after 90 minutes. His saves helped the Spireites go through to the next round.
Joseph Yarney
Age: 23
Position: Central defender
Appearances: 65
Goals: Two
Time at Chesterfield: Yarney originally joined the Spireites on loan from Newcastle United in 2019 and made 15 appearances as the club steered away from the relegation zone. He was signed permanently ahead of the 2019/20 season.
Most memorable moment: In the 1-1 draw away at Maidenhead United in August 2019, Yarney scored his first professional goal. The defender was the first to latch onto a Maidenhead clearance and he fired home right in front of the Spireites fans.
