Following the announcement of the club’s retained list at the end of the 2025/26 season, we take a look at the contribution made by each of those who are departing the club, thanking them for their efforts and contributions during their respective stays at the SMH Group Stadium.
Jamie Grimes
After making 191 appearances and scoring 11 goals for the Spireites, National League title-winning captain Jamie Grimes departs the SMH Group Stadium after five seasons with the club. As well as his performances on the pitch, Grimes was recognised on several occasions for his work off the pitch, supporting with community events and being a friendly face around the club and town itself.
As club captain, Grimes has played an instrumental role in the club’s recent history and success in returning to the Football League. The defender scored a memorable brace in the title-winning victory over Boreham Wood and, in one of his last fixtures for the club, he put in a classy defensive performance to ensure a 2-0 Boxing Day win over Notts County before heading out on loan to Boston United.
A follow-up interview with Jamie to reflect on his time at the club will be published in the coming weeks.
Ashton Rinaldo
After graduating from the academy during the club’s transition back into the EFL, Rinaldo has played an important squad role over the past two seasons in supporting Zach Hemming, Ryan Boot and Max Thompson. The Australian shot-stopper made his senior debut against Manchester City U21 in what was then the Bristol Street Motors Trophy, providing some crucial saves in a memorable penalty shootout win.
Adam Lewis
Adam Lewis joined the club in the summer of 2025 and made 18 appearances, scoring two goals. His strikes came against Crewe Alexandra in the Vertu Trophy and at Boundary Park against Oldham Athletic on New Year’s Day.
Vontae Daley-Campbell
Vontae Daley-Campbell leaves North Derbyshire after two seasons with the Spireites, making 36 appearances. The full-back made most of his appearances in the first halves of both seasons, before struggling for game time as both campaigns wore on.
Janoi Donacien
Janoi Donacien signed for Chesterfield in January 2025 and made most of his appearances from the bench during his 18-month stay in North Derbyshire. With a wealth of experience and quality across the EFL, he added stability at the back and versatility with his ability to play across the backline. He totalled 32 appearances for the club.
John Fleck
Scottish midfielder John Fleck signed as a free agent shortly after the start of the 2024/25 season, bringing high pedigree with a number of Premier League appearances under his belt for Sheffield United. He enjoyed his best run of games alongside Jenson Metcalfe in the latter part of the club’s first season back in the Football League, displaying a degree of quality and calmness on the ball. His last showing for the club was in the play-off semi-final second leg at Meadow Lane against Notts County. In total, he played 40 times for the club and scored one goal.
Bailey Hobson
Joining Chesterfield in 2023 from Alfreton Town, Hobson made a total of 27 appearances and scored two goals for Chesterfield and was part of the squad that lifted the National League title. He was sent out on loan three times whilst with the club, featuring for Kidderminster Harriers, Barnet and Brackley Town, impressing in particular for the Bees during their National League title-winning season.
Liam Jessop
Another product of the academy, Jessop linked up with the club after being scouted from a pre-season academy trip to Gibraltar, his home nation, in 2023. Jessop made six appearances for the club and scored two FA Trophy goals, as well as representing his country on several occasions. Most recently, he has been on loan with Lincoln Red Imps and scored his first senior international goal in November.
Paddy Madden
As one of the first signings following the club’s promotion to League Two, Paddy Madden added to the goalscoring prowess of the Spireites’ strike force. He made a total of 30 appearances under Paul Cook and scored five goals. During the 2025/26 season, he was on loan with Accrington Stanley where he scored six goals in 32 games.
Freddie Ladapo
As a free agent, Freddie Ladapo signed with the club in January 2026 but struggled with injury towards the end of the season. He made 8 appearances from the bench.
Sammy Braybrooke (End of loan)
Leicester City loanee Sammy Braybrooke impressed immensely during his five months under Paul Cook, showing fantastic ability and potential for a successful career. He returns to his parent club having played 21 times for the Spireites, contributing three assists and a number of man-of-the-match performances.
Sil Swinkels (End of loan)
Sil Swinkels returns to parent club Aston Villa after a constructive spell under Paul Cook, putting in a number of strong defensive displays, mostly alongside the experience of Kyle McFadzean. He played 24 times in total for the club.
Sam Curtis (End of loan)
Another of the trio who joined on loan in January, Curtis also impressed whilst at the SMH Group Stadium. After scoring on his debut against MK Dons, he also netted against Gillingham and made 24 appearances for the Spireites.
James Berry (End of loan)
A much-liked figure by the supporters, James Berry returned to the club on loan at the start of the 2025/26 season on loan from Wycombe Wanderers, who he joined months earlier on a permanent basis. This season, he played 36 times for the club and scored five times, bringing his total club stats to 104 appearances and 22 goals.
