My name is Malcolm and I have been a devoted fan of Chesterfield FC since 1969. It all began when I first attended a match at Saltergate. From then on, I was hooked, regularly attending home games andoccasionally traveling to away matches, such as those at Sheffield United and Notts County.
I vividly remember the years under the management of Arthur Cox, who was highly regarded at the time. One of my fondest memories is from 1981 when Chesterfield FC won the Anglo Scottish Cup, defeating Rangers on the way. Another unforgettable match was in the 1992/93 season when we played against Liverpool. We were leading 4-1, but Liverpool made a remarkable comeback, ending the match in a 4-4 draw before we ultimately lost at Saltergate. I had the incredible opportunity to support Chesterfield FC at Wembley twice, first against Cambridge and then against Bury.
However, as my eyesight deteriorated and I became blind, I had to stop attending matches in person. I was born with hearing but lost that when I developed Tuberculosis aged two. Despite becoming Deafblind, my passion for the team never waned, and I continued to follow the scores and results.
After 30 years, my life changed for the better when I received support from Deafinitely Supportive Ltd. My personal assistant, John Litherland, has been instrumental in bringing back the joy of attending live matches. John uses Deafblind communication to keep me informed about the action on the pitch, allowing me to feel connected to the game once again. I can also feel the sound from fellow supporters and know when we have scored before John tells me!
Thanks to John and Deafinitely Supportive Ltd, I now have a season ticket for Chesterfield FC’s new stadium. This support has rekindled my love for live football, and I am eagerly looking forward to the next season in League Two.
I am immensely grateful to my PA, John, for his assistance and the incredible encouragement of the whole team at Deafinitely Supportive and for making it possible for me to experience the thrill of the matches once again.
