Youngest-ever debutant enjoys matchday visit

03/27/2025 03:35 AM

An attendee at the recent Newport County game was of one of our former players, Denis Thompson, Chesterfield's youngest-ever debutant. Denis made his Chesterfield debut in a Second Division home game against Notts County on Christmas Day, 1950, aged just 16 years and 159 days. He joined the ground staff when he was 14 and played for the Colts. When leaving school at 15, he became full-time at the ground, training with the various teams. He also cleaned the first-team players’ boots and looked after the studs, driving in longer nails when it was muddy. Denis left Chesterfield in 1955 for Scunthorpe United, after making 24 league appearances for the Blues. Now aged 90, Denis is the only surviving player from our Second Division days. A lifetime Chesterfield supporter, Denis was a regular throughout most of the 1960s with his son Keith. Denis and his family *met Chesterfield's second youngest debutant (by two days) Gunner Elliott, who made his debut against Fleetwood Town on Boxing Day, 2024. *See main photo. Before and after the match Denis spent time in the 1866 Brampton Brewery lounge, engaging with supporters. At half-time, Denis was introduced to the crowd (see photo below). Denis's son […]