Chesterfield: Injury crisis provides 23-year-old a chance to shine under Paul Cook – View | OneFootball

With key attackers from Chesterfield's National League title win currently out injured, a former eighth-tier winger has emerged as a star.

Throughout his tenure at Chesterfield, Paul Cook hasn’t been shy about bringing in new faces from all levels of the English pyramid.

The Spireites have benefited from Premier League loan deals, out-of-contract EFL veterans, but one of their early stars of the 2024/25 season was playing in the eighth tier of English football just over a year ago.

Upon leaving Hull City just three years ago, James Berry was considering a career outside of football, but now the ex-Macclesfield man has been one of Chesterfield’s stars in their League Two return.

Berry signed for Chesterfield in the summer of 2023 after winning the Northern Premier League Division One West with Macclesfield after scoring 24 goals in the 2022/23 season for the Silkmen and has continued to go from strength to strength following his move to Derbyshire.

After making the step-up from the eighth tier to the National League last season, the winger was used as a squad player in his first season, starting nine league games while making 24 appearances off the bench.

With his direct dribbling, turn of pace and eye for a goal, Berry often impressed as a substitute, scoring six and assisting four, but injuries have meant the left-wing position has become his own this campaign.

James Berry has quickly become one of Chesterfield’s most important players.

Despite starting their League Two opener against Swindon on the bench, Berry has been an ever-present in the Spireites’ starting lineup ever since, showing glimpses of brilliance against Derby in the EFL Cup, but it was in their 5-0 win at Crewe where Berry’s season came to life.

Before some fans had even gotten to their seats, Berry was scoring a goal of the season contender in the opening minute at Gresty Road, catching out goalkeeper Filip Marschall with an audacious effort from 30-yards out.

Just 11 minutes later, Berry had his second, latching on the end of a Will Grigg cross which followed an excellent team move.

The Spireites cruised to a 5-0 win with Berry playing an instrumental role on the left and that form carried onto their next match against Salford, where the Wigan-born man found himself on the scoresheet once again.

The 23-year-old looked bright in the Spireites’ defeat to Gillingham last weekend, drawing the foul which saw Max Ehmer receive a second-yellow card.

Chesterfield dominated large parts of the clash against the league leaders, with Berry a constant threat down the left as he completed 88% of his passes, created a big chance and completed a successful dribble.

Berry is the Spireites’ top scorer in League Two after three goals in four matches. The 23-year-old has transformed from National League squad player to League Two star, but he’s going to have to fight for his place.

Injuries to Paddy Madden, Ryan Colclough and Liam Mandeville have given James Berry a chance to shine.

Armando Dobra had the left-wing position nailed down last season, but injuries across the forward line to key players such as Paddy Madden, Ryan Colclough and Liam Mandeville, leaves Dobra playing centrally, allowing Berry to cause havoc down the left.

Injured pair Mandeville and Colclough were instrumental in Chesterfield’s National League win last season, while Madden netted 17 League Two goals for Stockport, meaning the competition for places will be fierce upon their return.

Marquee signing Madden played behind the striker before his pre-season injury. Colclough made 21 National League starts last campaign, while Swiss-army knife Mandeville started 38, scoring eight while assisting 16 in the league.

Former Altrincham man Colclough started the first game of the season on the left wing ahead of Berry, but the versatility and depth of Chesterfield’s front line ensure competition for places has never been stronger.

Dobra, Berry, Colclough, Mandeville, Bailey Hobson and Michael Jacobs all featured throughout Chesterfield’s National League title win across the front line and the additions of Madden and Dilan Markanday only make the Spireites even stronger in attack.

When fully-fit, eight men will be fighting for three spots in the starting 11 behind Will Grigg, which will give Paul Cook a potentially unexpected selection dilemma when the Spireites end their injury woes.

For now, though, it's Berry getting his chance to stake his claim.