Former Blackburn Rovers midfielder John Fleck is currently training with Chesterfield after being sidelined for much of last season due to injury.
Fleck, who joined Rovers in January 2024 on a short-term deal after leaving Sheffield United, saw his time at Ewood Park limited to just 17 minutes. He sustained a shin injury during his debut against Preston North End, which required surgery and ended his season prematurely.
Despite being included in Blackburn’s retained list with ongoing discussions reported, no agreement was reached, and Fleck is now a free agent. Still, manager John Eustace said he ‘hadn’t moved on’ from Fleck over the summer.
“I certainly haven’t moved on from that,” he told The Lancashire Telegraph in July. “I don’t know if he’s been speaking to the club. He hasn’t been training. There are a lot of players we’d like to bring in.
“Flecky was very unfortunate with injuries last year. That’s something we have to look at to make sure we are recruiting the right players.”
The Yorkshire Post is now reporting that the former Rangers man is training with Paul Cook’s side, having recovered from his injury. The Spireites are sitting in 12th place in League Two. After four games, they have managed one win, two draws, and one loss, scoring seven goals while only conceding three. This week, they made big strides towards qualifying for the second round of the EFL Trophy by beating a strong Lincoln City 1-0 at the LNER Stadium.
Who is John Fleck?
The 33-year-old began his professional career at Rangers, debuting at just 15 years old in a 2007 pre-season match. His early promise saw him quickly rise through the ranks, and by 2008, he became the youngest player to feature in a British cup final, coming on as a substitute in Rangers’ Scottish Cup victory. Known for his vision and technical ability, Fleck was once dubbed “Scotland’s Wayne Rooney.” Despite this early success, injuries and limited first-team opportunities hampered his progress.
After a loan spell and subsequent contract issues, Fleck eventually left Scotland for a career in England starting with his move to Coventry City in 2012. Initially struggling to secure a regular spot in the team, Fleck’s fortunes changed under manager Steven Pressley, where he became a key player in a deep-lying midfield role. His performances helped Coventry push for the playoffs despite a points deduction, and he was instrumental in the club’s revival.
Fleck’s standout season came in 2015–16 when he thrived under Tony Mowbray, earning Coventry’s Player of the Year award. His performances earned him a move to Sheffield United in 2016, where he flourished. Fleck was pivotal in the Blades’ back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League, cementing himself as a crucial figure in the team’s rise.
In the Premier League, Fleck proved his ability at the highest level, playing a major role in Sheffield United’s surprising ninth-place finish in 2019-20. His five goals, including strikes against Manchester United and Arsenal, highlighted his importance in midfield.
Writer’s View
John Fleck would be an excellent signing for Chesterfield, especially as they seek to stabilize in League Two. Fleck brings a wealth of experience, having played at the highest levels of English football, including the Premier League. His vision, passing ability, and leadership could significantly bolster Chesterfield’s midfield, offering both creativity and composure in possession. Fleck’s experience in promotion campaigns, particularly with Sheffield United, would be invaluable for a newly promoted side aiming to push up the table.
Additionally, Fleck’s versatility allows him to contribute in both attacking and defensive phases, making him a tactical asset for Chesterfield. His knowledge of the game and professionalism could also positively influence younger players in the squad, helping to raise the overall standard. If Fleck has fully recovered from his recent injury issues, his signing could be a transformative addition to the Spireites.
Could they afford him? That’s the big question.
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