James Berry has returned to Chesterfield on a season-long loan from Wycombe Wanderers but missed Saturday’s win over Cheltenham Town with a minor injury.
The winger, who was part of the Spireites’ National League title-winning squad before leaving for League One in January, is back at the SMH Group Stadium aiming to recapture his best form.
Berry’s move to Wycombe did not go as planned, with the 24-year-old making only three appearances as the Chairboys fell out of the automatic promotion places and lost in the play-off semi-finals. His loan back to Derbyshire offers a fresh opportunity to impress.
Buzzing to Return
Speaking to the club’s media, Berry said he was delighted to be back in familiar surroundings.
“I am absolutely buzzing to be back. It is a fantastic football club. I have been speaking to the gaffer a lot recently about the idea of him wanting me back and it was something I wanted to get done as soon as possible. The fans and the lads are brilliant. I really like it here, I fit in here.
“I want to pick up where I left off, scoring goals etc. I want to hit the ground running and see what we can do this season. I just can’t wait to get going again.”
Berry, who began his career at Hull City before spells with Macclesfield and Chesterfield, enjoyed an 18-month stint with the Spireites before his January 2025 departure.
Injury Keeps Him Out
Fans hoping for an immediate second debut were left waiting when Berry was absent from the matchday squad at Cheltenham. Assistant manager Danny Webb confirmed the omission was due to a minor problem.
“He has got a tight hamstring, which we knew about, but it is literally a week or so away.”
Webb also expressed his satisfaction at adding Berry’s quality and depth to the attacking options.
“We are pleased. If you look at our front four who started, they could easily be replaced by another four, we are strong.”
Other Selection Decisions
Another notable absentee from the trip to Gloucestershire was Paddy Madden, who had featured from the bench in the opening-day win over Barrow. Webb explained that the forward had been in strong form in training but was edged out by new signing Ronan Darcy for the attacking midfield role.
“It was a tough decision because he has trained absolutely brilliantly. He has carried himself really well. Obviously Ronan Darcy has been brought in and he was going to be that first replacement for that number 10 position so sadly Paddy just missed out.”
Writer’s View
Berry’s return feels like a smart move for both player and club. Chesterfield know what they are getting — a hard-working, goal-capable winger with a strong connection to the fans — and Berry knows he is joining a side with promotion ambitions. Once fit, he should add another attacking dimension to a squad that Webb rightly describes as strong in depth.
