Former Chesterfield winger Ryan Colclough has signed a two-year deal with AFC Fylde after leaving the Spireites last month.
The move sees the 30-year-old drop into the National League North following a productive spell at the Technique Stadium. He is due to go on trial in April after being charged with alleged assault relating to an incident in January 2024. He denies the charge.
League Two 
Colclough played a key role in Chesterfield’s 2023/24 National League title-winning campaign, making 99 appearances and scoring 17 goals across two-and-a-half years. He joined the club from Altrincham and became a popular figure among supporters, contributing both creativity and direct attacking threat from the flanks.
His exit in August came by mutual agreement, closing a chapter that had seen him help Paul Cook’s side back into the EFL.
Colclough swaps Spireites blue for Fylde’s Coasters
AFC Fylde confirmed the signing as a statement of intent, with the winger joining a side pushing for promotion from the sixth tier. The Coasters currently sit second in the table, just one point behind the leaders, and Colclough’s addition is viewed as a coup at that level. His new manager, Craig Mahon, highlighted both his experience and ability to change games, while chairman David Haythornthwaite described the deal as a “massive signing” for the club.
Speaking at his unveiling, Colclough expressed his enthusiasm for the move and the chance to make an immediate impact. He described himself as an “old-fashioned winger” keen to run at defenders and score goals, and stressed that he was eager to play his part in sustaining Fylde’s strong start to the season. With 17 career goals for Chesterfield, supporters at Mill Farm will hope he can replicate that end product in their promotion bid.
For Chesterfield, his departure marks the end of a significant era for a player who helped drive their attacking play during a pivotal period in the club’s resurgence. With Cook continuing to shape his squad for the challenges of League Two, the loss of Colclough’s direct style leaves space for new attacking options to emerge.
Writer’s View
Colclough’s move highlights the fine margins in football careers. At Chesterfield, he became part of a title-winning side, but circumstances and squad evolution saw his time come to an end. Fylde have acted swiftly to take advantage, securing a player proven at a higher level who should bring immediate quality to their promotion push.
For the Spireites, this is another reminder of the transition required to adjust to League Two life, but Colclough’s contribution to their National League triumph ensures he leaves with credit firmly intact.
