Peter Schmeichel, Jan Age Fjortoft and Jaap Stam send messages

High-profile ex-professionals have joined in the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Chesterfield Sunday Football League.

Messages from such as Peter Schmeichel, Jan Molby, Mark Crossley, Jan Age Fjortoft and Jaap Stam have been shared on the league’s social media platforms.

A smiling Fjortoft, who had a spell at Sheffield United in the late 1990s, even said that it had been an ambition of his to play in the Chesterfield league.

In addition, a number of people associated with Chesterfield FC have also recognised the milestone, with manager Paul Cook, first-teamer Liam Mandeville and former Spireite and ex-Premier League manager Sean Dyche sending personal messages of support.

A message for the referees from Premier League official Stuart Atwell has been shared with all the match officials, wishing them well for the season.

The league’s social media officer, Dan Brown, thanked Olof Andersson at Viaplay for his help in engaging the personalities with the anniversary.

Added Dan: “As well as the novelty value, it has helped to pay tribute to everyone connected with our league and to raise our profile beyond north Derbyshire.”