Jay O'Shea, my memories
Ole!
During a stint managing Chesterfield FC on FIFA, a player knocked on my door with a concern. He said he was struggling with the language and he couldn't get used to the food in England. This is player turned out to be Jay O'Shea. This could have been an omen for things to come in real life football. It was confirmed a few days ago that Jay would no longer play for the Spireites and he would be joining local rivals Sheffield United on loan. This deal may have some fans scratching their heads or even angry that he has been taken away by our bitter rivals. I think it would be best to focus on the memories that he gave us.
Jay O'Shea first joined the Spireites on loan from MK Dons in the 2012/13 season and was an instant hit with fans. He brought goals to a Chesterfield side struggling with Craig Westcarr in an unsuitable striker role, Marc Richards not quite settling in and the talismanic Jack Lester showing his age. Jay scored on his Chesterfield debut versus a strong Port Vale side who were humbled 0-2 at home (possibly due to curse placed on them by Mark "Clem" Clemmit of the BBC Football League Show). At the end of his loan spell, Jay put pen to paper and joined Chesterfield for a spell that would last over four years.
Over the four years there have been a mixed bag of performances. In many games Jay had the tendency to be rather anonymous or was subbed off early, much to fan's disappointment. Although, that disappointment was rooted in Jay's potential to turn a game on its head in seconds and I'm sure these moments are burned into the memories of many Spireites.
Who could forget his scrappy brace against Burton that earned us promotion to League One in 2014. Started off by Ritchie Humphrey's delicate through-ball to match O'Shea's perfectly timed run. Jay placed the ball beyond the keeper and into the far corner then ran towards the away fans with his arms outstretched. The game was later sealed by a scrappy header from a rebound which wasn't the most eye catching goal but was possible the most seismic he would score in a Chesterfield shirt. At full time, the Pirelli Stadium rang with chants of "Ole Ole Ole Ole! O'Shea! O'Shea!
A season later he helped keep our playoff push alive with his superb goals against a Yeovil side who were leading the game 2-0. We got back into the game through a free header from Sam Hird making it 2-1 and Jay took it from there. His first goal came from a patient play with 17 passes and finished by O'Shea who beats his marker with one quick touch before firing it into the top corner. The local radio commentator declared that "Jay O'Shea has scored a quite brilliant goal" but this was topped by 3 minutes later by his overhead kick from the middle of nowhere which turned out to be the winning goal.
My personal favourite O'Shea goal was his rocket versus a 10-man Bury side in a 4-0 thrashing at the Proact. He had the Bury defence at his mercy as he dribbled his way towards the edge of the box and let off a shot that bounced in off the post and left the keeper reaching to find nothing but air. This may be one of his favourite goals too as he dedicated it to his recently passed friend Spainer whose name was emblazoned on this under layer as he torn off his shirt in celebration. I particularly enjoyed this goal because it was at this point I realised I would be able to come into work on Monday morning and gloat at one of my colleague who was a Bury fan. Thanks for that Jay!
But now he no longer plays for us and we need to move on as a club. As a player, Jay O'Shea could be replaced but the special memories won't be as easy to replace. Hopefully, he will have been an inspiration to the rest of the team to take a chance and seize the day. Maybe Jon Nolan be inclined to take more shots on goal. Maybe Connor Dimaio will become the local hero we're all hoping for one day. Who knows, but I hope Gary Caldwell can bring this team together and help us beat the drop.
Good luck Jay, all the best for the future. You have given us some great times.
P.S. Please don't score against us.
Sent to us by Chris Turner
(not that Chris Turner)
Twitter - @Curly_TurnerCFC
Something you want to say? E-mail: spireitegazette@outlook.com
During a stint managing Chesterfield FC on FIFA, a player knocked on my door with a concern. He said he was struggling with the language and he couldn't get used to the food in England. This is player turned out to be Jay O'Shea. This could have been an omen for things to come in real life football. It was confirmed a few days ago that Jay would no longer play for the Spireites and he would be joining local rivals Sheffield United on loan. This deal may have some fans scratching their heads or even angry that he has been taken away by our bitter rivals. I think it would be best to focus on the memories that he gave us.
Jay O'Shea first joined the Spireites on loan from MK Dons in the 2012/13 season and was an instant hit with fans. He brought goals to a Chesterfield side struggling with Craig Westcarr in an unsuitable striker role, Marc Richards not quite settling in and the talismanic Jack Lester showing his age. Jay scored on his Chesterfield debut versus a strong Port Vale side who were humbled 0-2 at home (possibly due to curse placed on them by Mark "Clem" Clemmit of the BBC Football League Show). At the end of his loan spell, Jay put pen to paper and joined Chesterfield for a spell that would last over four years.
Over the four years there have been a mixed bag of performances. In many games Jay had the tendency to be rather anonymous or was subbed off early, much to fan's disappointment. Although, that disappointment was rooted in Jay's potential to turn a game on its head in seconds and I'm sure these moments are burned into the memories of many Spireites.
Who could forget his scrappy brace against Burton that earned us promotion to League One in 2014. Started off by Ritchie Humphrey's delicate through-ball to match O'Shea's perfectly timed run. Jay placed the ball beyond the keeper and into the far corner then ran towards the away fans with his arms outstretched. The game was later sealed by a scrappy header from a rebound which wasn't the most eye catching goal but was possible the most seismic he would score in a Chesterfield shirt. At full time, the Pirelli Stadium rang with chants of "Ole Ole Ole Ole! O'Shea! O'Shea!
A season later he helped keep our playoff push alive with his superb goals against a Yeovil side who were leading the game 2-0. We got back into the game through a free header from Sam Hird making it 2-1 and Jay took it from there. His first goal came from a patient play with 17 passes and finished by O'Shea who beats his marker with one quick touch before firing it into the top corner. The local radio commentator declared that "Jay O'Shea has scored a quite brilliant goal" but this was topped by 3 minutes later by his overhead kick from the middle of nowhere which turned out to be the winning goal.
My personal favourite O'Shea goal was his rocket versus a 10-man Bury side in a 4-0 thrashing at the Proact. He had the Bury defence at his mercy as he dribbled his way towards the edge of the box and let off a shot that bounced in off the post and left the keeper reaching to find nothing but air. This may be one of his favourite goals too as he dedicated it to his recently passed friend Spainer whose name was emblazoned on this under layer as he torn off his shirt in celebration. I particularly enjoyed this goal because it was at this point I realised I would be able to come into work on Monday morning and gloat at one of my colleague who was a Bury fan. Thanks for that Jay!
But now he no longer plays for us and we need to move on as a club. As a player, Jay O'Shea could be replaced but the special memories won't be as easy to replace. Hopefully, he will have been an inspiration to the rest of the team to take a chance and seize the day. Maybe Jon Nolan be inclined to take more shots on goal. Maybe Connor Dimaio will become the local hero we're all hoping for one day. Who knows, but I hope Gary Caldwell can bring this team together and help us beat the drop.
Good luck Jay, all the best for the future. You have given us some great times.
P.S. Please don't score against us.
Sent to us by Chris Turner
(not that Chris Turner)
Twitter - @Curly_TurnerCFC
Something you want to say? E-mail: spireitegazette@outlook.com
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