Warm tributes paid to former Leek Town manager Ernie Moss

TRIBUTES have been paid to former Leek Town manager Ernie Moss, who has died aged 71.

He had a rare form of dementia called Pick’s Disease and, in recent seasons, Chesterfield made their home games with Port Vale an ‘Ernie Moss day’ to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

A Chesterfield statement said: “With great sadness, we announce that Chesterfield legend Ernie Moss has passed away at the age of 71.

“During three spells with the Spireites, Ernie made over 450 appearances and scored a club record 192 goals.

“Ernie was a hugely popular figure who enjoyed watching matches at the Technique Stadium with his family until ill health prevented him from attending.

“Ernie leaves behind wife Jenny and daughters Nikki and Sarah, together with son-in-law Stu and grandchildren Henry, Georgia, Erin, Finn and Callie.

“Our thoughts are with Ernie’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Moss, who would go on to manage Leek Town, also played for Peterborough, Mansfield, Doncaster and Stockport.

Port Vale supporter and historian Phil Sherwin fondly recalls watching Moss in action.

He said: “He was a great striker and very gutsy. He was a thorn in our flesh for years before he came to Vale because he always used to score against us. I think that’s why we signed him - to stop him!

“He was a great influence and brought the younger lads on well. He was a cult hero with supporters, him and Bob Newton formed a great partnership.

“Ernie was experienced and knew all the tricks and was a great goalscorer. It’s a pity we couldn’t have had him for longer.

“He was a terrific target man, he wasn’t bothered if he got hurt. He was a wonderful player to have in your team. When we signed him, we knew we’d got a real striker.

“He was loved by our fans having always been respected by us when he was playing for the opposition because he would always score against us or make a goal.”

Moss’ team-mate, Phil Sproson recalled in a Sentinel interview the striker’s partnership with Newton. He said: “Ernie was a model professional. As a person and a footballer, he was a gentleman but also a very good player.

“He was a great leader on the pitch and a treat to play with.

“He and Bob Newton were nicknamed the Kray twins by John Mcgrath, with good reason.

“Ernie wasn’t quite as brutal as Bob. Ernie was superb in the air and could hold the ball up and enable our midfield to join them.

“Bob was a gifted player, but he was also a fearsome competitor. He’d cause trouble going down the tunnel, never mind on the pitch.”

In a Sentinel interview in May 2020, Ernie’s daughter Nikki said the ovation her dad received from both Chesterfield and Port Vale supporters when the teams played meant a huge amount to the family, including her own children who realised how well regarded their granddad was by rival supporters.

She said: “Every time Vale have been at Chesterfield there has always been such a good rapport.

“We took dad on the pitch and were able to walk around and hear the applause, not just from the Chesterfield fans but also the Port Vale fans.

“I think this was one of the first times my children realised. Before it was just a case of ‘this is granddad.’ But to see the love and support is so lovely, it really is.

“Before he became really ill, we always took him to Chesterfield and, when they were away, we would take him to some of his other old haunts.

“Me and my husband took him over to the Vale for a match one snowy day and he loved it.

“”Although he couldn’t speak, he knew. He sat in front of the car with my husband who was driving. “We went over the tops and came down towards the ground and there was a sign that said ‘football traffic.

“But Dad tapped my husband’s leg and pointed left. He took us down these back streets, that he and Bob Newton, must have travelled, and he brought us out at the ground.

“I can remember coming over to loads of games when I was young and dad was playing there. Port Vale holds a special place in his heart as well.”