Sheffield United icon and ex-Rangers man John Fleck joins free agent market as Chesterfield confirm release
Sheffield United icon John Fleck joins free agent market after Chesterfield release
Sheffield United icon John Fleck has joined the free agent market after being released by Chesterfield.
A modern-day Blades legend, Fleck made 278 appearances for the Steel City club between 2016 and 2024, playing a part in three promotion-winning campaigns.
He left for Blackburn Rovers in February 2024, spending the final months of the 2024/25 season at Ewood Park before moving on to Chesterfield in the summer.
The former Scotland international made 40 appearances across two seasons with the League Two club and is now free to seek pastures new as an unattached player.
Sheffield United icon joins free agent market
He has been released following Chesterfield’s play-off semi-final loss to Notts County alongside Ashton Rinaldo, Jamie Grimes, Adam Lewis, Vontae Daley-Campbell, Janoi Donacien, John Fleck, Bailey Hobson, Liam Jessop, Paddy Madden, Freddie Ladapo and Benjamin Hole.
A club spokesperson said: “Following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, the club can now confirmed its retained list, with 11 players to leave the club upon the expiry of their contracts, and four returning to their parent clubs after the end of their loan deals.
“The club would like to thank those who are departing for their efforts and wish them all the best for the future.”
John Fleck’s future
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Fleck, who may feel he still has more to give at 34. A vastly-experienced operator, the former Rangers and Coventry City man could prove to be a tempting option for EFL clubs seeking experience.
Regardless of how the final years of Fleck’s career pan out, his name is already etched into the Sheffield United history books.
The midfielder was a crucial cog in the Blades machine built by Chris Wilder, the one that catapulted the club from League One to the Premier League.
Also on the free agent market is his former teammate Billy Sharp, who is due to see his Doncaster Rovers contract expire.