Ex-Premier League star rushed to hospital after falling ill on pitch minutes before kick-off

Former Rangers and Sheffield United star John Fleck was taken to hospital after falling ill during his warm-up. The League Two clash between Chesterfield and Doncaster was delayed for 10 minutes after the Scotland international, set to start among the substitutes for the Spireites, received medical attention at the ground. As a result, the veteran was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure. Following the game, assistant manager Danny Webb revealed Fleck suffered a fit but was in good spirits as he was stretchered away.

He said, via Derbyshire Times: “He had a fit of some sort. The last we saw of him he was on a stretcher leaving, conscious, speaking and with a smile on his face. We will know more tomorrow. He is in good hands. Fingers crossed he seems to be okay. “There was a period with John on the floor in the warm-up and football goes out of your mind. Our dressing room was a very quiet place before kick-off. Us as staff tried to lift the boys and let them know that John seemed to be okay when he left. They were flat because he is a team-mate and they care about him. They went out there and got the three points for John.”.

A statement from Chesterfield on social media said: "We can confirm that John Fleck has been taken to hospital as a precautionary measure after being taken ill during the pre-match warm-up.". The club announced that Fleck's place on the teamsheet was taken by Michael Jacobs. Chesterfield came away 5-2 victors over second-placed Doncaster. Fleck has previously required attention in the midst of action. In 2021 he collapsed during a Championship match against Reading, while playing for Sheffield United. The Blades ace received oxygen and was stretchered off after 10 minutes of treatment during the game.

Fleck joined the Spireites as a free agent in September after leaving Blackburn Rovers. A shin injury on debut for the Lancashire side ended his season and saw him not retained by the club. Before the move to Ewood Park, Fleck played 278 times for Sheffield United as he twice helped the club to promotion, including to the Premier League. The 33-year-old broke into the Rangers set-up as a 16-year-old before eventually sealing a move to Coventry City, via a loan at Blackpool.

The Glaswegian has won three Scottish Premier League titles and was twice named player of the year for Sheffield United and once for Coventry. Injuries have disrupted his time with Chesterfield this season and he has been limited to just four matches. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.