What makes a striker stand out in the competitive landscape of English football? For James Berry, his time at Chesterfield represented a crucial chapter in his developing career. The forward’s stint with the Spireites showcased his goal-scoring abilities while establishing him as a noteworthy talent in the lower leagues of English football. Berry’s journey through Chesterfield offers insights into the career progression of a young striker finding his footing in professional football..
The path to Chesterfield
James Berry-McNally, commonly known as James Berry in professional circles, was born on December 10, 2000, in Wigan, England. His football education began at Liverpool’s youth academy before moving through the development systems at Wigan Athletic and Hull City. Berry made his senior debut with Hull City in 2020, though his time there was limited to a single appearance without finding the net. Following this brief introduction to professional football, he joined Altrincham before a productive loan spell at Macclesfield, where he scored 11 goals in 30 appearances, demonstrating his potential as a consistent goal-scorer.
Berry’s performances during his loan spell convinced Macclesfield to sign him permanently, a decision that proved fruitful as he went on to score an impressive 31 goals in 37 games, This remarkable goal-scoring record caught the attention of bigger clubs, including Chesterfield, who secured his signature in 2023 on a three-year contract. The move represented a step up for Berry, offering him the opportunity to test his abilities at a higher level of competition.
Berry’s impact at Chesterfield
During his time with Chesterfield, Berry made 56 appearances and contributed 13 goals to the team’s efforts. While his goal-scoring rate at Chesterfield didn’t match his exceptional tally at Macclesfield, his contributions extended beyond just finding the net. Standing at 175 cm, Berry utilized his technical abilities and work ethic to become an integral part of Chesterfield’s attacking options. His performances helped the team maintain competitiveness in their division, with his goals often coming at crucial moments.
Berry’s shirt simply displayed “BERRY” on the back, becoming a familiar sight for Chesterfield supporters during his tenure at the club. With a player rating of 72, he established himself as a reliable performer at this level of English football. His time at Chesterfield allowed him to refine his skill s against stronger opposition, developing aspects of his game beyond pure goal-scoring.
Statistical overview of Berry’s career
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Period |
|——|————-|——-|——–|
| Hull City | 1 | 0 | 2020 |
| Altrincham | Brief spell | Undisclosed | Post-Hull |
| Macclesfield (loan) | 30 | 11 | Pre-Chesterfield |
| Macclesfield | 37 | 31 | Pre-Chesterfield |
| Macclesfield (final season) | 35 | 26 | Pre-Chesterfield |
| Chesterfield | 56 | 13 | 2023-Jan 2025 |
Berry’s statistics reveal a player who found his goal-scoring form at Macclesfield before taking on the challenge of competing at a higher level with Chesterfield. His ability to adapt to different teams and playing styles demonstrates his versatility as a forward, even when his goal returns fluctuated across different environments.
The move to Wycombe Wanderers
In January 2025, Berry made the decision to leave Chesterfield and join Wycombe Wanderers, marking another progression in his career trajectory. The move came after approximately a year and a half with Chesterfield, during which he had established himself as a recognized name in the lower tiers of English football. Wycombe represented another opportunity for Berry to test himself, potentially at a higher level of competition.
The transfer to Wycombe Wanderers reflects Berry’s ambition to continue climbing the football ladder. At 24 years old as of May 2025, Berry still has significant potential for development and improvement. His journey from Liverpool’s youth setup through Hull, Macclesfield, Chesterfield, and now to Wycombe Wanderers illustrates the often non-linear path many footballers take to establish themselves in the professional game. For Chesterfield fans, Berry’s departure marked the end of a chapter that saw him contribute meaningfully to their team’s efforts during his time at the club.