Ritchie Humphreys to succeed Clarke Carlisle as PFA chairman

Chesterfield's Ritchie Humphreys will succeed Clarke Carlisle as chairman of the Professional Footballers' Association in November.

Humphreys, 35, played for Sheffield Wednesday in the Premier League before spending 12 years with Hartlepool.

"I am fully committed to the role that the PFA plays across all areas of football," he said.

"I will make every effort to continue the great work which Clarke has put in during his time as chairman."

Carlisle, who ended his playing career after Northampton Town's League Two play-off final defeat by Bradford in May, said: "I have known and worked with Ritchie over a number of years and feel confident that he possesses the necessary skills and experience to take on this role.

"I wish him all the best and I am sure he will play a real part in shaping the PFA for the future."

Humphreys broke through with Sheffield Wednesday and then joined Hartlepool in 2001, where he went on to make 548 appearances, before signing for Chesterfield in July.

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said: "We congratulate Ritchie on his selection as chairman and feel sure his vast experience as a player and management committee member make him eminently suitable for the position.

"We look forward to working together in the future development of the PFA and also wish to thank Clarke Carlisle for his outstanding contribution to the PFA as a player, management committee member and chairman and wish him every success in the future."