With there being many new faces in the Spireites’ squad ahead of Saturday’s opening game at Dorking Wanderers, we take a look at all of our new players to help supporters become familiar with the new-look squad…
Ollie Banks (midfielder)
Banks is no stranger to the Spireites, having made over 80 appearances for the Blues between 2013 and 2016, where he played an instrumental role in helping Chesterfield lift the League Two title in the 2013/14 season.
Since leaving the club he has been at clubs such as Oldham Athletic, Tranmere Rovers and Barrow.
The midfielder has signed a two-year contract at the club and hopes he can get the club ‘back where they belong’.
Bailey Clements (full-back)
Clements signed from League One outfit Ipswich Town in the summer and described Paul Cook as a ‘massive factor’ in his move.
The 21-year-old has previously played under Cook at Ipswich Town, who handed him his professional debut.
He has also had loans at Dagenham & Redbridge and Stevenage. He is described as a left-back who can also play in a more central defensive role if required.
Joe Cook (centre-back)
Cook is a young defender who signed for the Spireites for an undisclosed fee from Bognor Regis.
The 23-year-old started his career with Sheffield Wednesday and has had numerous clubs since.
He was praised at his previous club for his defensive skills and his ability to play out from the back comfortably. He also describes himself as a ‘no-nonsense defender’.
George Cooper (midfielder)
Cooper moved to Chesterfield following the expiry of his contract at Plymouth Argyle.
Cooper moved on loan to Plymouth in August 2019, scoring three times and recording 12 assists as they won promotion to League One. He signed permanently the season after but suffered from injuries which limited his appearances.
The 25-year-old midfielder has played over 150 games in the EFL for clubs such as Crewe Alexandra and Peterborough United.
Lucas Covolan (goalkeeper)
Covolan is a 31-year-old goalkeeper who is no stranger to the National League, having played for Torquay United from 2019 to 2021, making 49 appearances for the Gulls.
He signed for Port Vale in the summer of 2021 after famously scoring a late equaliser for Torquay United in their National League play-off final against Hartlepool United, which they subsequently lost.
The goalkeeper is on a season-long loan at the Spireites and is well-known for his shot-stopping ability.
Armando Dobra (attacking midfielder)
Dobra signed for the Spireites from Ipswich Town following the expiry of his contract.
He made 22 appearances in his time at Ipswich and was handed his first-team debut by manager Paul Cook during his time at the club.
The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has an eye for goal and has already become a fans’ favourite amongst the Spireites who have watched the pre-season fixtures.
The tricky youngster is not afraid of taking anyone on and certainly gets the crowd off their feet.
Micheal Gyasi (striker)
Gyasi signed for the Blues from King’s Lynn Town for an undisclosed fee.
The 22-year-old striker is no stranger to the National League after scoring five goals in 22 appearances last season. He is renowned for his lightning quick pace.
After starting out at Leicester City as a youngsters, his previous clubs include Dover Athletic.
Branden Horton (full-back)
Horton signed from Doncaster Rovers following the expiry of his contract at Doncaster Rovers.
The 21-year-old full-back has an eye for an assist but also likes to ensure his defensive duties are done.
Horton made 20 appearances for Doncaster in League One last season and also popped up with three goals in all competitions, impressing fans at the Eco-Power Stadium.
Mike Jones (midfielder)
Jones is a highly experienced midfielder who joined the Spireites after impressing on trial.
The 34-year-old started his career at Tranmere Rovers and has played for a host of clubs including Sheffield Wednesday, Bury and Oldham Athletic.
He was a free agent after leaving Barrow at the end of last season.
Darren Oldaker (midfielder)
Oldaker is a young midfielder who signed from fellow National League side Dorking Wanderers.
The 23-year-old has had a number of clubs, including Gillingham and Billericay Town.
He is a central midfielder and became a fans’ favourite in his time at Dorking, playing a pivotal role in their promotion to the National League via the play-offs.
Ryheem Sheckleford (full-back)
Sheckleford signed for the Spireites from fellow National League club Maidenhead United.
The 25-year-old has played for numerous clubs such as Fulham and Wealdstone.
He has been described as a versatile right-back who likes to get forward as well as do his defensive duties.
Jesurun Uchegbulam (winger)
Uchegbulam, better known as ‘Jez’, signed for the Spireites for an undisclosed fee from Matlock Town.
The 21-year-old winger impressed the gaffer in our pre-season friendly and his signature was subsequently captured by the Blues.
He grew up in Italy and was in AC Milan’s academy before having trials at Sheffield Wednesday and Brentford after moving to England.
