Chesterfield have agreed their second signing of the summer with Joe Cook set to join from Bognor Regis Town for an undisclosed fee.
Subject to National League and FA approval, the defender will move to the Technique Stadium after spending the last two seasons with the Isthmian League Premier Division side.
Cook said: “I wasn’t expecting this when I left my old club last season. When the interest came in, I was delighted, and I couldn’t wait to get going.
“When this came up, it was a grasp it with both hands and go for it. I think I owe it to myself to prove to myself that I know I can play at this level.
“I’m thankful to Paul Cook and the coaching staff that they have seen something in me to give me this opportunity back at this level.
“I’m a bit of an old school centre-half. I like to block, I like to head the ball and make tackles. I feel I can play as well – stepping out with the ball. Hopefully I can show the fans what I can do here.”
The 23-year-old started off his career fairly close to North Derbyshire with a stint at Sheffield Wednesday.
Cook joined Winchester after leaving the Owls, getting a taste of first-team football, playing 57 times and scoring five goals.
A loan at Bognor Regis followed during his spell at Havant & Waterlooville in a move that became permanent in 2020.
The centre-back has since become a regular with the Rocks, where he has been praised for his defensive skills and ability to play out from the back.
Last season, Cook played 40 times as Bognor Regis finished ninth in the Isthmian League Premier Division.
