Paul Cook has returned after seven years away from the Technique Stadium to once again manage the Spireites.
His previous three years in North Derbyshire brought success to the football club which included a title win, a Wembley visit and a season flirting with the second tier of English football.
We take a look at five of Paul Cook’s best wins during his first spell as manager of Chesterfield FC.1. Burton Albion 0-2 Chesterfield – (Sunday, April 27, 2014)
A rare occasion for the Blues as they had to sit Saturday out and wait until Sunday for their game at the Pirelli Stadium. However, results meant that Cook’s side could be promoted with a victory.
There wasn’t much between the two teams in the first half which set up an evenly poised second period that saw one man take the headlines.
In the 52nd minute, a slip allowed Ritchie Humphreys to play through Jay O’Shea and the midfielder calmly slotted the ball past Dean Lyness.
Promotion was made sure with ten minutes to go; EionDoyle’s cross bobbled up in the six-yard area and O’Shea was on hand yet again to nod home from close-range.2. Chesterfield 2-1 Fleetwood Town – (Saturday, May 4, 2014)
With promotion already secured, the Spireites turned their attention to the League Two title. A win would guarantee the accolade whilst anything else could allow Rochdale or Scunthorpe United to the title.
Fleetwood got off to the perfect start as well when Matty Blair jinked his way past the defence before sliding the ball beyond Tommy Lee.
However, Cook’s side had a never say die attitude and equalised early into the second half when Sam Hird powered home a header from O’Shea’s cross.
Gary Roberts soon scored the title-winning goal when his curling effort beat Chris Maxwell and sparked wild celebrations throughout the Technique Stadium.3. Chesterfield 3-2 Sheffield United – (Saturday, October 4, 2014)
It’s not often that Chesterfield and Sheffield United face off, especially in league action. However, on this day Derbyshire had the better of the side from Yorkshire.
The home side burst into the lead when Jimmy Ryan hammered in his 25-yard strike. Proceedings soon flared up as red cards for Michael Higdon and Lee left both sides with ten men.
However, the Blues were soon in control as goals from Roberts and poacher’s effort from Doyle either side of half time resulted in a 3-0 lead.
Sheffield United scored two late goals through Marc McNulty and Neill Collins setting up a tense finish but 4. Yeovil Town 2-3 Chesterfield – (Friday, April 3, 2015)
With every point becoming more and more crucial in the race for the League One play-offs, a win at Huish Park was vital to keep fate in the Blues’ hands.
However, a goal in either half from James Hayter and Sam Foley gave the bottom side a 2-0 lead with 30 minutes remaining.
Almost immediately, Hird headed in a corner to reduce arrears before substitute O’Shea scored a screamer to level things up.
The Irishman popped up in the 70th minute with an acrobatic effort to grab his second of the game and a huge three points in the play-off race.5. Chesterfield 6-0 Colchester United – (Tuesday, April 14, 2015)
A big performance was once again needed if the Spireites wanted move one step closer to the League One play-offs and they provided one so dazzling that it even confused Iain Dowie on Gillette Soccer Special.
Roberts lashed a half-volley home to give the hosts an early lead before Sam Clucas hammered the ball in from close-range to double the lead after 16 minutes.
Clucas secured his brace just a minute later with a delightful chip over Chris Lewington; Dan Gardner added a fourth just before the hour mark – his 25-yard effort was too hot to handle.
Ryan got onto the scoresheet two minutes later as he provided a classy chip in front of a packed Kop before Roberts topped off the win with a confident penalty after being brought down in the area.
