James Rowe has today been named as the new manager of Chesterfield.
Rowe, who has agreed a contract until the end of the 2022/23 season, joins the Spireites from Gloucester City after guiding them to the top of the National League North table. He is joined by George Foster, who will act as his assistant.
Chief executive John Croot said: “We are delighted to have been able to appoint James. It is a real coup to have recruited an exciting young manager, demonstrating great vision from the board.”
Rowe said: “I’m delighted to have got it over the line and I’m really looking forward to getting out on the grass tomorrow with the players.
“The heritage of the club is outstanding and the challenge is to get the club back to where it should be.
“With the facilities, the fanbase and the squad, the club should be a lot higher in the table and the first challenge is to get some consistency going and then the sky is the limit.
“I’m excited after listening to Mike (Goodwin) and John (Croot) and the board and now we need to move forward together and I am sure we will.”
The 37-year-old previously had a successful spell as Aldershot Town’s assistant-manager, playing a key role in back-to-back National League play-off positions.
After a prolific goalscoring record as a non-league striker, Rowe took up a coaching role in the Birmingham City at the age of 27. He then joined West Ham as assistant academy manager.
To further his career, Rowe studied for a Master’s degree in coaching at the Johan Cruyff Institute in Amsterdam, graduating in 2016.
He also holds a UEFA A Licence and a Sports Science Master’s degree from Nottingham Trent University.
Rowe will be introduced to the media at a press conference at 9.30am on Friday.