Former Ipswich Town manager Paul Cook seals remarkable return to Chesterfield
Just shy of seven years after he left the club, Paul Cook has sealed a sensational return to non-league Chesterfield.
The three-time EFL title winner replaces James Rowe who was sacked earlier this month following allegations of misconduct.
The 54-year-old has dropped down two divisions from his last job, inheriting a side 2nd in the National League, one point off leaders Stockport with a game in hand.
He’ll be tasked with spearheading Chesterfield’s promotion charge, with The Spireites currently priced at 5/2 to win the league, 6/5 to claim promotion, and 4/11 to finish in the top-three.
In a statement on Thursday morning, Chief executive John Croot said:
“We are delighted to welcome Paul back to the club. He enjoyed great success here previously and to secure someone with his impressive track record is a real coup.
“Paul was our number one target when we began our search for a new manager and we are sure that our supporters will share our delight that he has agreed to take the role.
“Danny Webb is looking forward to working with Paul as part of the new management team.”
Appointed in 2012, Cook spent two-and-a-half-years in charge of Chesterfield, whom he propelled to the League Two title in his first full season in charge.
Cook then came close to back-to-back promotions, agonisingly missing out in the League One play-offs following a superb 6th place finish.
He then dropped back down into League Two, where he picked up another title in charge of Portsmouth, then won another league gong with Wigan, this time up in League One.
In his last job the 54-year-old was primed to lead a promotion charge with Ipswich however, despite a huge and pricey summer re-build, the well-fancied Tractor Boys struggled for consistency and opted to make a managerial change in early December after a return of 13 wins from a total of 44 games.
Despite the disappointment, given his experience and success from previous positions it wouldn’t have been a surprise to see Cook return to a League One club. However, he’s instead opted to dip down into the non-league circuit where he’ll hope to elevate his former employers back into the Football League.
Chesterfield are next in action on Saturday at home to 21st placed Weymouth, which is followed by five successive home games.
