Chairman Dave Allen, alongside chief executive Chris Turner, today announced that former Wales international and ex-Wrexham, Doncaster Rovers, Wolves and Crawley boss Dean Saunders is the new manager of Chesterfield Football Club.
Saunders has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with the Spireites, and will have an enormous task of picking up where the well-missed previous boss, Paul Cook, left off after he was released from his contract to join League Two Portsmouth.
Chief executive Chris Turner said:
“When chairman Dave Allen and I met Dean, it was clear that he shared our vision for the future of the club. He has infectious enthusiasm for the job and he is in the enviable position of joining a club with solid foundations.”
Saunders said:
“It is a great opportunity as this is a club on the rise, run by good people, and I am inheriting a very good team from Paul Cook. Taking over now gives me a full pre-season to make a fresh start, put my plans in place and work with the squad, which is a great position to be in.“The profile of the club has been raised in the last few years and there has been an impressive increase in attendances so it is an exciting prospect and I can’t wait to get started.”
Chesterfield fans across social media expressed a mixture of feelings about Saunders’s appointment. Many felt that his record with relegations meant that his appointment was not the right move for the club. However, some recognised the difficulties that Saunders faced when at Crawley, who were involved in his third relegation in four seasons. In fact, his record at Crawley after taking over as interim manager in December -one win in every three matches- would have put the Red Devils in mid table if that record had been there since the beginning of the season. This proves that he really should be given a chance, and not written off.
Saunders has experience with coaching at a high level, having been a first team coach at Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United. He was also assistant manager for the Wales national team, who he scored 22 goals for in 75 appearances during his career. Hopefully his UEFA Pro License will come in handy.
Saunders’s main focus over the summer will be to keep the players who make the spine of the team. With key midfielder Jimmy Ryan set to depart, Dean will hope that the others are willing to stay and give another go at the play-offs next season.
