Former Ipswich Town boss Paul Cook cut an emotional figure after leading Chesterfield back into the Football League yesterday.
Cook, sacked by Town in December 2021 – just months after blowing up the playing squad in his famed ‘Demolition Man’ summer – led the Spireites to the National League title after six years in non-league.
Ex-Town boss Paul Cook led Chesterfield to promotion yesterday, his second title with the club (Image: PA Images)
They beat Boreham Wood 3-0 to confirm their promotion, having dominated the league all season. They’re now 21 points clear of closest challengers Barnet.
Former Town talent Armando Dobra has been a key figure for Cook’s men, and he shone again yesterday, laying on two assists in the victory.
The exciting 22-year-old, who came through the Town academy, has scored ten goals in 41 games for the Spireites this season.
Armando Dobra lifts the National League title trophy (Image: PA Images)
Chesterfield have further Town links through first team coach Kieron Dyer – a Town legend – and defender Bailey Clements, whom Cook gave a senior debut to at the Blues.
After the match, an emotional Cook – who also guided Chesterfield to the League Two title in 2014 – revealed that the win came on his late dad’s birthday. Chris died in September 2021.
“I lost my dad two-and-a-half years ago and it’s his birthday today…” Cook, who returned to Chesterfield in February 2022, told TNT Sports.
“I am delighted, I really am,” he continued. “I am delighted for the supporters.
“When I came back two-and-a-bit years ago, I didn’t realise how tough a league it was.
“It has been amazing. I can’t thank the players, the staff, enough. It has been great. It has been such a team effort.
“My staff have been outstanding all year but the players take all the plaudits tonight.”
He laughed: “I will be vanishing now for a couple of bottles of Peroni!”
