Paul Cook: Chesterfield re-appoint ex-Portsmouth & Wigan boss for second spell

Paul Cook's first spell as Chesterfield manager ended with a defeat by Preston in the League One play-offs in 2015

Chesterfield have re-appointed Paul Cook as their manager for a second time.

Cook previously led the club to promotion from League Two and into the League One play-offs during his first spell in charge between 2012 and 2015.

The 54-year-old subsequently won promotion with both Portsmouth and Wigan but left third tier Ipswich earlier this season after nine months.

The Spireites are second in the National League, one point off the top.

Cook replaces James Rowe, who left the club last Friday by mutual consent having been suspended on 24 January pending an investigation into allegations of misconduct.

'Number one target'

Chesterfield chief executive John Croot told the club website: "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."

Caretaker boss Danny Webb, who had served as Rowe's assistant, will remain on the coaching staff.

Cook spent three seasons in charge of Wigan and led them back to the Championship at the first attempt in his first campaign.

However, he left in the summer of 2020 after they were relegated following their 12-point deduction for being placed in administration.

He returned to the game in March 2021 with Ipswich but after a summer where he overhauled the squad completely, he was sacked in December after a goalless draw with League Two Barrow in the FA Cup.

Cook's second stint as Spireites manager will begin with a trip to lowly Weymouth on Saturday.