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 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.Chesterfield fans carry Armando Dobra off the pitch as they celebrate (Image: PA Images) “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!”Dyer, who underwent a liver transplant last year, has previously thanked Cook and Chesterfield for their support through his illness.

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