Former Ipswich Town defender Janoi Donacien is nearing a move to League Two side Chesterfield on a short-term deal until the end of the season.
The 31-year-old is set to reunite with former Blues manager Paul Cook at the Derbyshire club.
A Return to Action
Donacien, a St Lucia international, has been without a club since his contract with Ipswich Town expired last summer. The defender remained at Portman Road to complete his recovery from groin surgery, which sidelined him in November 2023 during his final season with the Blues.
Now fully recovered, Donacien is ready to return to competitive action. Chesterfield provides the perfect opportunity for the versatile defender to showcase his abilities once more, reuniting him with familiar faces from his Ipswich days, including Paul Cook, winger Armando Dobra, and staff members Gary Roberts and Kieron Dyer.
A Proven Performer
Donacien progressed through the youth ranks at Luton Town and later Aston Villa; though he did not make a senior appearance for Aston Villa, he gained valuable experience through loan spells at clubs such as Tranmere Rovers, Wycombe Wanderers, and Newport County. His professional breakthrough came after joining Accrington Stanley in 2016, where he became a key player and helped the club win the League Two title in the 2017-18 season.
Donacien originally joined Ipswich from Accrington Stanley in the summer of 2018 as part of Paul Hurst’s strategy to recruit talent from the lower leagues. After initial challenges, including loan spells back at Accrington and Fleetwood Town under Paul Lambert, the Luton-raised defender cemented his place in the Ipswich lineup.
He became a vital player during Kieran McKenna’s tenure, making 111 starts and 24 substitute appearances for the Blues without finding the back of the net. Despite not scoring, Donacien’s consistent defensive performances and versatility earned him respect and admiration among fans and teammates alike.
A Fresh Start at Chesterfield
Chesterfield, currently competing in League Two, will be hoping that Donacien’s experience and defensive capabilities can bolster their squad as they aim to achieve their objectives this season. The Spireites have built a strong connection to Ipswich through Paul Cook, making Donacien’s addition a seamless fit.
Writer’s View
Janoi Donacien’s move to Chesterfield is a well-timed step for both player and club. With his proven track record in the Football League and valuable experience at Ipswich, Donacien brings stability and leadership to Chesterfield’s backline. For the defender, it’s a chance to rejuvenate his career under a manager who understands his strengths, making this a promising reunion.
