Chesterfield have confirmed that Janoi Donacien has signed a new deal with the club running until the end of the season.
The 31-year-old returned to full training after completing rehabilitation on a season-ending injury suffered in March, and has featured in recent behind-closed-doors games as he builds match sharpness.
Cook keeps experienced cover as Spireites plan their push
Donacien initially joined the Spireites in January following his departure from Ipswich Town and made seven appearances under Paul Cook before his campaign was cut short. The new agreement secures an experienced, versatile defender who can operate at right-back or in the middle, providing depth and leadership for a squad intent on sustaining a promotion challenge in League Two.
With Chesterfield managing workloads across a busy autumn schedule, Donacien’s ability to slot into multiple roles is timely. The Saint Lucia international’s know-how from spells with Accrington Stanley, Ipswich and Fleetwood can help stabilise the back line and ease pressure on younger options when rotation is required.
“I’m delighted to have signed my new contact and I’m thankful to the club for their faith in me. I can’t wait to get back on the grass, get back in front of our supporters and show what I can do.”
From rehab to readiness
The defender’s lay-off arrived just as he was bedding into Cook’s system, yet his recovery has progressed well and the club were encouraged by his minutes in recent training matches.
Having been part of Ipswich’s rise from League One and Accrington’s title-winning campaign at this level, Donacien offers proven resilience, aerial strength and one-v-one defending, qualities that complement Chesterfield’s preference for front-foot football.
Competition across the back four has intensified since the summer, but the new contract reflects a belief that Donacien can contribute quickly once fully match fit. His familiarity with Cook’s demands should shorten the ramp-up, and his presence also increases tactical flexibility, allowing the Spireites to adjust shape without disrupting balance.
With League Two tight at both ends, marginal gains through experience and adaptability can be decisive. Donacien’s return strengthens the defensive rotation ahead of a sequence that includes league fixtures and EFL Trophy commitments, where squad depth often proves the difference.
Writer’s View
This is a pragmatic, low-risk move that could yield high value for Chesterfield. Donacien knows the manager, understands the level and brings calm decision-making to key defensive moments.
If he translates training sharpness into competitive minutes, he will offer Cook trusted cover and the option to tweak systems mid-game without losing defensive solidity.
For a side with ambitions of climbing the table, experienced reinforcements of this profile are exactly what is needed as the calendar turns towards winter.
