Five former Town figures, including ex-boss Paul Cook and midfield legend Kieron Dyer, are members of the Chesterfield squad and staff facing Notts County in today’s Vanarama National League play-off final at Wembley (KO 3.30pm, BT Sport 1).

Cook has been Spireites manager since February 2022 and this season saw the side he previously took to the 2013/14 League Two title to third in the National League.

Former Blues winger and coach Gary Roberts followed Cook to the Derbyshire club as a first-team coach, the pair having been relieved of their duties at Portman Road in November 2021.

Last summer they signed forward Armando Dobra - who has scored 10 times in all competitions this season - after his contract at Town was settled and full-back Bailey Clements, who had been released by the Blues.

Dyer, who became close to Cook during their time at Portman Road together, joined the staff working with the first team in March.

The Spireites, who finished 23 points behind the second-placed Magpies, beat 10-man Bromley 3-2 after extra-time in their play-off semi-final.

Photos: Matchday Images

Orraman added 10:57 - May 13 That photograph of Cook wearing Ipswich Town track suit revived what I thought were long forgotten nightmare images. I wonder if he will run out five minutes before the teams at Wembley to receive the acclaim he always thought he was entitled to.
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Nomore4 added 11:19 - May 13 A massive respect to Cookie and Dyer. Dyer who always had time for a photo. And Cook for breaking up the cozy club that took the club to its lowest depths. And for giving us the quality we was so desperate for, bringing in the likes of Chappers, Burns etc etc. Rooting for both. Loved to have seen the shock on Chambo,s face when Cookie told him the game is up…..The Cozy club is no more. We haven't looked back since.

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Len_Brennan added 11:32 - May 13 Speaking of the playoffs; I'm really glad we're not in them. As we saw last night, being 19 points better than your opponent over the season is no guarantee of overcoming them; while last week Notts County had to score a 97th minute equaliser to stop themselves going out to a side that finished 35 (thirty five) points behind them! To anyone still a bit disappointed by the draw in Fleetwood & not getting the 100pts, or us not winning the title, think of how distraught the Wednesday fans are this morning & be thankful.

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WhoisJimmyJuan added 11:41 - May 13 Good point Len. After the Burley and Royle years I just can't beat the thought of the play offs. The title would have been the icing on the cake, no more. Also agree with Nomore 4: I think we owe much more to Cook than many realise. He would not have done nearly as well as KMcK of course, but he helped lay the foundations for sure.
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Nomore4 added 11:44 - May 13 Len you need form going into play offs……not relegation form that Wednesday have.
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Nomore4 added 11:47 - May 13 8 short weeks ago yesterday Wednesday was 5 points clear of 3rd with 2 games in hand. Last night's result was no surprise.
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Linkboy13 added 11:50 - May 13 Wish Cookie all the best of luck at Wembley nothing against him at all. Ipswich is a big club and possibly the job was a bit too big for him but don't forget he purchased some decent players to the club. McKenna came in and although very inexperienced in management had worked with top coaches and players at Manchester United and this has proved a masterstroke in his success at our club.

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algarvefan added 12:16 - May 13 It didn't all work out for Cookie but he was a first class bloke, a truly nice man. To those slagging him off, shame on you, as others have said he made some good signings and did the dirty work prior to McK. I wish him and the team all the best today, it seems a tall order but look at Wednesday last night! Love to see Dobra score the winner.
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ronnyd added 13:28 - May 13 While i get the sentiment for former Blues, if County fail to win it would be a travesty.
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Suffolkboy added 13:32 - May 13 Bygones are bygones, just that ; no point in fingers of blame ,or spending too much time looking back other than to learn from history ! What happened in PC's time doesn't all bear close examination but we've moved on thankfully and successfully ,and ought to wish him well in his endeavours and future . COYB KD remains a conundrum !
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NITFC added 15:09 - May 13 I'm sure most of us would be happy if we made the pay offs next season
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Monkey_Blue added 15:42 - May 13 Despite the Town connection I think it would be a tragedy if Notts County don't go up.
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SickParrot added 16:39 - May 13 I'm happy for Cook and the former Blues that they have reached the playoff final but I hope that Notts County get the promotion they deserve. They finished second with a 23 point advantage over Chesterfield but the curse of just missing out on automatic promotion is likely to strike again, as it did for Sheffield Wednesday. It looked like Wednesday had recovered from their bad patch by winning their last 4 league games but then they get beaten 4 nil by the Posh! Got to feel sorry for their supporters. Just glad that their loss of form enabled us to pip them for second place so that the curse didn't get us again.

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ronnyd added 18:27 - May 13 Well done County.
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blues1 added 18:33 - May 13 Nomore4. Clearly behind the times. Wednesday won their last 4 league games. Hardly relegation form. So actuallycwentcinto last night's game with momentum. Tho, wouldnt have known it, the way they played.
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Saxonblue74 added 06:52 - May 14 Those who want to criticise Cook, remember the signings of Walton, Burns, Burgess, Chaplin and Morsy and consider how things might be without them!
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