SPIREITES: Former Nottingham Forest and Wales goalkeeper Mark Crossley rejoins Chesterfield backroom

Crossley, who left the Proact in April 2013 when Paul Cook re-shaped his coaching staff, has latterly been Barnsley’s goalkeeper coach after working in the same role with Sheffield Wednesday’s academy.

The 45-year-old knows Saunders well as the pair played together for Nottingham Forest and Wales. Crossley takes over from Eric Nixon, who left the club yesterday, along with Kevin Lynch and Shane Nicholson.

Crossley admitted it was an easy decision when his old team-mate offered him the chance to rejoin Chesterfield.

“I had a great time during my previous spell at the club and I’m delighted that Dean has offered me the chance to come back,” he said.

“I’ve already got a head start, having worked with Tommy Lee and Aaron Chapman before. I’m looking forward to working with them again. It’s also great to be linking up with Dean again because I know how hard he works.”

Crossley was handed a coaching role at Chesterfield by then-manager John Sheridan in the summer of 2009 after they worked together at Oldham Athletic. He was also registered as a player and made four appearances in the 2009/10 season.

Following Sheridan’s departure early in the 2012/13 season, Crossley was named Chesterfield’s joint caretaker-manager alongside Tommy Wright for a spell prior to Cook’s appointment.