Roche has signed a two-year deal at Christie Park and Chesterfield FC manager Lee Richardson must now move swiftly to bring in a new No1 stopper.

Dublin-born Roche (26) began his career with Nottingham Forest and made ten first-team starts with the City Ground club, before he moved to Saltergate on a free transfer three years ago.

The 6ft 4in keeper has since made a total of 130 appearances for the Spireites but last season was subject to occasional barracking from a small number of Blues fans.

A fresh start on the Lancashire coast allows Roche the chance to relaunch his career, but it leaves Richardson with the task of finding an experienced player for one of the most important positions in his team.

Roche said he was 'delighted' to join the Shrimps and added: "I have a lot to thank Chesterfield for because they gave me a chance in the Football League. Their goalkeeping coach Steve Sutton was superb for me and I will always be grateful.

"We had a good season last year and really should have made the play-offs but it wasn't to be."

The keeper had 12 months left on his Chesterfield contract but the Spireites agreed to his release.

Chesterfield manager Lee Richardson said: "We thank Barry for his time with Chesterfield and we wish him all the best for the future."

Morecambe boss Sammy McIlroy has made a keeper one of his summer transfer priorities following the loss of Joe Lewis in the middle of lastseason.

Lewis was on loan from Norwich but was so impressive during his spell at Christie Park that Peterborough stepped in and broke their transfer record by spending £400,000 on the player.

Peterborough subsequently gained promotion into League One and Fabio Capello has drafted Lewis into the England set-up.

Richardson, meanwhile, has lined up additional cover in central defence, should Janos Kovacs sign for Lincoln City.

The powerful defender, who has made 55 League starts for the Spireites over the last three years, has turned down a new contract offer with Chesterfield.

League Two rivals Lincoln have confirmed that they are looking at the possibility of signing the player – and Richardson believes the Hungarian is tempted.

Kovacs' no-nonsense style made him a favourite among the fans but it appears he thinks he would be better off somewhere new.

Although last season was one of steady improvement for Janos, it was ultimately one of disappointment as the Spireites finished outside the play-off zone.

Richardson pinpointed defence, which included Roche and Kovacs, as the team's weakest link and has since signed two former international players – Rob Page and Kevin Austin – to bolster that division.

Both are former international players and with Australian international Aaron Downes on the Blues books for another 12 months, Kovacs probably feels it is time to relaunch his career somewhere fresh.

But as Kovacs is under the age of 24 and has been offered an improved contract, Chesterfield will be due compensation if he moves on.

Should the Spireites be unable to reach agreement on the sum with the new club, the matter will be settled by a tribunal.

Richardson is still searching for a wide player and a forward and has admitted that he is already looking at players who will be available on loan next season.