Former Spireites goalkeeper Alan Stevenson, who fulfilled his ambition to play for his hometown team in the 70s before moving to Burnley, is to resume his key marketing consultancy role now that the stadium has received full planning approval.

He initially started work with Chesterfield in August 2006 but a 12-month delay in the project saw him take on a similar role with Shrewsbury Town who moved last year to the New Meadow.

Now that move has been completed he is able once again to bring his widely-acclaimed expertise in maximising the revenue potential that Chesterfield can expect from relocating to the new stadium.

He will be responsible for the 'end of an era' project, which will see the closure of the existing Saltergate ground, home to the Spireites for the past 137 years.

Stevenson has a unique CV. After his playing career ended in 1985 he was commercial manager at a number of clubs before getting heavily involved in key relocation projects. He had a lead role in the relocation of Huddersfield Town and Coventry City, and has been consultant for the moves of Bolton Wanderers, Hull City, Widnes Rugby League Club, Doncaster Rovers and most recently Shrewsbury Town.

He also had marketing responsibility for the high-profile closure of the old Wembley Stadium.

Alan Stevenson said: "This is a dream project for me as I have gone full circle from fulfilling my original ambition to play for my hometown team to returning home 36 years later to help my old club relocate and start a new era in a new stadium."

Chesterfield chairman Barrie Hubbard said: "I am delighted that Alan is rejoining us as his experience in relocating clubs is unique in the football world. The supporters can now rest assured that our move to a new stadium will be handled in a professional manner by someone who is not only the best in the business but who happens to be a Chesterfield lad as well."

Barrie Hubbard added: "His key roles will include maximising the revenue potential for the new stadium, and launching an 'end of an era' project to commemorate the closure of the old ground."

The Spireites' new home at Whittington Moor came a giant step nearer last month after Chesterfield Borough Council issued formal planning consent for the stadium development, which also includes a new Tesco retail store, plus business and other uses.

Permission was officially granted after the Government decided it did not need to 'call in' the planning application for consideration.

After further enabling work by site owner Wilson Bowden Developments, to put in road access and principal infrastructure on the site, it is expected that construction would begin in early 2009 with both the new Tesco store and the 10,500-seater football stadium proceeding at the same time.