Coventry City defender Colin Hawkins (30) and Middlesbrough midfielder Graeme Owens (20) have signed on loan until the end of the season.

Striker Bruce Dyer (32), formerly with Crystal Palace, Barnsley, Watford and Sheffield United, has signed a short-term deal until the end of the season after being released by Doncaster Rovers.

Hawkins made an impressive debut at Dagenham where he partnered Aaron Downes in central defence while Owens made a brief appearance as a second-half substitute.

''We've been looking for another central defender since Kevin Gray suffered a hamstring injury and I thought Hawkins and Aaron Downes did well as a pair,'' said Chesterfield manager Lee Richardson.

''Hawkins gave an assured, calm performance and has lots of experience – he has won four championships with four different clubs in Ireland and had two spells at Coventry.

''Owens is a promising young player from an area which produces a lot ot talent. I've been after him for a while and he has finally decided to come,'' said Richardson.

Dyer will help to reinforce the strike force which has been weakened by the injury to top scorer Jack Lester who broke his nose against Accrington.

''The three players add quality and experience to our squad for the run-in,'' said Richardson.

In action
Owens and Dyer were both in action for Chesterfield reserves in a behind-closed-doors practice game against Notts County at the Spireites training ground at Warminster Road, Sheffield, on Tuesday.

While Dyer didn't get on the scoresheet himself, three others did as the Spireites won 3-0 with goals from Adam Smith, Graeme Owens and Lloyd Kerry.

Notts County fielded a strong side which included Chesterfield's former £250,000 record signing Jason Lee and ex-Spireites loanee striker Laurie Dudfield. Chesterfield also fielded a Brazilian trialist in defence.

Meanwhile, young striker Jamie Jackson has returned from his loan spell with Gainsborough Trinity and has now joined Matlock Town on loan.

Chesterfield's promotion hopes suffered a setback when Rochdale beat Bradford on Tuesday to leapfrog over the Blues into seventh place – the final play-off spot.

The Spireites, who entertain Shrewsbury on Saturday (ko 3pm) now have five games left.

''Obviously, we need as many wins as possible – it may be we need to win all five,'' said Richardson.

''There are so many ifs and buts and there's a lot of football to be played yet. Some of the other teams have tricky run-ins and have to play each other.

''All we can do is focus on each game as it comes.''