Chesterfield manager James Rowe on new contract for Haydn Hollis and reveals length of deal

Hollis has signed for another year, which will be ‘reviewed next Christmas’.

The defender was not involved in the team this season until Rowe was appointed in November and he has excelled at the centre of a back three ever since.

He was dropped after the defeat to Stockport County last month but his reaction to not being selected impressed Rowe and he is now back in the side with Gavin Gunning out injured.

On Hollis’ new contract, Rowe said: “It is very deserved, he has been immense.

“The biggest test for him was when he came out of the squad completely, probably underserved, but we had to freshen it up and we got two back-to-back clean sheets in two weeks when he came out which shows the strength in depth we have got.

“It hit home what a great character he is and how much he is on-board with what we are doing here when he came out of the team after a successful period. He conducted himself really well and he fully deserves his contract.

“The training intensity is important especially for the ones who are not playing so that when they are called upon they can continue playing in the same identity of what we are trying with the energy, the full commitment, with the togetherness, and I think Haydn has shown that, he probably epitomises that spirit really.”

On the length of Hollis’ new contract extension, Rowe revealed: “It is another year and we will review that next Christmas.”

Hollis had been used on the left of a back three during most of his time at Chesterfield but Rowe felt his skillset was best suited to the heart of the defence.

“I felt the centre of a three, with the attributes he has got, would compliment his attributes and I think he has shown that,” Rowe told the DT.

“I think he is settled with us and I think it was a no-brainer, if you like, to offer him a new deal and he was quick to accept.”