Chesterfield show interest in 'born leader' Gavin Gunning from Gloucester City

Reports that Chesterfield are interested in signing defender Gavin Gunning from James Rowe’s former club Gloucester City are believed to be true, we understand.
By Liam Norcliffe
Published 12th Jan 2021, 15:32 BST
Updated 12th Jan 2021, 18:48 BST
Gavin Gunning, pictured playing for Forest Green Rovers, is thought to be of interest to the Spireites.Gavin Gunning, pictured playing for Forest Green Rovers, is thought to be of interest to the Spireites.
Gavin Gunning, pictured playing for Forest Green Rovers, is thought to be of interest to the Spireites.

The centre-back has been linked with a move to the Spireites in the local media in Gloucestershire.

However, any deal is likely to depend on the 29-year-old centre-back leaving the Tigers and becoming a free agent.

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This is because Chesterfield agreed with Gloucester that they would not approach any more of their contracted players after Akwasi Asante followed manager James Rowe to the Technique Stadium in November.

George Carline and Alex Whittle have both since signed for Town, but only after becoming free agents following their exit from the National League North club.

Gunning is currently out injured after undergoing a double hernia operation. He was expected to be sidelined for six weeks from the middle of December so could be back fit by the end of January.

The Dublin-born defender signed for Gloucester in March, with Rowe saying at the time: “He brings bags of experience and at a higher level. At just 29 he can bring a lot across multiple positions. He brings leadership, he is a born leader.”

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He started his career at Blackburn Rovers but did not make a first-team appearance for the Ewood Park club.

After some time out on loan at four different clubs, Gunning joined Dundee United where he was named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year in 2012.

He left Dundee United by mutual consent in April 2016 after a bizarre handball incident in which he picked the ball up in open play during the second half of a game against Inverness.

Speaking to the Evening Telegraph after the incident, he said: “It was one of those unfortunate things. I just picked the ball up because I was injured. I didn’t want to take any more risks.

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“I had a nerve problem in my knee as it turns out but it was something we couldn’t really get to the bottom of.

“I’ve had two operations on my knee in the past so it’s not always been easy for me.”

Spells at a number of English Football League clubs followed before he dropped into non-league.

Last season Gunning was at Solihull Moors before he linked up with Rowe again at Gloucester.

Related topics:James RoweChesterfieldSpireitesDundee UnitedTigersGloucestershireTechnique Stadium