Duke hopes to replicate Blades' celebrations in 2018 with Chesterfield

The 39-year-old, who took up his first senior coaching role with the Spireites last summer, is enjoying working with boss Gary Caldwell and wants to remain at the club.

“I want to pursue a coaching career and I’ll definitely learn under the manager because he’s an excellent manager so I definitely want to stay on,” he said.

Former Hull City and Northampton Town stopper Duke has been impressed with Caldwell since his January arrival, despite the club’s eventual relegation from League One.

“He’s very aware of how he wants the team to play and how he wants to go about. He’s been excellent,” said Duke.

“Fingers crossed we can improve next season.”

Duke remained registered as a player this season but Chesterfield never needed to call upon his services.

One of his fellow coaches did get some game time on Sunday, however.

Ritchie Humphreys was introduced late in the second half against Sheffield United for what might have been his final performance as a player.

“He was excellent (when he came on),” said Duke.

“He trains every day, works hard and he’s a great example to the young lads in our dressing room.”

Duke stayed out to watch the Blades, for whom he coached the U21s before moving to Chesterfield, and his former gaffer celebrate their League One title.

He hopes to be involved in similar scenes this time next year.

“I go way back with Chris Wilder, I played for his Sunday League team,” he said.

“It’s great to see good people doing well.

“It’s disappointing for us having gone down but stood watching it, hopefully this is what we can do next season.”