Former Chesterfield manager Paul Cook appointed Ipswich Town boss

The 54-year-old has signed a contract at the League One club until the summer of 2023.

Ex-Spireite Gary Roberts has joined Cook at Portman Road as first-team coach.

Cook, who guided the Spireites to the League Two title in 2014 and the League One play-offs the following year, replaces Paul Lambert who left by mutual consent on Monday.

Ipswich are currently eighth, two points off the top six.

Cook said: “Winning promotion this season is the immediate target. It will be a big challenge but it’s a challenge that everyone at the club has a part to play in.”

On the appointment of Cook, the owner of the Tractor Boys, Marcus Evans, said: “He has a proven track record in getting clubs promoted and importantly, not only knows the challenges League One presents but also has experience of working in the Championship and getting back to that level remains our primary focus.”