Former Chesterfield midfielder earns contract at Scunthorpe United

Joe Rowley has signed on the dotted line at Glanford Park and could face Chesterfield in pre-season when they clash on August 2.

The midfielder was a free agent after being released by AFC Fylde, where he won promotion to the National League in 2023.

The 25-year-old spent five years at the Blues and made more than 100 appearances before leaving in 2022.

Announcing his arrival, the National League North Iron said: “Over the course of his trial spell throughout pre-season, Rowley had impressed and hence coaxed United first-team manager Andy Butler into snapping him up at the first opportunity.”

Rowley is joined at Scunthorpe by another ex-Spireite in defender Brad Nicholson.

The 25-year-old played for Handsworth and Sheffield FC before securing himself a six-month contract at Chesterfield but he left without playing a game following an ‘internal process.’

Nicholson won promotion from the National League North with Boston United last season.

Butler added: “We’ve been watching Brad for a while, and he fits the model of winners that we’re looking to build. He’s robust and strong, and is a great addition to the side.”