'He is a proper defender' - Chesterfield boss James Rowe on new signing Fraser Kerr from Torquay United

Centre-back Kerr, 28, has joined on a permanent deal until the end of the season after leaving Torquay United.

The defender impressed on his first start in the win against Eastleigh.

“I have known him for a long time, he was in the same group as Akwasi (Asante) at Birmingham so I have followed him all the way through and fortunately now I can work with him,” Rowe told the DT.

“He is experienced at this level, this is his fourth season in the National League, he has played regularly at multiple teams so he has got that experience and he is at his peak age.

“I think he showed a range of passing but also he is a proper defender, it matters to him to keep the ball out of the net. So all of those things can only be a plus for us.”

Meanwhile, midfielder Jack Clarke, on loan from Aston Villa, made his first start for the Spireites and Rowe was particularly happy with how he took on some half-time instructions.

“He was excellent,” the Blues manager said. “I had a word with him at half-time about his final bit, where he got in those positions on the half-turn where he can slide someone in and drive forward.

“I think in the second half he was so unlucky, he slid in Akwasi for one and he could not quite get it out of his feet for another so he took that information on board and I think he was a bit more ruthless in his play in that last 25 minutes in the second half.”

Overall, it was a very satisfying evening for Chesterfield who secured their third win in four matches since coming out of isolation.

Rowe added: “I thought we looked fitter and stronger and played at a high tempo then the opposition all night. It was our fourth game back in nine days so that is impressive. I know we made five changes but stil that is five players (Grant Smith, George Carline, Laurence Maguire, Curtis Weston and Asante) who have played four games now and they were part of a really energetic performance.”