'He matches my winning mentality' - James Rowe on Chesterfield's latest three new signings

The centre-back has joined the Spireites on a free transfer after leaving Rowe’s former club Gloucester City.

The 29-year-old has been out injured with a hernia but is back in full training and is available for selection, Rowe said.

“Gavin becoming a free transfer, we had to act quickly,” the Blues manager said. “He was on the motorway going to another club and he received a call from me and he has done a U-turn and we have done something quick.

“I know he can improve us and I know what he brings to the changing room - leadership, great experience, plays multiple positions and he will be a great signing for us.

“He is a born leader. The changing room was not buoyant enough when I came in, it certainly is now with the characters I have brought in, that is what we want.

“He is a winner and matches my winning mentality.

“He can play across the back three and he can play in midfield.

"His delivery from set-plays is some of the best I have seen in this league and the one below.”

Along with Gunning, two new goalkeepers in Grant Smith, 27, and Adam Przybek, 20, have also joined.

Smith, who was a free agent after leaving Wealdstone in November, has a promotion on his CV with Lincoln City and spent a couple of seasons at Boreham Wood.

On Smith, Rowe said: “He trained with us for a little while, really good attitude and he has fit into the training room really well.

“He is experienced at this level and the one above so it would be remiss of me not to take him in really until the end of the season.”

Przybek has joined on loan until the end of the season from League Ipswich Town.

“I really like him, I have tracked him a long time and researched him,” Rowe added.

“I have been in touch with Ipswich, obviously my home town, I have got contacts at the club there. I have had a lot of conversations with their staff around the last 12 months and it is the right time to bring him in and work with him myself.”