How soon-to-be new Chesterfield defender has impressed already

The left-sided centre-back, who is set to officially join the Spireites next month from Forge FC in Canada on a free transfer, has been training with the group and the early signs are encouraging. The 23-year-old, who has been abroad for four years, is said to be an athletic defender who is comfortable on the ball.

The defender leaves Forge FC as a popular figure, having made 87 appearances in all competitions, winning successive Canadian Premier League play-offs in 2022 and 2023 and two Canadian Premier League Shields in 2024 and 2025.

First-team coach Gary Roberts said the London-born man’s attitude has been ‘refreshing.’ He explained: “What has really caught my eye is how he has studied our game, how we play, he has watched all our games. He has had meetings with the staff, how we want him to play, what he brings to the club, what he brings to the team. He is so involved in what we want from him, It is really refreshing for a young lad to come in and to have watched all of our games and know the lads. We are really pleased with that side of it.”

Owolabi-Belewu will start a mini pre-season next week to get him up to speed with the hope that he can hit the ground running in January when his move is officially completed.

In a farewell video message, the centre-half said that he departs with lots of great memories. “I came in as a teenager and I’m leaving as a young man,” he said. “I’m still the same bubbly person, but I’ve matured a lot. Being surrounded by people with real responsibilities, families, careers, I’ve learned something from every single person here. Every single person here helped me grow. You made Canada my home. I debuted in 2022 and was told to just get on the pitch and cause problems, that’s pretty much described my four years. You’ll always have a special place in my heart.”

And manager Bobby Smyrniotis revealed how he had developed over his four years at the club. He added: "His growth from his first pre-season in 2022 to where he is today has been immense. He arrived with great ability and a willingness to learn. Over time he became a confident, reliable defender who builds out of the back, locks down top opponents and consistently steps up in big moments. It’s his energy, his smile and his love for the game. It’s infectious in the locker room and pushes everyone around him. I know he’ll carry that forward in this next stage of his career.”