'I love the club and the fans' - Laurence Maguire signs new Chesterfield contract

The centre-half is the club’s longest-serving player having come through the academy from the age of 15.

He has made more than 100 appearances for the Spireites since turning professional in 2015.

Manager James Rowe said Maguire ‘remained loyal during the transfer window’ despite interest from other clubs in the Football League.

The 24-year-old said: “It’s a massive step for me, having been at the club for so long. I have been here since I was 15 and I love the club and the fans.

“Now the new gaffer has come in, hopefully we can get back up to where we want to be.”

The Sheffield-born defender made his debut in 2016 against Wolves in the Checkatrade Trophy.

Maguire, who has played for England C, has been in great form under new Rowe, who is delighted to have tied him down to a longer contract.

“We are delighted to secure Laurence’s signature for the next two-and-a-half years,” Rowe said.

“He has remained loyal during the transfer window with other opportunities available higher up in the pyramid.

“When Laurence and I discussed the future and what he wants to achieve personally and for our club, along with analysing his performances since my arrival, we had no hesitation in getting this done."

Maguire joins fellow academy graduate Joe Rowley in signing a new contract at Chesterfield in recent weeks.

Rowley, 21, extended his stay last month until the summer of 2022.