'I wanted to go somewhere that would be competitive' - Jack Simpson hooks up with Chesterfield
New recruit Jack Simpson wants a swift return to League One after dropping down a division to join Chesterfield.
The centre-back arrives on a two-year deal fresh from two and a half years with Leyton Orient in the third tier and, before that, with Cardiff City, Glasgow Rangers and Bournemouth.
Simpson was released by the O’s this summer after making more than 41 appearances last season and 26 the season before that.
At the age of 29, it is an important contract for him and he was careful choosing his next move.
"I wanted to go somewhere that would be competitive," he said. “I know how successful the club has been over the last two or three years and that was important to me.
“I want to be at a place where I can try to achieve promotion, that is the ultimate goal.
“Of course I have some individual goals – some I won’t say out loud – but the team goal of promotion is the most important thing and being successful and giving people enjoyable football to watch.”
Options in central defence are improving with Simpson on board alongside recent arrival of Junior Eccleston and with veteran Kyle McFadzean having agreed a new one-year deal.
Observers say Simpson has looked promising in pre-season training.
"I like to to bring the ball forward and out from the back, playing direct but positive football,” he said.
"Most importantly of course are my defensive duties; I think I read the game quite well and of course try to keep the ball out of the net!
"This club wants to play progressive, positive football and I fit into that system. With my age now, I'm coming in to bring leadership too.”
Assistant boss Danny Webb described the new man as a "hugely positive addition” to the playing group.
“We're bringing in a lad who is used to playing at League One level in recent seasons, which is exactly the level we're all aiming to reach.
"He brings experience and sets high standards in training for both himself and his teammates.”
Simpson arrives with the club’s pitches at the training ground and stadium both at their summery best.
"The training pitch is top and the pitch at the stadium looks like a carpet, it’s incredible,” he added.
"The boys have been doing a lot of running so it is hard to figure out what they’re good at at the moment but I’m excited to get started.”
Simpson follows Eccleston and defensive midfielder George McEachran as Chesterfield’s third new signing.