Why Chesterfield had no doubts about handing 'one of the best' new deal despite age

The 34-year-old was set to become a free agent at the end of this season but the Spireites have tied him down until summer 2028 now. Having first joined in 2023, it will mean the popular central midfielder, who was named the player of the year in the National League title-winning triumph, will have been at the club for five years in total.

Depending on the player, handing a two-and-a-half year deal to someone in his mid 30s could be deemed a risk, but the Blues are comfortable with their decision and are delighted to have him, describing him as one of the best players in the division.

"You think someone of that age, giving him two years, is a gamble. But we have got all the data,” Kieron Dyer said. “Tom never misses games with injury. Tom and Liam Mandeville are probably the most robust we have got in the squad, they are always available. Tom will always play when he is 90%, 80%. He will be important for us because he has the experience and the know-how. It is well-deserved.”

Signing Naylor just under three years ago was a big coup considering he came from Wigan Athletic who had just been playing in the Championship. And he showed his quality with his performances and goals as Town cruised to the National League, sealing their return to League Two.

Dyer said: "We brought Tom in as a ‘six’ to get us promoted from the National League and never in our wildest dreams did we think he would score over 10 goals in one season. Even in this season he comes up trumps with important goals. I remember the goal at Notts County last season, which was a big goal for us.

"He is probably one of the best players in the league with regards to the damage he does in both boxes. From a defensive point of view and from an offensive point of view he is absolutely deadly. He has got great timing. He always arrives in the box at the right time and that is a real art and a real skill and he has mastered that. He is so brave. He deserves it.”