Popular former Chesterfield winger Gary Roberts announces retirement from football

Popular former Chesterfield player Gary Roberts has announced his retirement from football.
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The 36-year-old made the decision after joining ex-Spireites manager Paul Cook at League One Ipswich Town as first-team coach last week.

The winger joined the Blues in June 2013 and played more than 70 times for the club.

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He helped Chesterfield win the League Two title under Cook in 2014 and reach the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final the same season, as well as the League One play-offs the following year.

Former Chesterfield player Gary Roberts has announced his retirement from football. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images).Former Chesterfield player Gary Roberts has announced his retirement from football. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images).
Former Chesterfield player Gary Roberts has announced his retirement from football. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images).

‘Robbo’ left for Portsmouth in June 2015 to link up with Cook again.

Announcing his retirement, Roberts, who also won promotions with Accrington Stanley, Portsmouth and Wigan Athletic, wrote on social media: “So last week I decided to hang the boots up. It has been some ride, from the park pitches to scoring at Wembley and a few promotions along the way.

“I have been lucky enough to play for some fantastic clubs, starting at Accrington, where John Coleman gave me a big chance in football, then onto Ipswich, Huddersfield, Swindon, Chesterfield, Pompey and Wigan and now finishing back at Accrington.

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“Now I have a great opportunity to start my second career as a coach with Paul Cook who I have had success with over the years. Hopefully it carries on at Ipswich.”

Reacting to the news, the Spireites posted on Twitter: “We have great memories of your time as a player and wish you all the very best in your coaching career, Robbo!”

His former Chesterfield teammates also paid tribute to him.

Sam Morsy wrote: “Pleasure to share a dressing with you class act on the pitch, and one of the best characters I’ve seen in the dressing room.”

Tendayi Darikwa posted: “What a player. It was a pleasure mate. All the best.”

Blues fans also shared their memories of him.

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Kurt Bigg wrote: “Congratulations on your brilliant career, Gary. Thank you for eveything you did at Chesterfield as well. I hope you and Cookie boss it at Ipswich.”

Michael Wilcox posted: “Been a pleasure watching you over the years and hope the new chapter is as successful as the old one.”

Conor Loftus added: “All the best for the future Gary, thanks for everything you did at Chestefield.”

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