Danny Wilson confirmed as Chesterfield manager

Chesterfield have confirmed the appointment of Danny Wilson as their new manager.

The appointment was announced after the final details of Wilson's contract, which "is beyond the end of the season", were agreed with the Sky Bet League 1 club at lunchtime on Christmas Eve.

Wilson, a former manager of Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday, Hartlepool and Barnsley (twice) has been out of work since leaving Oakwell for the second time in February this year.

The 55-year-old replaces Dean Saunders who was sacked following Chesterfield's 4-0 home loss to Swindon on November 28, the team's fourth successive defeat.

Academy manager Mark Smith took temporary charge at the Proact Stadium after the departure of Saunders, who only succeeded Paul Cook in May, and he has overseen two 1-0 defeats to Bury and Bradford in the league as well as an FA Cup second-round exit after Walsall won a penalty shootout following a replay.

A trip to Peterborough on Boxing Day is next up for Chesterfield, who are 18th in the table and two points above the relegation zone, with Smith set to remain in charge of the team as they look to avoid a seventh straight league defeat for the first time since 1988.

Wilson will watch from the stands at London Road before taking control ahead of Monday's home game against Coventry City.

Wilson, who lives in Chesterfield and made 100 appearances in midfield for the club from 1980-83, has managed in more than 1,000 games during his lengthy career since moving into management with Barnsley in 1994 and has a 40 per cent win ratio. 

Wilson told Sky Sports News HQ: "I'm very, very happy to be here. I have been associated with this area for a long, long time.

"I've taken a great interest in Chesterfield ever since I was a player here, but to be actually here in this capacity is a bit surreal. But I am really looking forward to it.

"It's going to be very challenging, I am sure, but every management job is."