Chesterfield made a triple swoop for Fabian Johnson, Hiroki Sakai and
Domagoj Vida bolstering the Spireites defensive ranks while reinforcing their
hopes of a play-off position. Manager Glory Days has done a splendid job to
fill the void left by Lorenzo De Silvestri and Matthias Ostrozolek, the
management sought to not only improve on the first XI but enhance the team’s
depth as well.
Fullback Fabian Johnson, 26 arrived from Notts County for 6.5 million.
The American international was frozen out after a change of management at his
previous club.
“It felt awful to be where I wasn’t wanted and what made it worse was that I couldn’t find a way out since I signed a new contract. To just be put on the bench and rot is something I don’t enjoy. They transfer listed me at the start of the season but no teams were interested and this left me in limbo, it was a very uncomfortable situation I faced”
However Johnson spoke of his delight in signing with a new club:
“I felt like a kid at Christmas, eagerly waiting for when and if the deal was still happening. When I met with manager Glory Days, he sold the club to me, his ideas and his philosophy, he made me feel wanted and that I would have my part to play this season.
The boss had such conviction and has made Chesterfield into solid team.
To be honest, I didn’t really know much about Chesterfield but their recent
rise in Division Three has made everyone notice them”
Another addition was young Japanese fullback Hiroki Sakai, 23 who moved
from Division Three rivals Barnsley for $5.5 million. Like many of Glory Days
signings, Sakai is very versatile with his primary position being right
fullback but he is fully capable of playing as a left back, right wing back or
on the right wing.
Sakai 23, spoke of his enthusiasm in joining Chesterfield:
“I was impressed with Chesterfield’s inspiring first season in Division three, they have only been promoted but they are challenging for promotion already. I’m excited about joining an up and coming club like Chesterfield; I want to make my mark on this team. I like how the manager gives young players an opportunity to shine in his side; I will do my best to show the boss that I am worth a shot in the first team”
The final addition made was Croatian international Domagoj Vida, 24 who
joins from Division Three rivals Birmingham City for $6 million. Known for his
ability to adapt to multiple positions, Chesterfield’s need for another central
defender with Vladmidir Granant injured for the remainder of the season and San
Jose not being match fit, Vida looks like an ideal signing.
Mainly used as a substitute at Birmingham City, Vida sought another team
to try to break into the first XI “I wanted an opportunity to show what I could
do and Chesterfield gave me such a chance. Chesterfield are a good side that
has done very well in their first season, I hope I can contribute to help them
in their promotion bid”
With
subsequent additions, Chesterfield looks to be making a strong push for
promotion this season.
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