Saint Lucia international Janoi Donacien is poised for a return to action after a year spent mostly on the sidelines. The former Aston Villa and Ipswich Town defender, capped four times for his country, has re-signed with Chesterfield on a deal running through the end of the English season.
The Choiseul-born 31-year-old made eight appearances for the Spireites last term, having joined in January on a short-term contract. A hamstring injury in March cut his campaign short, but he returned to the League Two club over the summer to complete his rehabilitation.
“I’m delighted to have signed my new contract and I’m thankful to the club for their faith in me,” he told the club’s website. “I can’t wait to get back on the grass, get back in front of our supporters and show what I can do.”
Born in the community of Le Riche in Choiseul, Donacien underwent surgery in 2024, but had not been able to shake off the injury bug. He has more than 300 career appearances for various clubs in England.
Donacien made his long-anticipated national team debut in 2023, and last played for the Piton Boyz during last year’s Concacaf Nations League in Grenada. He started in central midfield in a famous win over Curaçao. The six-foot centre-back and defensive midfielder could be involved in the upcoming Concacaf Friendly Series.
For Chesterfield, he may be in the mix as soon as this weekend, after playing more than an hour against Grimsby Town at midweek, in a Central League Cup reserves game. Donacien came off on 64 minutes, and Grimsby found the game-winning goal a minute later.
Chesterfield’s first team return to action away at Colchester United on Saturday.
