sport news Back in the big time! Chesterfield seal return to the EFL as runaway National ... trends now
Nothing sums up Chesterfield's barnstorming return to the Football League better than the lyrics of the players' walk-out music. 'Sun is shining in the sky, there ain't a cloud in sight… it's stopped raining, everybody's in the play… and don't you know, it's a beautiful new day.'
Unlike Electric Light Orchestra's 1977 hit Mr Blue Sky, there have been few blue skies shining down on this club in the last decade, with back-to-back relegations followed by six seasons in abyss of non-league. But finally, it's a beautiful new day in Derbyshire.
Strong winds meant blue skies were more metaphoric than literal, but the corks could eventually be popped to toast to a stellar season for Paul Cook's men. In truth, those champagne bottles have been on ice since long before Christmas.
The Spireites devastatingly missed out on promotion last year when pipped by Notts County in a play-off final penalty shoot-out - but they have not looked back since. Cook was gracious at Wembley that day, noting the better team won. Now there is no doubting his side's supremacy.
Chesterfield had dropped points in five of the previous eight games and missed chances to be crowned champions on trips to Oldham and Halifax. That blip put Wrexham's record points tally from last season out of reach but this team is clearly one of the greatest ever at this level.
Chesterfield sealed their return to the EFL and clinched to the National League title in style
The Spireites' jubilant players celebrated in style on the pitch after the final whistle sounded
Supporters flooded onto the field to toast their side's inevitable rise back out of non-league
Cook is the mastermind, this the 57-year-old's fourth promotion as a manager - one in his previous stint here to go with others at Portsmouth and Wigan - plus two as a player at Burnley and Accrington.
The Scouser dedicated the win to his late father, and said: 'I've got to say, I lost my dad about two years ago and it would have been his birthday today. I am delighted, I really am, delighted for the supporters.
'When I came
