Saint Lucian Defender Donacien Gets a Fresh Start

Saint Lucia international defender Janoi Donacien is resuming his career in England, after a lengthy hiatus due to injury. The 31-year-old former Ipswich Town defender has signed for League Two side Chesterfield, where he’ll be reunited with ex-Blues boss Paul Cook. 

Born in the community of Le Riche in Choiseul, Donacien was a free agent after being released by Town at the end of last season, but he remained in Suffolk to build his fitness while searching for a new club. He has more than 300 career appearances for various clubs.

The six-foot centre-back has made four appearances for Saint Lucia, after a late start to his international career, making his debut in 2023. He started in central midfield for head coach Stern John and the Piton Boyz in their famous win last September over Curaçao.

Unfortunately, that was Donacien’s last official action for the season. After helping Town to Premier League promotion last season, the versatile defender will also reunite with right-sided midfielder Wes Burns and Town legend Kieron Dyer.

“It feels good to have got it all done and I’m ready to go,” said Donacien. “I’ve been in contact with the gaffer and ‘KD’ (Dyer) for a while now and they’ve been keeping tabs on me.

“He [Cook] brought me back in and he helped me a lot. It will be good to play under him again.”

Donacien also came in for praise from Blues boss Kieran McKenna. 

“He had a big part to play in the squad last year and started the season really well at right-back,” said McKenna. “Then, unfortunately, had injuries last season, so wasn’t able to play as much as we would’ve liked, but he had a massive part to play behind the scenes.

“He’s just a great guy, a positive energy, a great vibe all the time. He was really good in the dressing room and has written his place in the history of the football club, like so many others in that group.

“He had his operation in the summer, which thankfully fixed the issue that he missed last season with. He’s been in a pretty good position health-wise this season and has trained with us for the last few months. Apart from one or two minor side issues, his fitness has been great and he’s looked good in training. He’s just really keen to go out and get some games now,” McKenna added.

Based in Derbyshire, the Spireites presently sit 10th in League Two.

Photo caption: Janoi Donacien (left) will resume his career with Chesterfield.