Having served at Bramall Lane firstly as a player and then coach the former Barnsley man teams up with former Blades boss Danny Wilson, who was appointed Chesterfield boss last week, as first team coach - the same position he held with United.
"I have no doubt the players will respond well to his methods,"said Wilson. "As well as being a good organiser, with bags of energy, Chris has a great sense of humour so he is able to relax people. I have no doubt the players will respond well to his coaching methods."