Former Portsmouth, Ipswich and Wigan boss Paul Cook shows his class in newly-released footage of Chesterfield's season-opener at Dorking Wanderers

After guiding the Blues to the League Two title at the end of the 2016-17 season, he remains hugely respected by sections of supporters – despite swapping Fratton Park for Wigan’s DW Stadium just days after that much-heralded promotion.

The friendly and congenial character – who, let’s be honest, isn’t afraid to be confrontational when he needs to be as well – also remains popular elsewhere in the game.

And it’s easy to see why from newly-released footage of the now Chesterfield manager.

Bunch of Amateurs have been charting Dorking Wanderers’ recent success with their ‘Dorking Uncovered’ series on Youtube.

The Surrey outfit currently find themselves 11th in the National League following 12 promotions since they were founded in 1999.

Their debut campaign in the fifth tier of English football started with a 2-2 draw at home to Cook’s Spireites.

Yet the former Blues boss showed his class and without-airs persona by congratulating Dorking boss and owner Marc White on his side’s impressive rise through the ranks before that fixture at Meadowbank.

He also provided some words of advice and offered to help the division’s newest members in any way as they continue their journey.

When greeted by White ahead of kick-off, Cook can be heard saying on the Bunch of Amateurs clip: ‘You’re doing great, well done. It’s amazing.

‘Listen, you’ll get there and as you climb the leagues, that honesty and camaraderie that every club needs, it disperses.

‘After today, if yous need any help with anything just give us a ring.

‘Come and have a beer after the game.

‘Listen, anything you need after, we’ll help you with.’

Pompey fan @dazza_nics commented after seeing the footage on Twitter by saying: ‘Whatever we think of Paul Cook, fair play for this.

‘He doesn’t have to do it, doesn’t have to offer support. Love to see it! #Pompey’.

Whether or not Cook met White after the game for a beer remains unclear – after all, Dorking came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 in a game that saw the visitors get two players sent off.

Meanwhile, it seems the National League new-boys don’t need much help either, with the side sitting comfortable in mid-table thanks to some notable scalps – including wins against current league leaders Notts County, Barnet, Dagenham & Redbridge and most recently Wealdstone.

And all without top striker Alfie Rutherford, with the Portsmouth-born front man currently out with an ACL injury.