HUDDERSFIELD Town could come face to face with old boy Gary Roberts in their opening pre-season friendly.

That’s after the winger signed a three-year deal at Chesterfield, who host Mark Robins’ side on Saturday, July 13.

Roberts turned down a new Town deal to leave for Swindon on two-year terms 12 months ago, but was released from the remainder of his contract.

And Chesterfield chief executive Chris Turner believes the League II club have got the best left winger outside the Premier League.

The 29-year-old Liverpudlian made 44 appearances and scored four times for Swindon after 39 goals in 192 games for Town.

The one-time Liverpool trainee who played in the non-leagues before helping Accrington reach the Football League was signed from Ipswich by Stan Ternent in a £250,000 deal in July 2008.

“Gary is a quality signing – I don’t think there’s anybody outside the Premier League who is better on the left wing,” said Turner.

“The left-hand side has been unbalanced for a long time and the addition of Gary will further strengthen the firepower as he creates and scores goals.

“(Manager) Paul Cook has patiently waited for the deal to be done as he was very keen to bring Gary in. Our chairman Dave Allen has provided some great support to ensure the conclusion of the deal.”

Roberts becomes Chesterfield’s fourth close-season capture after Hibs striker Eoin Doyle, Scunthorpe midfielder Jimmy Ryan and Belper goalkeeper Aaron Chapman.

Chesterfield kick-off their league campaign at Bury on Saturday, August 3 and have a plum Capital One Cup first-round tie against Leeds at Elland Road on Wednesday 7.

Their first friendly is away to Buxton, managed by former Town defender Martin McIntosh, on Saturday, July 6.

Dulwich Hamlet, already looking forward to a pre-season clash with Town Under 21s as part of the deal which brought striker Daniel Carr to the John Smith’s, have fixed up a plum friendly against Crystal Palace.

The Premier League new boys will visit Champion Hill on Tuesday, August 6 and have pledged to send a strong side.

Dulwich are also playing Millwall and Dagenham & Redbridge.