Tom Naylor (born 28 June 1991) is an English professional footballer who plays as either a defensive midfielder or a centre-back for EFL League Two club Chesterfield.

Born in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, Naylor, originally a midfielder who was converted to central defender, started his career off with English club Mansfield Town by signing his first professional deal in March 2009, and made his first-team debut against Altrincham in the penultimate game of the 2008–09 season.

In October 2010, Naylor had a short loan spell with Alfreton Town where he played 3 games and helped the club stay unbeaten in all three.

With a year left to run on his contract in May 2011 he got interest from Championship clubs such as Leeds United, Hull City and Preston North End.

[4] Nigel Clough publicly praised Naylor for the progress made during the 2 months he spent on loan and this resulted in him being called up to the first team.

[9] In the game against Cardiff City on 17 April 2012, Naylor was substituted at half time after picking up a tight hamstring as Brayford made his first team return.

[10] Despite all of his first team appearances in the 2011–12 season being from right back, Derby manager Nigel Clough said that he intended to play Naylor in the 2012–13 season in central defence and with the season-long injury of Shaun Barker and sale of Shackell to Burnley, Clough stated his faith in Naylor's ability to become a first team regular at Championship level as a central defender.

[11] However, after falling down the pecking order at Derby, Naylor joined Football League Two outfit Bradford City on a two-month loan deal on 16 November.

Despite there being a shortage of defenders due to injury and suspension upon his return Derby, Naylor was made available for loan and it was reported that he turned down a move to Grimsby Town.

[19] Naylor played a total of 16 games for Grimsby, as their promotion chase ended with a 2–0 aggregate defeat to Newport County in the play-off semi-finals.