Chesterfield majority co-owner Phil Kirk has been diagnosed with inoperable cancer, the club announced today.
The 58-year-old businessman, who first invested in the Derbyshire club alongside his brother Ashley in March 2022, received the devastating diagnosis recently.
The brothers, who are from Chesterfield, became majority owners of the club and have been instrumental in its recent fortunes.
Kirk and his brother helped guide the Spireites back to the Football League last season after six years in the National League.
Chesterfield made the announcement on social media
PA
In a statement on the club website, Chesterfield FC said: “Over the next few months, he will be receiving treatment to prolong his life, but this is not expected to deliver a cure.”
The club has asked supporters to “give Phil and his family some time and space” during this difficult period.
Messages of support have flooded in from fans and clubs, with the EFL stating: “Our thoughts are with Phil, his family and everyone at the Club.”
Despite his diagnosis, Kirk is still planning to attend the club’s Fans’ Forum scheduled for Friday.
The club confirmed his attendance in their statement, showing Kirk’s continued commitment to Chesterfield FC during this challenging time.
Fans have rallied behind Kirk following the announcement, with supporters expressing their support on social media.
One fan wrote on X: “Why must this happen to the good guys. Phil is most definitely one of the great ones, my thoughts are with him and his family at this terribly distressing time.”
The club has moved to reassure supporters about its future, stating: “Work has already started on a robust long-term financial and governance plan for the club.”
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Chesterfield majority co-owner Phil Kirk has been diagnosed with inoperable cancer
Chesterfield
This plan will be disclosed in due course and includes “material financial backing on and off the pitch.”
Importantly, the club emphasised that the financial plan “does not include a sale” of Chesterfield FC.
The Kirk brothers have invested significantly in the club since 2022, with reports suggesting they pumped over £1 million into the then National League side.