Chesterfield owner Phil Kirk, 59, dies after short illness as tributes pour in

Chesterfield have confirmed that the club's owner, Phil Kirk, has died at the age of 59 following a battle with cancer.

The League Two side announced back in March that Kirk, who invested in the club alongside his brother and co-owner, Ashley, back in 2022, had been diagnosed with inoperable cancer.

And it was made public earlier this month that Kirk had entered palliative care after treatment for his cancer was unsuccessful.

The club confirmed the sad news of his passing in a brief statement on Monday morning, which read: "It is with great sadness that we announce that the club’s owner, Phil Kirk, has died at the age of 59, following a short illness. Our thoughts are with Phil’s family and friends."

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The EFL also paid tribute to Kirk, saying: "Chesterfield Football Club has announced with great sadness that club owner Phil Kirk has passed away at the age of 59.

"Under his stewardship, Chesterfield achieved promotion back to the EFL in 2024, marking a proud return to the EFL, before reaching the Sky Bet League Two Play-Offs last season.

"The EFL extends its deepest sympathies to Phil’s family, friends, and everyone connected with Chesterfield Football Club at this difficult time."

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