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 first 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 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."

READ MORE: Morecambe appoint youngest boss in top five leagues after dramatic rescue and manager axe

READ MORE: EFL 2025-26 predictions as Championship winners decided with Wrexham and Birmingham chances rated

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."

Chesterfield fans took to social media to pay tribute to Kirk in the wake of his passing. One account on X posted: "Thanks to the Trust, I'll be watching my team on Saturday. Thanks to Phil and Ashley Kirk, I'll be watching them start from second place in League Two, and looking upwards. I hope it comforts the Kirk family to know that every Chesterfield fan shares a version of their loss."

A post from the London Spireites Supporters Group added: "Saviour is a strong word, but I’ll never forget that conversation potchsidr at Wealdstone, I realised you weren’t a saviour. You were just one of us. Thank you Phil."

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.