EFL clubs unite to commemorate ‘immense legacy’ of Chesterfield owner Phil Kirk, he was a ‘shining light’

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It is with great regret that we report Chesterfield owner Phil Kirk has died, aged 59, after suffering with illness for the past few months.

Five months ago, it was announced Kirk was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and the football world flooded social media with messages of support for the Chesterfield chief.

Kirk underwent surgery earlier this summer, which was unsuccessful, leading to him going into palliative care to prepare for the end of his life.

Now, it’s been confirmed today that Kirk has died, and clubs and fans across the EFL have united in their grief and commemoration of the great man once more.

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Football fans and EFL clubs pay tribute to Phil Kirk

Taking to Twitter/X, Chesterfield Football Club posted: “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.”

In response, EFL reporter Alan Biggs shared a touching tribute, writing: “A man who who will never be forgotten for his immense legacy to a town and its football team. Also for being a shining example of ownership in the football industry. Thoughts with Phil’s family, friends and all at the club.”

Described as a “true legend”, almost every club in the EFL poured into the comments to share their own messages of support for Kirk, his family, and the League Two club.

“Millwall Football Club extends its heartfelt condolences and support to Phil’s family, friends, and everyone at Chesterfield FC during this deeply sad time. Rest in peace, Phil,” came from the Millwall account.

The Wrexham account posted: “We’re truly sorry to hear this sad news. The thoughts of all at Wrexham AFC are with Phil’s family, friends and everybody associated with Chesterfield FC.”

Elsewhere, the likes of Bradford City, Blackpool, Oxford United, and Plymouth Argyle reached out to share their well wishes.

Clearly, Kirk had a profound impact on the sport, but most of all at Chesterfield, with Spireites fans sharing their own tributes.

One fan wrote: “Thank you Phil for your time, energy, enthusiasm and belief in Chesterfield FC. You will always be a shining light, shining down on your club, from the stars above to the floodlights over the pitch. Your cheeky smile and presence will never be forgotten. RIP Phil. A true Spireite.”

Another added: “A very sad day. Rest in Peace, Phil. A top man who had so much time for everyone and loved the town dearly. Thank you for everything you did for the club. It will never be forgotten and neither will you. Thoughts with his family and friends.”

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Chesterfield can do something special this season

Chesterfield’s next fixture will be the home clash with Crawley Town on Saturday, an event that will be laced with sorrow and pain. However, it will be a wonderful moment for supporters to truly celebrate in unison what Kirk meant to the club and the town.

After gaining promotion from the National League in 2023/24, Chesterfield fought bravely last season and ended up in the play-offs but couldn’t make it past Walsall in the end.

Ahead of the new campaign, we had Chesterfield down as favourites for promotion in our League Two predictions, and under Paul Cook, we firmly believe they can go one better this season and make it out of the division.

There would be no more fitting way to celebrate the legacy of Phil Kirk than for Cook and his players to achieve something so special this season.