Tragedy Strikes English Football As Popular Club Owner Passes Away, Club Confirms With Statement
- Chesterfield co-owner Phil Kirk has died at 59 after a battle with cancer, the English club has confirmed
- Kirk helped guide Chesterfield back to the English Football League in 2024 after several years in the lower division
- The late Chesterfield co-owner will be remembered as a visionary businessman and beloved football figure
Chesterfield Football Club has been thrown into mourning following the death of co-owner Phil Kirk at the age of 59.
The League Two side confirmed the heartbreaking news in an official statement, describing Kirk’s passing as “a moment of great sadness” for the entire club and community.
Source: Getty Images
According to the BBC, Kirk, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer in March, had been receiving treatment before entering palliative care in recent weeks.
Despite his illness, the passionate Chesterfield co-owner remained closely connected to the club he helped steer to success alongside his brother Ashley.
This comes just weeks after Charlton Athletic confirmed the death of one of the club's academy players, 10-year-old Ethan Ade-Oduwale.
Another teenage English footballer also died while on holiday in Italy after he was thrown in a river by four friends, sparking outrage in England.
A visionary investor and football leader
Phil Kirk first became involved with Chesterfield in 2022 when he and his brother Ashley, invested in the club, Yahoo Sports reports.
His arrival marked the beginning of a new era for the League Two side, as he combined business experience with a deep commitment to the team and its supporters.
Under Kirk’s ownership, Chesterfield celebrated a vibrant return to the English Football League (EFL) in 2024, a landmark moment that ended years of pushing for promotion.
The club also reached the League Two Play-Offs, further demonstrating the progress made under his leadership.
This season, Chesterfield have made a strong start, winning four of their first five matches and currently sitting second in the League Two table.
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A life beyond football
Before stepping into football ownership, Kirk had already made a name for himself in the UK energy sector.
Source: Getty Images
He was a co-founder of Chrysaor, one of the country’s largest independent oil and gas companies, and later served as President & CEO Europe of Harbour Energy.
His success in business reflected his approach, leadership skills, and resilience, qualities he carried into football ownership.
Colleagues and friends have described him as a driven yet compassionate leader who was committed to giving back to the community.
Chesterfield pay tribute to late owner
Chesterfield’s official statement captured the heartbreak felt across the football community:
“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.”
Supporters have taken to social media to express their condolences, paying tribute to Kirk’s role in reviving the club’s fortunes and strengthening its bond with the fans.
Many noted that his legacy would be remembered not only in Chesterfield’s return to the EFL but also in the sense of pride he restored to the community.
African football legend dies in his home
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that former Zimbabwean international and well-known striker, Tendai Ndoro, has tragically passed away at the age of 40.
Reports indicate he was found unresponsive at his apartment in Johannesburg on Monday, though the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear.
Source: Legit.ng
