Chesterfield heartbreakingly announce owner Phil Kirk's cancer treatment hasn't worked and he'll enter palliative care
Phil, who co-owns the League Two club with brother Ashley Kirk, will now enter palliative care.
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A club statement announcing the heartbreaking news read: "Chesterfield Football Club owner Phil Kirk has been undergoing treatment for cancer in recent months.
"Sadly, despite the best efforts of his medical team, the treatment has not been successful. Phil is now entering a period of palliative care.
"Phil and his family remain deeply committed to the ongoing support of the club and its community.
"The club will continue to operate as normal, and we are united in ensuring Phil's vision and values remain at the heart of everything we do."
Phil was diagnosed with inoperable cancer in March.
The outlook at the time was grim, and sadly the latest updates confirmed the club's worst fears.
A club statement at the beginning of his treatment stated: "Over the next few months, he will be receiving treatment to prolong his life, but this is not expected to deliver a cure."
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Fans and clubs from around the EFL have come forward with their condolences following the heartbreaking update.
One Spireite fan gave testimony on X of the positive influence Phil and Ashley have had on the club since taking over in 2022.
They said: "In all the 72 years of watching Chesterfield FC this is the saddest news I can ever remember coming from our club.
"This man has made this club loved by young and old Phil this club and fans will never forget you."
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Another fan added: This is deeply sad news. Phil, Ashley & everyone involved should be proud of the work done at town since their involvement.
"His legacy will continue and town are in a much better place than when the Kirk family invested. Thoughts go to all."
Since taking over, the brothers have invested over a million pounds on their way to earning the club promotion to the EFL at the end of the 2023-24 season.
Their impressive campaign last season, their first in the EFL in six years, saw them earn their way into the playoffs with a seventh-place finish, where they were knocked out by Walsall.
Their steady rise through the footballing pyramid, and the number of touching tributes from fans and rivals, is symbolic of the passion and the positive influence that the brothers have brought to the community in their limited time with the club thus far.
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