Chesterfield owner Phil Kirk has inoperable cancer

Phil Kirk first invested in Chesterfield alongside his brother Ashley in March 2022

Chesterfield majority co-owner Phil Kirk has been diagnosed with inoperable cancer.

The local businessman first invested in the Derbyshire club alongside his brother Ashley in March 2022.

The club said in a statement that Phil was still planning to attend the fans' forum scheduled to take place on Friday.

"Over the next few months, he will be receiving treatment to prolong his life, but this is not expected to deliver a cure," they said on the club website.

"Work has already started on a robust long-term financial and governance plan for the club. This will be disclosed in due course but includes material financial backing on and off the pitch and does not include a sale."

Chesterfield were promoted back to the English Football League last season after six years in the National League and are 16th in the League Two table.