'We are clearly not where we need to be but at this stage we are on track' - update on the financial health of Chesterfield FC

That was the message from benefactor Sharon Kirk as the question of balance sheets was raised at this week’s fans’ forum at the SMH Group Stadium.

Chesterfield have been stabilised and improved by the support of the Kirk family in recent years and spending on the team has gone in alongside measured improvements to the club’s infrastructure at the training ground and stadium.

Although making the leap to becoming a business that can pay its own way is a bigger ask in a climate of rising costs, Sharon told the audience she is confident the club is making the right moves.

“We have made massive progress over the last 12 months in terms of really focussing on trying to get the stadium in a position where we have a good product to go out and sell, focussing on events, which is very important to our revenue.

"In terms of our costs we have done a good, thorough review of where our costs are. We have worked with the coaching staff to set budgets to stick to so we are going in the right direction.

"We are clearly not where we need to be but at this stage we are on track, so I am very confident about it.”

Starting from the 2027/28 season, all clubs across the Premier League, EFL and top tier of the National League must obtain and maintain an operating licence from the Independent Football Regulator in order to compete and it includes, among other things, submitting “viable, stress-tested financial models and to operate within an approved budget”.

“We are very sensible,” added Sharon. “The board is very focussed on ensuring that everything we do is in the best interests for the club in future and in working with the Independent Football Regulator when we have got to comply.

"All of that helps and there’s a structure to it, which is important.”

She was joined on the forum panel by manager Paul Cook, CEO John Croot and chairman Ashley Kirk.

In light of the requirements of the IFR, Mr Kirk said it was “an interesting time” for football throughout the the EFL.

"We are not (self) sustainable yet, but we are aiming to be,” he said. “The only reason we are sustainable is sitting next to me (Sharon) and everyone should realise that and be grateful for it.

"There is a big discussion going on between clubs in the EFL about how to sort this out. I have my own views as to what I think the way forward should be.

"People grumble about teams like Salford (and their spending), but if local millionaires want to gather together and throw money at something and there is enough of them to cover all the costs, the Regulator isn’t going to be worried about Salford really.

"What it is worried about is making sure clubs like ours are sustainable and are able to continue playing football every Saturday, because it is such a valuable community asset.

"There are changes coming to football from the Regulator which will make all clubs move quickly towards sustainability.

"We are working towards it but some clubs, not all of them, have a little bit of their heads in the sand about what’s coming.”