Chesterfield FC have positioned themselves as an early adopter of the Independent Football Regulator's pilot licensing scheme. The club has engaged constructively with the IFR ahead of the formal mandate that will apply to all clubs from the 2027/28 season.
Chairman Ashley Kirk detailed a visit from the regulator to the SMH Group Stadium this week. "We had a really constructive meeting," Kirk said. He noted the IFR's interest in the club's fan engagement work and how embedded the directors are in the town. A tour of the stadium showed recent capital investments, which the regulator saw as aligning with Chesterfield's business plan.
IFR framework and Chesterfield’s preparedness
From the 2027/28 season, all 116 clubs across the Premier League, EFL and National League top tier must obtain an operating licence. The requirements cover financial sustainability, governance, diversity and fan engagement. Kirk believes Chesterfield are well ahead of most other clubs in the pilot process. "The formal license procedure opens in November and because we have had a go at it we are well-placed to kick on and get our application in smartish," he explained.
The club is actively adopting reforms, including a more robust governance policy and a focus on driving costs down. Kirk acknowledged the club is not yet financially sustainable but aims to reach that point within a couple of years. "Some people can ignore it, some people can fight against it. We have decided to embrace it," he stated, emphasizing the importance of having a club for supporters every Saturday.
On-field progress supports off-field ambition
This off-field initiative coincides with positive momentum on the pitch. Chesterfield currently sit 8th in League Two with 14 points from nine games, just two points off the top. Their recent form reads WLDWW, including a 4-2 victory over Tranmere last time out.
International recognition for young players also reflects well on the club's direction. This week, Danny Anisjko featured for Latvia U21s and James Sissons played the full match in goal for Malta U21s. The improving Spireites now turn their focus to a key league fixture away at Crawley Town this weekend. A positive result could lift them into the top seven, continuing to build momentum as they prepare their formal IFR application for submission after the process opens in November. Check the details of the upcoming fixtures.
This story first appeared at Derbyshire Times
