Chesterfield FC is creating a new supporters' group to provide a more diverse range of fans with increased input into regular club operations. This initiative is connected to its goal of being an early test case for the forthcoming Independent Football Regulator.
Chairman Ashley Kirk detailed the proposals during the yearly fans' forum held at the SMH Group Stadium. Kirk stated, "One thing we will be doing in the next few months is to liaise heavily with fans." He described the intention to assemble a cross-section of supporters from different stadium areas, representing various ages and backgrounds, for the board to interact with.
He further noted, "We have this fans’ forum and we have the forum that meets on the other side of the stadium but we need to put together at some point a group that represents the whole fan group."
Regulator requirements
Starting with the 2027/28 campaign, every club in the Premier League, EFL, and National League's top division must secure a license from the Independent Football Regulator. This license demands adherence to criteria covering financial health, management, diversity, and supporter involvement, which includes forming an official fan group for ongoing dialogue.
Chesterfield has offered to serve as a test club for the regulator. Chief Executive John Croot was present at an EFL gathering this week that touched on the pilot scheme. The club aims to secure a pilot license this season, with a session planned for next month to assess an initial strategy document.
Kirk mentioned that a function of the new body is to safeguard the club from decisions by owners or board members that could diverge from supporter priorities. He pointed to possible fan input on matters such as ticket costs, the matchday atmosphere, and communications from the club's media department.
The current Chesterfield FC Supporters' Forum organizes monthly sessions at the ground to collect opinions, but forming the new, more inclusive group is still a key objective. The emphasis on fan consultation occurs while the senior team is positioned in the middle of the League Two table. The side faces a home match against York, who are near the top of the division. The team's performances lately, having secured a single victory in its most recent five league games, underline the value of consistency in all areas. Supporters will hope for an encouraging outcome in future matches to generate some forward motion. The present league situation indicates a tough beginning, and the new fan representation will be among various elements the directors will evaluate when examining how the campaign is unfolding.
This story first appeared at Derbyshire Times
