Chesterfield FC Prepare for 2026/27 Campaign Amid Coaching Changes

Chesterfield FC Prepare for 2026/27 Campaign Amid Coaching Changes

By Spireites Reporter | June 11, 2026

Chesterfield Football Club is entering a new phase as they gear up for the 2026/27 Sky Bet League Two season following a solid 2025/26 campaign that saw them finish sixth and reach the play-offs. With manager Paul Cook at the helm, the Spireites are focused on building on their momentum while navigating recent changes in the coaching staff.

On Monday, June 8, the club announced the departure of first-team coach Kieron Dyer, who has taken up the role of head coach at National League side Southend United. Dyer, who joined Chesterfield in 2023 and contributed significantly over three seasons, leaves with the best wishes of everyone at the SMH Group Stadium. The club has confirmed they have no immediate plans to replace him, opting instead to maintain stability within the existing backroom team as pre-season preparations intensify.

Despite the change, optimism remains high at the club. Chairman and owner Ashley Kirk has expressed satisfaction with season ticket sales for the upcoming campaign, which are now on sale and showing strong early figures. Fans are eager to back the team as they aim for another promotion push after narrowly missing out last season. The family stand relocation as part of the ongoing Project 9,000 initiative is also generating positive interest among supporters.

One of the highlights of the summer so far was the 2026/27 kit launch event held at the SMH Group Stadium. The new home and away strips were revealed to an enthusiastic crowd, with players from both the men's and women's first teams in attendance. The event featured live music, hot food, and family-friendly activities, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The kits are now available for purchase, and early feedback from fans has been largely positive, praising the modern designs that honour the club's heritage.

Pre-season friendlies have been announced, including fixtures against local side Clay Cross Town on July 4 and FC Halifax Town on July 14. These matches will provide vital minutes for the squad as they build fitness and cohesion ahead of the new League Two season. The club has also launched junior development squads as an extension of their Category Four academy, signalling a continued commitment to youth development.

Looking ahead, Chesterfield will participate in League Two, the FA Cup, EFL Cup, and EFL Trophy. After a competitive 2025/26 season where they accumulated 79 points, the focus will be on strengthening the squad through targeted signings and quality loan recruits. Recent transfer speculation suggests the club is monitoring several options to bolster their attacking and defensive options.

Paul Cook and his players will be determined to go one step further than last season's play-off exit. The Spireites demonstrated resilience throughout 2025/26, and with a loyal fanbase growing through initiatives like the renewed Auto Windscreens sponsorship, the club is well-positioned for success.

As the summer transfer window opens and training ramps up, Chesterfield FC remains ambitious. Supporters are encouraged to secure their season tickets early to secure their place for what promises to be another exciting chapter in the club's 160-year history. The Spireites faithful will be hoping for a strong start when the 2026/27 League Two fixtures are released in the coming weeks.

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Home of Chesterfield FC

Opened 2010

Capacity 10,504

History (from Wikipedia)

The Dema Glass site emerged as a possible location in October 2004 at a time when the club were already pursuing planning permission to redevelop Wheeldon Mill, the town's former greyhound stadium. Chesterfield Borough Council viewed the site as part of a masterplan to regenerate the A61 corridor, an area to the north of the town centre and including the Chesterfield Canal.[10] Agreement in principle between the club and local authority was struck in February 2005,[11] though progress faced initial delays.[12]

Designs for the proposed new stadium were provided by local architects Ward McHugh Associates who had previously undertaken commissions on the redevelopment of the South Stand at Twickenham and Everton's Goodison Park stadium.[6][13]

Planning permission was granted after a public meeting held on 1 July 2008,[14] with the plans forming part of a wider mixed-use development. The land at the site was handed over to the club in February 2009[15] and, after decontamination, construction officially started on Thursday 23 July 2009, overseen by GB Development Solutions.[16] Separate buildings which formed part of the overall scheme included a Tesco Extra superstore, Tesco petrol station, a KFC, an Enterprise car rental and other office facilities.[1]

The new stadium was handed over to the club in July 2010[17] and granted its full capacity licence from the Safety Advisory Group after hosting two limited capacity games against Derby County and Barnsley.[18]

Name changes[edit]

Initial sponsorship under the name the b2net Stadium was revealed on 14 August 2009.[19] However, after two seasons and following the acquisition of b2net by Swedish company Proact,[20] the renaming of the stadium to the 'Proact Stadium' was officially announced on 13 August 2012.[21] Due to UEFA restrictions, when it hosts England youth matches it is known as Chesterfield FC Stadium.[22]

The Proact Stadium, which will become the Technique Stadium effective August 2020.[23]

Things to do in Chesterfield.