Leicester City Women have announced the dismissal of manager Willie Kirk following an internal investigation into an alleged relationship with a player. Kirk, 45, had been suspended from his role earlier in the month as the club conducted its inquiry.
His absence from the touchline during Leicester’s last three matches was notable, with assistant manager Jennifer Foster and first-team coach Stephen Kirby taking temporary charge of the team.
The 45-year-old was suspended from his post earlier this month, with a spokesperson for City confirming he was “assisting the club with an internal process”. He has been absent from the touchline for Leicester’s last three matches, with assistant manager Jennifer Foster and first-team coach Stephen Kirby taking charge of the team in his absence.
And the club confirmed they have parted ways with Kirk in a statement on Thursday. “In Leicester City Football Club can confirm that Willie Kirk has been dismissed from his position as LCFC Women Manager,” a Leicester spokesperson said.
“Following an extensive internal disciplinary process and respecting the Club’s obligations to individual privacy, Willie was determined to have breached the team’s code of conduct to a degree that makes his position untenable.
“Established and implemented ahead of the start of the current season, the code forms part of the Club’s ongoing commitment to professionalising the women’s game since the takeover of LCFC Women in 2020, promoting a performance-led culture among players, coaches and technical staff.
“First Team responsibilities for LCFC Women will continue to be led by Jennifer Foster, supported by Stephen Kirby, while the Club begins the process of appointing a new permanent manager.”
The decision to part ways with Kirk underscores Leicester’s commitment to upholding professional standards within their women’s team. The club emphasized its dedication to promoting a performance-led culture among players, coaches, and technical staff, as outlined in their code of conduct implemented ahead of the current season.
Jennifer Foster will continue to lead the first team, with support from Stephen Kirby, while Leicester City begins the search for a new permanent manager to fill the role vacated by Kirk.
Kirk’s tenure at Leicester City Women began in 2022 when he joined the club as director of football. He assumed the managerial position in November of that year, succeeding Lydia Bedford.
Despite facing the challenge of steering the team to safety in the Women’s Super League (WSL), Kirk managed to achieve this feat last season, demonstrating his coaching abilities and tactical acumen.
The circumstances surrounding Kirk’s suspension have prompted discussions within the women’s football community regarding the appropriateness of relationships between coaches and players.
Several WSL managers have condemned such relationships as inappropriate, citing potential conflicts of interest and ethical concerns. This incident follows the dismissal of Sheffield United manager Jonathan Morgan earlier in the year, amid allegations of a similar nature during his time at Leicester.
Leicester City Women’s decision to take swift action underscores their commitment to maintaining integrity and professionalism within the organization, ensuring that the values and standards of the club are upheld at all levels.