Leicester women’s manager SACKED after probe into alleged relationship with own player
LEICESTER have sacked manager Willie Kirk following an investigation into an alleged relationship with one of his own players.
Ex-Everton boss Kirk, 45, had been suspended since March 8 while the investigation was being conducted by the club.
Assistant Jennifer Foster and first-team coach Stephen Kirby have taken over during Kirk’s absence – during which time Leicester have lost all three matches.
Now Kirk has been dismissed by the Women’s Super League club.
A club statement read: “Leicester City Football Club can confirm that Willie Kirk has been dismissed from his position as LCFC Women Manager.
“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.
It is the second time a women’s team manager has been investigated and sacked this season.
Sheffield United dismissed Jonathan Morgan after information came to light concerning an alleged relationship with a player during his tenure as Leicester boss, before the team became affiliated with the men’s club.
Aston Villa boss Carla Ward, whose team host Leicester on Saturday, believes relationships between footballers and their managers should be a sackable offence.
Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall described them as “very inappropriate”, while he called on football authorities, clubs and associations to address safeguarding.
And Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman also shared her concerns on the issue, stating the need for “regulations” to be introduced.
Kirk arrived at Leicester in July 2022 as director of football.
He then replaced Lydia Bedford as manager that November and has held the position ever since.
They were on a six-match pointless run when he took charge but he helped them to beat the drop and guided them to a 10th place finish.
Kirk started his managerial career in Scotland at Hibernian.
After a brief spell with Scottish non-league Preston Athletic’s men’s side, he then entered management in the WSL.
He enjoyed three years in charge of Bristol City but left to sign for Manchester United as Casey Stoney’s assistant.
However, he did not stay long with the Red Devils as just six months later he was off to become boss of Everton in December 2018.
He was sacked after recording just two wins from their opening five games of the 2021/22 season.
Kirk is yet to comment publicly regarding the shock allegations.
Leicester sit ninth in the WSL, 10 points above the relegation place with just five games remaining.
But they have not won in four games in all competitions since their 5-2 win over Bristol City on February 18.