Leicester City has terminated the contract of women’s first-team manager Willie Kirk following an assessment that he had breached the team’s code of conduct to an extent that renders his position unsustainable
Leicester City’s 45-year-old women’s team coach, Willie Kirk, was last seen on the sidelines during their 4-0 loss to Chelsea in the Women’s Super League on March 3.
Following this, the club announced that Kirk was undergoing an internal process and would miss their March 9 FA Cup quarter-final.
Assistant women team coach Jennifer Foster, supported by first team coach Stephen Kirby, led the team to a 2-0 victory in Kirk’s absence and has remained in charge since.
They will continue to lead the team until Willie Kirk, who has been accused of being in a relationship with one of his players, is permanently replaced.
LEICESTER STATEMENT
Leicester City Football Club has officially announced the dismissal of Willie Kirk from his role as LCFC Women team coach.
This decision follows a thorough internal disciplinary process, where it was determined that Kirk had violated the team’s code of conduct to an extent that rendered his position unsustainable.
The club emphasized its commitment to professionalizing the women’s game since the takeover of LCFC Women in 2020.
The code of conduct, established and enforced prior to the current season, aims to cultivate a performance-driven culture among players, coaches, and technical staff.
WHO WILL THE NEW WOMEN TEAM COACH?
According to the Metro, The first-team responsibilities for LCFC Women will continue to be led by Jennifer Foster, with support from Stephen Kirby, while the club initiates the process of appointing a new permanent manager.
The topic of player-coach relationships and relationships between teammates has sparked significant debate recently.
England manager Sarina Wiegman addressed the issue, stating that such relationships are “not healthy” and “very inappropriate” in a professional environment.
Wiegman emphasized the importance of maintaining a professional and safe environment focused on performance, expressing the view that such relationships should not be accepted.
She highlighted the need for awareness and appropriate conduct within professional settings.
