Leicester City have fired women’s first-team manager Willie Kirk after determining that the Scot had ‘breached the team’s code of conduct to such an extent that his job is untenable’.
The 45-year-old last led the Foxes to a 4-0 loss to Chelsea in the Women’s Super League on March 3, after which the club revealed Kirk was ‘assisting the club with an internal process’ and will not be on the touchline for their FA Cup quarter-final on March 9.
Jennifer Foster, Kirk’s then-assistant, oversaw the 2-0 victory alongside first-team coach Stephen Kirby, and has been in charge ever since.
They will continue in control until Kirk, who is reported to have a relationship with one of his players, is permanently replaced.
According to a Leicester City Football Club announcement, Willie Kirk has been sacked from his job as LCFC Women Manager.
‘Following a long internal disciplinary procedure that respected the Club’s obligations to individual privacy, Willie was found to have violated the team’s code of conduct to such an extent that his position is untenable.
‘Established and implemented prior to the start of the current season, the code is part of the Club’s continued commitment to professionalising the women’s game since taking over LCFC Women in 2020, supporting a performance-driven culture among players, coaches, and technical staff.
‘First Team responsibilities for LCFC Women will continue to be directed by Jennifer Foster, with help from Stephen Kirby, whilst the Club searches for a new permanent manager.’
In recent weeks, there has been much debate over player-coach ties, as well as relationships among teammates.
Sarina Wiegman, England’s manager, was questioned on the matter earlier this week, and she claimed that player-coach relationships are ‘not healthy’ and’very wrong’.
I believe player-coach relationships are extremely inappropriate. I don’t think we should accept it; it’s unhealthy,’ Weigman added.
“I believe that our workplace is professional, that everything revolves around performance, and that it should always be safe.
‘Things can happen, but they are inappropriate, and we should all be aware of this.’
When asked if a ban should be enacted, Weigman said: “I think it is common sense; we all know that if we are in this environment, it is really inappropriate, and I think if we all take our responsibility, things won’t happen – but when it happens too often, you need regulations.”
I’ll leave that to others. I just hope that is how we work in every environment where I work, and that we always discuss safe environments.
‘This is one of the things that should be very safe, and everyone should be well aware of their responsibilities.’
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