Leicester Women’s Manager Willie Kirk Suspended Following Player Relationship Allegations

By Ysa Panganiban Last updated Mar 9, 2024 Share with new partner:

Leicester City Women’s manager, Willie Kirk, finds himself suspended from duties amidst an ongoing investigation into allegations of a relationship with a player. This development comes as a shock to many, reported by the Guardian on Friday evening.

As a consequence, Kirk will not be leading his team in their upcoming Women’s FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool on Saturday.

In his absence, assistant manager Jennifer Foster and first-team coach Stephen Kirby will be taking the helm for the crucial tie.

The club spokesperson, addressing the situation to Telegraph Sport, stated that Kirk is cooperating with the internal process, with outcomes to be determined in due course. Efforts to reach Kirk and his representatives for comment on the matter have been made.

Kirk Suspended Ahead of FA Cup Clash

Leicester Women's, Manager, Willie Kirk, Sports, US News, Newsbreak — Leicester City Women’s manager, Willie Kirk, finds himself suspended from duties amidst an ongoing investigation into allegations of a relationship with a player. This development comes as a shock to many, reported by the Guardian on Friday evening.

Since assuming the managerial role at Leicester in November 2022, Kirk has played a significant role in steering the team to safety in the top flight, rescuing them from the brink of relegation. Currently,

Leicester sits seventh in the Women’s Super League (WSL), with a comfortable ten-point cushion above the relegation zone.

Kirk brings a wealth of experience to his role, having managed various Women’s Super League clubs including Bristol City and Everton, as well as a stint at Scottish side Hibernian. He also served as an assistant manager at Manchester United.

The news of the investigation has undoubtedly unsettled the Leicester squad, with sources indicating surprise at the developments.

Despite the ongoing scrutiny, Kirk maintained his routine pre-match obligations, including the customary press conference ahead of Leicester’s fixture against Liverpool.

Looking ahead, Leicester faces a challenging schedule, with matches against Tottenham, Brighton, and Aston Villa looming on the horizon.

Echoes of Past Misconduct Amidst Kirk Investigation

This investigation compounds an already tumultuous period for the club, coming just a month after the dismissal of former manager Jonathan Morgan by Sheffield United Women.

Morgan’s departure stemmed from revelations of a past relationship with a player during his tenure at Leicester.

In a candid interview with The Athletic in February, Morgan acknowledged the relationship with a Leicester City player, though the player’s identity remained undisclosed to protect her privacy.

Allegations of impropriety were leveled against Morgan, with the player’s mother asserting that the relationship began when her daughter was 17, accusing Morgan of exploiting her “immaturity.” Morgan countered, stating that the player was 18 at the time of their involvement.

The investigation into Kirk’s conduct casts a shadow over Leicester City Women’s team, raising questions about professionalism and boundaries within the sport.

As the inquiry progresses, the club and its stakeholders await the resolution, hoping for clarity and closure amidst the uncertainty.