Willie Kirk has been appointed head coach of women's second-tier side Durham, marking his return to English football management two years after his dismissal from Leicester City. Kirk was sacked by Leicester in April 2024 following an internal disciplinary process that found he had breached the team's code of conduct due to a relationship with a player.
Kirk's tenure at Leicester began in 2022 as director of football before he took over as manager later that year. His dismissal followed an investigation after a staff member from another Women's Super League club reported him. Player-coach relationships are not illegal unless minors are involved. Kirk acknowledged the relationship to the Daily Mail Sport in 2024, stating he knew it was wrong and felt like a criminal. He admitted to the relationship and was dismissed for gross misconduct, with an appeal unsuccessful. The player involved remains at the club.
Following his dismissal, Kirk spent two years working in Sweden with Linkoping and Djurgardens IF. This appointment with Durham is his first role back in England since leaving Leicester. Durham's statement regarding the appointment did not reference the circumstances of his departure from his previous club. The FA and PFA have been contacted for comment by the Daily Mail Sport.
Kirk's situation at Leicester sparked a broader discussion about player-coach relationships in football. Former Chelsea women's head coach Emma Hayes described such relationships as inappropriate, while former Aston Villa head coach Carla Ward emphasized the duty to protect players and create a safe working environment. Reaction on social media to Kirk's appointment at Durham has been largely critical, with many questioning the club's decision-making process.
Kirk, 48, has a lengthy history in the women's game, having previously managed Everton, Bristol City, and Hibernian, and served as an assistant coach at Manchester United. Durham finished 10th in WSL2 last season, and head coach Adam Furness transitioned to a new role within the club in March.
Durham's future was recently secured when South Shields co-owner Geoff Thompson agreed to a majority shareholding deal, preventing the club from ceasing operations. Kirk expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating his belief in fostering an environment where players are challenged, supported, and driven to improve, and his excitement to build upon the club's existing foundations.