Willie Kirk, the former manager of Leicester City Women, is seeking a second chance in football after his controversial dismissal from the club last year. Kirk, 46, was sacked on March 28, 2024, after admitting to a relationship with a player, a breach of the team’s code of conduct. This incident has left him struggling to find work in the Women’s Super League (WSL) and Championship, as he claims he has not received a single interview despite applying for numerous positions.
Reflecting on his situation, Kirk admitted, "I have applied for every WSL and Championship vacancy since I lost my job, apart from Arsenal and Manchester City. I never got one interview." He expressed his understanding of the backlash against him, stating, "I let myself down in terms of what happened at Leicester. I understand why clubs haven't wanted to get involved, I can see why people will be upset. But in the grand scheme of things I've not committed a serious crime. There is no jail term, but it feels like there has been a jail term."
Kirk’s journey in women's football spans 14 years, during which he managed clubs including Everton, Bristol City, and Hibernian. He was also an assistant coach at Manchester United under Casey Stoney for six months. His tenure at Leicester began with promise, but he was suspended on March 8, 2024, just before an FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool, to facilitate an internal investigation following a complaint about his conduct.
Despite the personal and professional turmoil that followed, Kirk maintains that he is open to returning to the sport in any capacity, whether in the women’s or men’s game. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in sporting directorship, indicating his desire to remain involved in football, even if it means stepping away from coaching.
"I'm really keen to get back into the game," Kirk said. "In what capacity I am open to that, be it the women's game or the men's game. I have not ticked all the boxes that I wanted to tick in terms of being a head coach and achieving what I want to achieve."
While Kirk acknowledges the seriousness of his actions, he also believes there is a need for redemption in the sport. He stated, "I have never said I shouldn't have been sacked. I knew there was a code of conduct; I signed it like everyone else. As first-team manager, you are there to lead by example." Kirk’s admission of his relationship with the player was a pivotal moment, one that he reflected on with regret. "Sometimes I think I should have denied it and taken it to the grave, but I don't think that would have sat well with me. I admitted it and that was it," he explained.
His relationship with the player, which began while she was recovering from an injury, has raised questions about the ethics of personal relationships in professional sports. Critics, including Lionesses coach Sarina Wiegman, have pointed out that such relationships can create power imbalances within teams, complicating dynamics and potentially leading to conflicts of interest.
Kirk’s dismissal was public and painful, and he has expressed his desire to apologize to his former staff and players. "I wanted the chance to apologize to everybody face-to-face. I think they would have felt very let down," he said, reflecting on his departure from the club. He has only attended two Leicester games since being let go, a decision he made to avoid further discomfort.
Despite the challenges he faces in re-entering the coaching world, Kirk remains hopeful. He has applied for roles abroad, which would allow him to continue co-parenting his four-year-old son with his ex-wife. He has not ruled out international management or even dropping down the leagues for the right opportunity.
"Being part of the evolution of the game, I just want to remain part of it," he stated. Kirk believes that a fresh start in the men’s game could offer him a clean break from the stigma of his past. "It feels I would be allowed to go and do my job and wouldn't be prejudiced against if I get into the men's game and it would be a clean break," he noted.
As he navigates this difficult chapter, Kirk is focused on self-improvement and persistence. "I need to keep doing what I am doing. Keep applying, keep working on myself. It's frustrating but it's also understandable," he said. He is acutely aware of the challenges ahead but remains steadfast in his belief that he deserves another chance. "The statistics show there is a good manager out of work. I get it, but when will somebody say enough is enough, this person deserves a second chance?"
Kirk’s journey serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between personal conduct and professional responsibilities in sports. His story resonates with many who have faced similar challenges, highlighting the need for compassion and understanding in the pursuit of redemption.
