Willie Kirk appointed head coach of Durham women's team
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 7, 2026, 11:09 AM
Last updated Jul 7, 2026
Willie Kirk has been appointed head coach of Durham in Women's Super League 2 on July 7, 2026. This follows his dismissal from Leicester City Women two years ago for breaching a conduct code by having a relationship with a player. Durham's statement did not reference this dismissal. Kirk expressed excitement for the role and aims to create a supportive and challenging environment for the team. Previously, Durham finished 10th in WSL 2 and made plans for a new head coach after Adam Furness's transition to another club role. Kirk has a history of managing in women's soccer, including stints with Everton and Hibernian.
- •Kirk joins Durham after managing in Sweden's top division.
- •He previously led Leicester to safety in the WSL.
- •Durham aims to build on their 10th-place finish last season.
- •Kirk's return marks his first role in English football since his sacking.
- 12:05 PMYahoo Sports — Durham appoint Kirk as new head coach
- 11:09 AMYahoo Sports — Kirk named Durham boss two years after Leicester sacking
- 11:09 AMBBC Football — Kirk named Durham boss two years after Leicester sacking
"Durham have appointed Willie Kirk as their new head coach.WSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official club press release from The Wildcats this morning.The 48-year-old returns to the Engli...
"Willie Kirk has been appointed head coach of WSL 2 side Durham two years after he was sacked by Leicester City Women's team for having a relationship with a player.
"Willie Kirk has been appointed head coach of WSL 2 side Durham two years after he was sacked by Leicester City Women's team for having a relationship with a player.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 7, 2026, 12:05 PMDurham appoint Kirk as new head coach
Durham have appointed Willie Kirk as their new head coach.WSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official club press release from The Wildcats this morning.The 48-year-old returns to the Engli...
- Yahoo SportsJul 7, 2026, 11:09 AMKirk named Durham boss two years after Leicester sacking
Willie Kirk has been appointed head coach of WSL 2 side Durham two years after he was sacked by Leicester City Women's team for having a relationship with a player.
- BBC FootballJul 7, 2026, 11:09 AMKirk named Durham boss two years after Leicester sacking
Willie Kirk has been appointed head coach of WSL 2 side Durham two years after he was sacked by Leicester City Women's team for having a relationship with a player.
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