Willie Kirk has been appointed head coach of Women's Super League 2 side Durham, marking his return to English football two years after his dismissal from Leicester City. Kirk was sacked by Leicester in March 2024 after an investigation revealed a physical relationship with a player, a violation of the club's code of conduct. Player-coach relationships are not illegal unless minors are involved.

This appointment comes after Kirk spent a year seeking a new coaching role, applying for numerous vacancies across the WSL and the second division. Durham's announcement did not reference his previous dismissal. Clubs require a code of conduct and a safeguarding officer to obtain a WSL license.

The hiring raises questions about safeguarding and power dynamics in women's football, issues previously highlighted by England manager Sarina Wiegman as "very inappropriate" and "not healthy." BBC Sport has reached out to Durham, the FA, and the PFA for comment.