Willie Kirk


Willie Kirk is a Scottish football coach who is the manager of FA WSL club Everton.

Playing career

Kirk played non-League football for Preston Athletic and agreed to manage the team in the 2014–15 Lowland Football League season.

Coaching career

Livingston FC Academy

Kirk began his managerial career at Livingston FC as an assistant academy coach for the club's under-14 team in October 2006. He advanced to head coach of the under-14 team and took over head coaching position for the next age group up to the under-17 team.

Hibernian

In March 2009, Kirk joined the academy coaching staff at Hibernian F.C. to coach the under-17 team. Ultimately, Kirk earned the head coaching position of Hibernian L.F.C.. His first season in charge of Hibernian led to winning the 2010 Scottish Cup. Kirk followed up the 2010 Cup title by winning Scottish League Cup title, finishing as runners-up in the Scottish Cup, and third position in the table. The 2013 season saw Hibernian finishing second and Kirk earning Scottish Women's Football Manager of the Year award.

Bristol City

In April 2015, Kirk made the move to England and was appointed manager of Bristol City competing in the FA WSL. After a rough season, Bristol City was relegated to WSL 2, finishing in last place after the 2015 season. The relegation was short lived, as Kirk's Bristol City rallied in the WSL 2 finishing second during the WSL season and earned promotion back to the FA WSL 1. Kirk's subsequent seasons would see back-to-back eighth place finishes, maintaining safety in the women's top flight.

Manchester United

In June 2018, Kirk joined the coaching staff at the newly formed Manchester United W.F.C. as an assistant to Casey Stoney.

Everton

In December 2018, Kirk was appointed manager of Everton after being offered the number one position of a top flight team. His debut as manager of the Blues was a victory, defeating rivals Liverpool 2–1.

Honours

Manager

Hibernian L.F.C.