Bristol City, a Women’s Championship club, is set to appoint Stephen Kirby as their new head coach. Kirby, who currently serves as Leicester City’s first-team coach, has reportedly made a significant impression on Bristol City’s senior staff during a rigorous interview process. This marks Kirby’s inaugural managerial position, although he has previously held coaching roles at Milton Keynes Dons in youth development. Leicester City has reportedly agreed to the terms with Bristol City for Kirby’s appointment.
Kirby is expected to take charge in time for Bristol City’s league match against the high-spending London City Lionesses on Sunday. The club has a history of successful hires, including Lauren Smith, who led them to promotion in 2023 before stepping down to become the England Under-19 head coach, and Tanya Oxtoby, now the Northern Ireland manager. Bristol City was relegated from the WSL in April and is aiming for an immediate return to the top tier.
In their first two matches, Bristol City secured two points against potential promotion rivals, Southampton and Birmingham City, under interim head coach Loren Dykes. Dykes, who previously worked under Smith, will continue to serve on the coaching staff under Kirby. Club officials are reportedly enthusiastic about the style of play Kirby is aiming to implement.
