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      Arsenal star Frida Maanum fitted with heart monitoring device after worrying collapse in Women’s League Cup final

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      ARSENAL star Frida Maanum has been fitted with a heart monitoring device following her horror collapse. The Norwegian, 24, collapsed off the ball in injury time of Sunday’s Continental Cup final.Frida Maanum has been fitted with a heart monitoring deviceCredit: PAThe Arsenal star collapsed during the Continental Cup final at MolineuxCredit: PAShe was treated on the pitch at Molineux by at least ten paramedics before being carried off on a stretcher while receiving oxygen.The Gunners provided an update on Maanum on Thursday, confirming the decisions made following various medical examinations.Arsenal said: “Following the incident during The FA Women’s Continental League Cup Final on Sunday, which resulted in Maanum being substituted at the end of normal time, she has undergone extensive testing and support from our medical team at Arsenal.”The test results have been reviewed by two leading cardiologists and there are no obvious cardiac causes found from these thorough investigations so far.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Frida has subsequently had a monitoring device fitted to record her heart function and will now undergo a progressive return to training protocol. “Once Frida has been monitored for a full one-week period, her normal training will be closely reviewed and monitored, before a decision will be made on her returning to play.”Due to her continued progression and assessment at Arsenal, Frida will not be joining up with the Norway national team for their forthcoming European Championship qualifiers against Finland and the Netherlands.”Maanum was treated for around eight minutes on the pitch before play resumed at 0-0 and the match went into extra-time.Most read in FootballArsenal – who went on to win 1-0 thanks to Stina Blackstenius’ goal – later confirmed Maanum was speaking and in a stable condition.Maanum’s mother Liz-Heidi Leonhardsen was watching the match from home in Oslo and explained the “nightmare” ordeal she went through.Chelsea women’s coach Emma Hayes SHOVES Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall in heated scenes after losing League Cup finalSpeaking of the ordeal to Norwegian paper VG, Leonhardsen said: “It was a nightmare to follow the whole thing on TV without knowing what was going on. “Fortunately, I received a relatively quick update from a friend of hers who was at the match.”Frida is doing well now and she is being followed up by the medical team at Arsenal.”Who is Frida Maanum?
      FRIDA MAANUM arrived at Arsenal in 2021 from Linkoping.
      An all-action midfielder, the 24-year-old can play anywhere in the middle of the park.
      She made her debut for Norway aged just 17, and has now won 72 caps for her country, scoring 12 goals.
      Maanum was part of the Norway 2023 World Cup Squad.They progressed into the round of 16 where they lost to Japan 3-1.
      She appeared off the bench in that game. More

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      Jess Park hopes more ‘good things will come’ in her England career with Lioness eager to follow Sarina Wiegman’s advice

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      JESS PARK aims to heed Sarina Wiegman’s advice and keep up her “hard work and consistency” on the pitch.And the England forward, 22, hopes to replicate the stunning form that boosted Manchester City’s charge to the top of the Women’s Super League.Jess Park, Lucy Bronze and their England team-mates will face at Sweden at Wembley on April 5 in their first Women’s Euros qualifier game this yearCredit: ReutersPark hopes to maintain consistency in her form with the versatile forward impressing for Man City this seasonCredit: GettyPark and Lauren Hemp are among six Man City aces in Sarina Wiegman”s 23-player squadCredit: GettyThe Lionesses’ Friday night Euros qualifier clash with Sweden at Wembley could see Park in international action. The game comes just under two weeks after her standout shift in the WSL Manchester derby.Park’s two goals and a classy assist for Man City striker Khadija Shaw earned the playmaker plaudits from pundits and match observers.Amongst the Etihad crowd watching the player and City and Man United’s England aces, was Lionesses boss Wiegman.Read More Football StoriesAnd the two-time Euros-winning head coach is encouraging the forward to keep the momentum going.Park, who helped City beat Brighton 4-1 on Saturday with the team going top of the WSL,  said: “Sarina just says keep up with the consistency, keep doing well and keep working hard and good things will come.“I managed to show that in that game in particular.“I’m working hard at club and waiting for the opportunity and when it comes, hopefully taking it.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERPark’s stock has risen considerably since her goal-scoring cameo for England on her senior international debut in November 2022.Following a call-up as a replacement for England heroine Fran Kirby, who was contending with a viral infection at the time, forward made a cameo appearance during a 4-0 trouncing of Japan.Mary Earps, Lauren Hemp and Millie Bright given gongs as sport & music stars celebrated in New Year’s Honours listBack then the Yorkshire-born WSL star, who was on loan at Everton, came on as an 89th minute substitute scoring a minute after her run out.Seven-capped Lioness Park is one of six City stars included in England’s squad for their April Euros qualifier games against Sweden this week and the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday.Lauren Hemp, Alex Greenwood, Chloe Kelly, Khiara Keating and Esme Morgan are the other City aces called up by Wiegman.And the forward feels having club colleagues in the camp could help with the continuity of her performance.She adds: “Me and Alex are quite close at club, so she helps me get involved here. “Hempo and Esme and the City girls really do help me when I’m away here, but all the girls (at international camp) are genuinely lovely.“They try and include me as much as possible. And I think that’s really important from them. And it’s really nice for me as well.“The girls are incredible girls, and they (all) make you feel comfortable as soon as you come into the environment, off pitch (and) on pitch.”Park’s progress this season follows a successful loan spell at Everton last term.It’s a move she credits with helping her become more “confident and capable” to play for City.The forward, who made 17 top-flight Toffees appearances helping Everton finish sixth, has since gone on to play in 14 WSL games for City this season. scoring three times.When asked which aspects of the game have improved the most since her return to City from Everton, Park said: “I think my game awareness off the ball and my confidence on the ball.“Going on loan last season really helped with that and being in and around squad has also helped, but I’d say they’re probably the main things.“It’s feels at the moment I’ve been very patient.“I went out on loan got some experience last year, came back and now finally getting an opportunity to show a bit more about me (as a player).”One player who Park credits as helping to influence her career and growth is former England captain Steph Houghton.Last month the veteran Man City centre-back, who made 121 Lionesses appearances, announced her plans to hang up her boots at the end of this season.With her retirement the Durham-born English football heroine, 35, will end a trophy-laden playing career in which she won 16 domestic trophies including 3 WSL titles and five FA Cups.Park said:  “I remember watching the (London 2012) Olympics and seeing her score a free-kick and I idolised that.“Being able to meet her, play with her and just actually get to know Steph as a person. Park paid tribute to Man City team-mate Steph Houghton with the former England skipper due to retire at the end of this seasonCredit: Getty”She’s an absolutely incredible person. The stuff she does on the pitch is obvious to everyone and it’s incredible.“But with the stuff away from the pitch and how she’s helped me and the advice she’s given me – she’s a top person.” Only the top two teams from England’s Euros qualifiers group will claim automatic qualification for next year Women’s European Championship taking place in Switzerland.The Lionesses, who won the Euros on home soil under Wiegman in 2022, will also France in addition to Sweden and Republic of Ireland in the battle to reach next year’s tournament.And the teams who finish outside the top two places in their group will have to battle it out in play-offs for a place in the contest.Tottenham’s Matilda Vinberg and Everton’s Hanna Bennison are among the WSL stars who could feature for Sweden when they take on England this monthCredit: GettyPark adds: “We all know it’s a difficult group. READ MORE SUN STORIES”There’s a range of teams and we are going to face different challenges with each and every one. “I think, just focusing on us and making sure we’re prepared and we’re ready is very important More

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      Arsenal star Frida Maanum’s mum reveals ‘nightmare’ of watching her horror collapse on TV as she gives health update

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      FRIDA MAANUM’S mum has spoken of her “nightmare” watching the Arsenal star collapse during yesterday’s Continental Cup final.Maanum, 24, was attended to by at least 10 paramedics at Molineux after collapsing off the ball in the 95th minute.Frida Maanum received treatment on the pitchCredit: GettyShe later received oxygen as she was stretchered offCredit: AFPMaanum’s mum Liz-Heidi was left worried sick during yesterday’s finalCredit: Instagram @maanum99The Norwegian was treated on the pitch before being stretchered off while receiving oxygen, to the applause of the crowd.Arsenal later confirmed that their midfielder was speaking and in a “stable” condition.Her mum Liz-Heidi Leonhardsen was watching the match from home in Oslo.Speaking of the ordeal to Norwegian paper VG, Leonhardsen said: “It was a nightmare to follow the whole thing on TV without knowing what was going on.”READ MORE ON ARSENALShe then added: “Fortunately, I received a relatively quick update from a friend of hers who was at the match – Frida is doing well now and she is being followed up by the medical team at Arsenal.”The match went to extra time when it eventually resumed, with the Gunners going on to win 1-0 courtesy of Stina Blackstenius’ goal.After his side’s win, Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall told talkSPORT of Maanum’s condition: “I have been able to have a conversation with her but not on a medical perspective.”I just checked in with her, how she is doing and telling her that we won and understanding a little bit about the next steps, but I don’t have any medical update.Most read in Football”She is going to travel back with the team and after that we will provide an update.”The reason for Maanum’s collapse remains unclear.Chelsea women’s coach Emma Hayes SHOVES Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall in heated scenes after losing League Cup finalArsenal star Alessia Russo said after the game: “It’s devastating to see one of your team-mates go down like that. We’re all wishing and praying that she’s okay.”I think it was written in the stars that her best mate went and scored the winner for her.”Frida is a massive player and plays with every bit of her body. She did that today. We just hope she’s okay.”Who is Frida Maanum?
      Frida arrived at Arsenal in 2021 from Linkoping.
      An all-action midfielder, the 24-year-old can play anywhere in the middle of the park.
      She made her debut for Norway aged just 17, and has now won 72 caps for her country, scoring 12 goals.
      Frida was part of the Norway 2023 World Cup Squad.
      They progressed into the round of 16 where they lost to Japan 3-1. She appeared off the bench in that game.
      Capable of playing in midfield or defence, Maanum has been a regular for the Gunners this season, appearing in 17 matches.

      After Arsenal’s win, boss Eidevall was involved in a spat with Chelsea counterpart Emma Hayes.As Eidevall went to shake Hayes’ hand, she appeared to shove him away.Hayes, 47, subsequently said: “I think there’s a way to conduct yourself on the touchline, I really do.”I think it’s absolutely essential that we role model in the right way. I’m not down for male aggression on the touch line,”I’m really not, and fronting up to players, for me, that’s unacceptable. I’m disappointed and I told Jonas that.”I don’t think it’s okay to behave like that. He got a yellow card and he should have probably been sent off.”I’m all for competing to win, I’ve never been booked in 12 years, my time here, I totally accept he’s a winner and wants to win but his behaviour on the touchline wasn’t acceptable.”The way he fronted up to Erin (Cuthbert) I didn’t think was acceptable.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was clear with him, I did not think it was acceptable. It’s not the first time he’s been told about his behaviour on the touchline.”I want to say congratulations to Arsenal. They’ve won and I don’t want the talking point to be about that.”Emma Hayes clashed with Jonas Eidevall after the game More

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      Chelsea women’s coach Emma Hayes SHOVES Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall in heated scenes after losing League Cup final

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      EMMA HAYES shoved Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall in heated scenes at the end of the League Cup final.The Chelsea boss was left enraged at full-time in extra-time after the Gunners ended Chelsea’s quadruple hopes.Emma Hayes shoved Jonas Eidevall during heated full-time scenes in the League Cup finalCredit: GettyThe two head coaches clashed after the final whistle at MolineuxCredit: BBC SportAs Eidevall approached Hayes following the final whistle, she could be seen gesturing towards him before pushing him away.The shocked Arsenal boss showed his disbelief by pulling a face as he walked away.Hayes could then be seen arguing with other members of the Gunners coaching staff.Asked about the altercation after the match, Hayes told BBC Sport: “I think there’s a way to behave on the side of the pitch and not for the first time, I’ve been in women’s football a long time and I don’t think we should tolerate male aggression like we did today.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Fronting up or squaring up to a player is something that’s unacceptable.”I’ve never been booked in 12 years of my career but I think there’s a way to behave on the touchline. He received a yellow card but perhaps should have been more.”Arsenal had snatched victory late on in the additional 30 minutes thanks to Stina Blackstenius’ goal.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Swedish forward broke the deadlock with the only strike of the match four minutes from time.Most read in FootballIt came after Mayra Ramirez had seen a goal ruled out by VAR for Chelsea after an Erin Cuthbert handball in the build-up.Emma Hayes breaks down in tears live on Sky Sports as Chelsea stars gift her emotional present to honour her late dadChelsea’s hopes of an historic quadruple during Hayes’ final season are now over.The Blues are into the semi-finals of both the FA Cup and Champions League.Meanwhile, they are second in the Women’s Super League behind Manchester City, but have a game in hand.Hayes is set to step down at the end of the campaign after 12 years in charge to take over the USA national team.Hayes and Chelsea saw their quadruple hopes dashed by Arsenal in extra-timeCredit: Getty More

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      Arsenal ace Kim Little hoping for back-to-back Conti Cup triumphs for the first time under boss Jonas Eidevall

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      FOR Kim Little taking on Chelsea in cup contest deciders is among her “highest challenges” as an Arsenal playerTo date the Gunners have faced their London rivals in five FA and League Cup finals.Kim Little and her team-mates are targeting back-to-back Conti Cup wins under head coach Jonas Eidevall when they take on ChelseaCredit: GettyThe Gunners’ last match against the Blues ended in a 3-1 loss for them in the Women’s Super League earlier this monthCredit: AlamyLittle is hoping history will repeat itself following Arsenal’s Conti Cup final defeat of Chelsea last MarchCredit: GettyToday the Arsenal skipper, 33, and her team-mates will attempt to see off the Blues and lift the Conti Cup for the seventh time in her club’s history.A triumph at Molineux would mean back-to-back trophy wins for the first time under boss Jonas Eidevall.It would also be the Gunners’ first successive silverware win in the competition since winning it for three years in a row from 2011.Little, who netted against Chelsea in Arsenal’s Conti Cup triumph last March, said: “The rivalry with Chelsea is there I think in any game, and the cup games kind of add to that.Read More Football Stories“I feel like we’ve played them almost every year in both cups in some rounds, sometimes earlier than we would like.“They’ve been at the top of their game for the last few years and most obviously in the league.“But the cup games add a slightly different element to the season, this being one of them coming into the Conti Cup final again.“Whenever we play them, whichever team is the most dominant, is the one that gets a good start, and wins the physical battle.Most read in Football”But it’s a very different game turning up on the day and doing that and ultimately that’s our challenge as players “And playing against Chelsea is always the highest challenge, which I think, adds pressure. It means you have to be at the top of your game. “But that’s exciting and if it goes your way, then it’s the best feeling.”After Arsenal’s 4-0 defeat of Aston Villa in the contest semis, Eidevall, 41, commented on the club being “the most successful team in women’s (domestic) football in England”.Women’s Super League title wins have eluded the Gunners since 2019 with Chelsea’s dominance in that arena in the past four years.However, their League Cup success is currently unmatched with the club having won it six times previously.For Arsenal-fan favourite Little, who made her 300th appearance for the side in January, the contest has provided some of her fondest moments.The includes the Scotland ace being among the players to win it during the club’s domestic treble triumph in 2011.Back then a brace for Rachel Yankey and goals for Ellen White and Jayne sealed the Gunners 4-1 League Cup final defeat of Birmingham City.The playmaker, currently in the seventh year of her second Arsenal spell, adds: “I’ve had great moments in the (Conti) Cup.“Some of my early memories are when I was first at the club, playing in the team when we won the treble.“I’ve had really special moments from being in finals. “The final in 2018, I think, was my first full game (after returning from an ACL injury). We won 1-0 against Man City and Viv (Miedema) scored in that game.“I remember struggling to get through the 90 minutes because it was one of my first (games) back. “Getting a trophy at the end of it was a nice feeling when you’ve been out for so long.”This afternoon could see Alessia Russo feature in her first cup final as an Arsenal player.The England striker shone in her club’s semi-final defeat of Villa on March 6th with team-mate Stina Blackstenius bagging a hat-trick.And Little has no qualms about adapting her role in midfield to help both strikers deliver.The midfielder adds: “With Less (Alessia) coming in, she’s an incredible player and likewise with Stina,Little has won the League Cup on five occasions with ArsenalCredit: Getty“Stina and Less are very different players and my role is, what can I do to bring out their strengths most, and also allow me to do what I’m capable of?READ MORE SUN STORIES“I’ve enjoyed it. I enjoy playing football and the challenge of trying to win a game and whether that’s in a 10 position or an 8 or whatever I’m asked.”It’s about how can I do that as best as I can to get the win.” More

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      Gareth Taylor targets Manchester City title win before retirement of WSL heroine Steph Houghton

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      GARETH TAYLOR hopes Manchester City can give Steph Houghton a title-winning send-off before her retirement. The head coach expects City will look into ways to honour the former England skipper, 35, who will hang up her boots at the end of this season.Gareth Taylor says Steph Houghton has made a “huge contribution” off the pitch to Man City’s efforts this seasonCredit: AlamyCity are hoping to win the WSL title for the first time since Houghton and her team-mates won it back in 2016Credit: ReutersTaylor was sharing his thoughts following Houghton calling time on a playing career spanning more than 20 years.The City heroine’s announcement on Wednesday of her plans to retire at the end of the season, prompted tributes from past and present players and managers from across the sport.Houghton, whose career includes spells at Arsenal and Leeds, began her senior playing journey at club level at Sunderland.The centre-back, who has won 15 domestic trophies including three Women Super League has played in 241 Man City games across all contests since 2014.Read More Football StoriesHowever this term Houghton, who hopes to help her side win their first Women’s Super League title in eight years, has made three top-flight appearances.  City boss Taylor, whose side play Liverpool this lunchtime, said: “If we didn’t have enough motivation to win it, now because of Steph, we do.“This season has been different for her with less playing time, but her contribution has been huge, she’s helped me and the staff so much.“We always want to recognise the greats and Steph’s right up there.Most read in Football“I’m sure maybe not immediately but further down the line we’ll get to honour her in the right way.”With Chelsea in Conti Cup action tomorrow, a City away win against the Reds would see them go three points clear at the WSL’s summit before the international break.An away win against Liverpool would see Man City go top of the WSL ahead of the international breakCredit: GettyTaylor added: “We know what we have in front of us, but also (that this is) a good opportunity to be clear at the top with Chelsea not playing. “Then all of a sudden, it’s them chasing us.“It’s going to be hard for us, but what an incentive.” More

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      Guro Reiten reckons Chelsea’s duels with Arsenal are the ‘best games to win – but the worst to lose’

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      GURO REITEN insists Chelsea are ready to “run through a brick wall” for Emma Hayes as they chase a quadruple trophy triumph. And the Blues star, 29, says duels with their Conti Cup final rivals Arsenal are the best to win – but the worst if they end in defeat. Guro Reiten hopes Chelsea can avenge their loss to Arsenal in last year’s Conti Cup finalCredit: GettyThe Gunners won the trophy for a sixth time when they beat the Blues 3-1 at Selhurst Park last MarchCredit: GettyChelsea’s most recent triumph in a Conti Cup final was back in 2021 when they trounced Bristol City 6-0Credit: GettyTomorrow the Norway forward’s team will take on Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners in a battle to lift this year’s Continental Tyres trophy.The 3:00pm clash at Wolves’ Molineux home will be the first chance for either side to win silverware this term.It will also be the final opportunity for the team to attempt to win the contest for a third time under Hayes.After 12 years at the helm, their boss, 47, will leave Chelsea at the end of this season to take charge of the USA Women’s national side.Read More Football StoriesTo date the Women’s Super League leaders have won 15 trophies under their manager.And Reiten insists she and her team-mates always have their eyes on the prize when it comes to chasing silverware.The versatile forward said: “We just stay in the moment and do our jobs, but the motivation for winning trophies is always there and it has always been there.”I don’t think we’ve spent too much time thinking about Emma leaving.Most read in Sport”If you ask anyone in our team, they want to win everything. “I don’t think we need more (motivation). I don’t know if you can get more motivation to win a trophy.”With every game we play now, the pressure is there. We have to win.”Reiten, whose senior club career began with Sunndal, a local team based in the Norwegian county she was born in, has notched up more than 150 Blues appearances. Since her May 2019 transfer from Norwegian side LSK Kvinner for a reported £13,000 fee, Chelsea have won 10 major trophies including four league titles.The Blues ace, whose mother coached her to play in multiple positions during her childhood, credits Hayes with continually raising standards in Chelsea’s performances.She adds: “Emma demands so much from us every single day, raising our standards.”She says, what was good enough yesterday isn’t good enough tomorrow, it’s kind of her thing.”With this league, the level is so much higher, and you need to take steps to just be a part of this team.”But Emma is honest, she will tell me what I need to do better.”She wants to see the effort, the energy and everything put into it.”Everyone is willing to go through a brick wall for her.”We want to be better as individuals, but also as a team. “And even though there have been challenges and tough times, we have that mentality.”Among the challenges the two-time League Cup winners have faced this term are injuries to a few senior players including skipper Millie Bright and star striker Sam Kerr.The team are also without forward Mia Fishel and defender Aniek Nouwen. The duo, like Kerr, are currently sidelined by anterior cruciate knee ligament injuries.And these circumstances have led Chelsea to rely on the strength in depth of their squad during a run of 16 wins from 19 games. It means a lot to beat Arsenal. They won the Conti Cup last year, so we want to take the trophy back.Guro Reiten Results that followed a hefty 4-1 December loss to Arsenal in the league.Reiten adds: “There are so many good players in our team. “This year with injuries and with new players coming in, you just have to adapt to whoever you’re playing with. “They are all different with different qualities.”The build-up to tomorrow’s duel is almost a rerun of last year’s Conti Cup final lead-in.And like then Chelsea will enter this game following an earlier win against Arsenal in a major contest. Reiten’s team-mate Catarina Macario is among the players who have shone for Chelsea in the second half of this seasonCredit: PATheir 3-1 defeat of Gunners this month dented their rivals’ hopes of a first WSL title win since 2019.Reiten said: “They’re probably going to come to the final and want revenge for that.”It means a lot to beat Arsenal. It’s the best game to win and the worst one to lose.”They won the Conti Cup last year, so we want to take that trophy back.”But it’s always intense, tight games against them. “It’s like when you play a team and then two weeks later, you’re going to play them again.”It’s about who’s going to change it up who’s going to do something different. It’s going to be interesting to see.”Over the course of her Chelsea career Reiten has emerged as an influential figure on and off the pitch for the WSL giants.Her deft touch in their Champions League quarter-final second-leg draw with Ajax set up the first Blues goal in the contest for record signing Mayra Ramirez.And the forward enjoys being a role model for younger Blues players as well as contending with the pressure of winning trophies and retaining titles.Reiten (pictured with Mayra Ramirez) is eager to see Chelsea maintain their winning form across all competitions with the team reaching the Champions League semi-finalsCredit: EPAShe said: “It’s weird because I feel like it’s just become a part of me. With every game we play now, the pressure is there.”We have to win, we need to score goals.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I don’t know if I’m thinking about it the same way I did a few years ago, where I was more nervous and more stressed about it.”Now it’s like, ‘this is this is just us, this is our job’. More

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      Leicester women’s manager SACKED after probe into alleged relationship with own player

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      LEICESTER have sacked their women’s team manager Willie Kirk following an investigation into an alleged relationship with a player.Ex-Everton boss Kirk, 45, had been suspended since March 8 while the investigation was being conducted by the club.Willie Kirk was suspended during the investigation but has now reportedly been sackedCredit: GettyAssistant Jennifer Foster and first-team coach Stephen Kirby have taken over during Kirk’s absence since March 9. During that time Leicester reached the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals following a 2-0 quarters win against Liverpool. However the team have lost their last two Women’s Super League games against Tottenham and Brighton. And the club have now parted ways with the Edinburgh-born coach following an “extensive internal disciplinary process”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA club statement read: “Leicester City Football Club can confirm that Willie Kirk has been dismissed from his position as LCFC Women Manager.”Following an extensive internal disciplinary process and respecting the Club’s obligations to individual privacy, Willie was determined to have breached the team’s code of conduct to a degree that makes his position untenable.”Established and implemented ahead of the start of the current season, the code forms part of the Club’s ongoing commitment to professionalising the women’s game since the takeover of LCFC Women in 2020, promoting a performance-led culture among players, coaches and technical staff.””First Team responsibilities for LCFC Women will continue to be led by Jennifer Foster, supported by Stephen Kirby, while the Club begins the process of appointing a new permanent manager.”Most read in FootballKirk’s departure comes almost two months after Sheffield ended Jonathan Morgan’s reign as their women’s team boss. The Blades’ dismissal of Morgan followed information coming to light concerning an alleged relationship with a player during his tenure as Leicester boss, before the team became affiliated with the men’s club.Aston Villa gaffer Carla Ward, whose team host Leicester on Saturday, believes relationships between footballers and their managers should be a sackable offence.Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall described them as “very inappropriate”, while he called on football authorities, clubs and associations to address safeguarding.Football icons’ strange hobbiesAnd Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman also shared her concerns on the issue, stating the need for “regulations” to be introduced. Kirk began his football management career as an assistant academy coach at Scottish Livingstone in 2006.Following a four-year spell as Under-17s coach at Hibernian, he moved to England to work in women’s football as manager of Bristol City.After a stint as Casey Stoney’s assistant at Man United and a three-year reign at Everton Women’s boss Kirk arrived at Leicester in July 2022 as director of football.He then replaced Lydia Bedford as manager that November and has held the position ever since.They were on a six-match pointless run when he took charge but he helped them to beat the drop and guided them to a 10th place finish.READ MORE SUN STORIESKirk is yet to comment publicly regarding the allegations.Leicester sit ninth in the WSL, 10 points above the league’s relegation spot with five games remaining. More