Preston Athletic are seeking their third manager in a year after Willie Kirk was named boss at an English Women’s Superleague outfit.

Kirk, a highly respected figure in the women’s game, having previously managed Hibernian Ladies and worked in the SFA’s National Performance Centre for women’s football, was confirmed as the new manager of Bristol Academy.

That appointment brings to an end Kirk’s eight-month stay as Preston Athletic manager, with chairman Andy Grant confirming the club is now on the lookout for a new manager.

He told Courier Sport: “He flew down there [Bristol] at the weekend and he phoned me on Sunday evening to tell me he’d accepted the job – that was the first I knew of it, but I was one of the first people he told.

“It leaves us back to square one for next season – we expected him to move on, it’s a natural progression, but we didn’t expect him to be moving on so soon.” The chairman confirmed that Kirk would see out the remainder of the season, with tomorrow’s (Saturday) cup tie with Spartans potentially his final match at the helm.

“He’ll take us for the rest of the season, but we’re done in the league and we’ve got Spartans in the cup this weekend,” Grant told Courier Sport.

“If we win that then he’ll see out the rest of our cup games, but if not that’ll be it.

“It’s come at the worst possible time for us, because now I need to work out what we’re going to do for next season and who’s going to take pre-season training.

“I’m going to speak to the coaches tonight and see what their thoughts are. I’m just really hoping they’re all keen to stay on.” Kirk took over from David Bingham at the Pennypit club in October last year as he attempted to keep the club in the Lowland League.

The club managed just one home success among a disappointing three wins in the Lowland League, but managed to avoid relegation thanks to a vital win over rivals Threave Rovers – their only home win of the season – last November.

As well as the success over Threave, Kirk was in charge for victories away to Spartans in early December (0-2), and at Vale of Leithen, also 0-2, in March.

Kirk leaves with the best wishes of the chairman, who added: “We’d like to wish Willie all the best and thank him for everything he’s done at Preston Athletic.

“He’s made a real difference to the boys and we’re much fitter, and playing better football.

“We’ve just been unlucky in a few games this season.

“We wish him well – he did well at Hibs [Ladies] and you can understand him taking the Bristol job because they’ll be playing the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea and we expected him to move on at some stage.” Kirk spoke of his delight at being appointed manager of Bristol Academy, who play in the Women’s Superleague.

He posted on social networking site Twitter: “Absolutely delighted to be appointed head coach of Bristol Academy. A huge and very exciting challenge lies ahead.” Messages of congratulations flooded in for Kirk, who also spent time at Preston during his playing career.

Iain Gray, East Lothian MSP, also took to Twitter to pass on his congratulations, saying: “Congratulations Willie, and good luck with it”.

While Kevin Murphy, head coach of Rangers Ladies, said on Twitter: “Over the moon for my mate Willie Kirk being appointed the new manager of Bristol Academy, great appointment by the club. Top coach and person”.

Meanwhile, Grant confirmed that Preston Athletic were also looking to fill off-field positions, with the roles of vice-president and secretary currently vacant.

“I can see it being a busy summer for me, but then I knew that when I took the chairmanship on,” he said.

“I want to push the club on, so I can’t complain.” Anyone interested in any of the vacant positions is asked to contact Grant. Email him at andyg2764@hotmail.com or call him on 07786 862764.