Everton Women Suffer Another Blow as Sørensen Leaves
The Merseyside club has parted ways with Danish manager Brian Sørensen, citing a need for change in direction to avoid relegation from the Women's Super League. Despite securing their first home victory of the season last weekend, which moved them four points clear of the drop zone, Everton's board felt it was time to shake things up.
The decision comes after six consecutive home league defeats, with fans expressing frustration at the team's struggles at Goodison Park, their permanent home ground. Sørensen's tenure had been marked by relative stability, having inherited a team that finished 10th the previous season. However, the club's performance this term has fallen short of expectations.
Sørensen, who joined Everton in 2022 after leading Fortuna Hjørring to Women's Champions League qualification, was praised for his efforts but ultimately deemed it was time for a change. The club's chief executive, Angus Kinnear, acknowledged that Sunday's win was important but recognized the need for a fresh approach.
The coaching staff has undergone significant changes, with assistant coaches Stephen Neligan and Ashley Tootle departing alongside Sørensen. Everton's Under-18s coach Scott Phelan will take over as interim manager until the end of the season, assisted by Jennifer Foster and Ian McCaldon.
Phelan, a former England youth international and Everton academy product, brings a wealth of experience to the role. His first game in charge is set for this weekend against London City Lionesses, with the visit from West Ham United next week posing a significant test of his mettle. The club's season has been marred by inconsistency, but Phelan will be hoping to turn things around and steer Everton away from the drop zone.
The Merseyside club has parted ways with Danish manager Brian Sørensen, citing a need for change in direction to avoid relegation from the Women's Super League. Despite securing their first home victory of the season last weekend, which moved them four points clear of the drop zone, Everton's board felt it was time to shake things up.
The decision comes after six consecutive home league defeats, with fans expressing frustration at the team's struggles at Goodison Park, their permanent home ground. Sørensen's tenure had been marked by relative stability, having inherited a team that finished 10th the previous season. However, the club's performance this term has fallen short of expectations.
Sørensen, who joined Everton in 2022 after leading Fortuna Hjørring to Women's Champions League qualification, was praised for his efforts but ultimately deemed it was time for a change. The club's chief executive, Angus Kinnear, acknowledged that Sunday's win was important but recognized the need for a fresh approach.
The coaching staff has undergone significant changes, with assistant coaches Stephen Neligan and Ashley Tootle departing alongside Sørensen. Everton's Under-18s coach Scott Phelan will take over as interim manager until the end of the season, assisted by Jennifer Foster and Ian McCaldon.
Phelan, a former England youth international and Everton academy product, brings a wealth of experience to the role. His first game in charge is set for this weekend against London City Lionesses, with the visit from West Ham United next week posing a significant test of his mettle. The club's season has been marred by inconsistency, but Phelan will be hoping to turn things around and steer Everton away from the drop zone.