Everton sack Sorensen days after first home WSL win of season

Everton have sacked manager Brian Sorensen days after their first home win of the Women’s Super League season.

They are fourth from bottom of the table under Sorensen, who was appointed in 2022.

“Sunday’s first win of the season at Goodison Park was important, but it has become evident that a change of direction is necessary to ensure the progression on the pitch we are all striving for,” said Everton CEO Angus Kinnear.

Coaches Stephen Neligan and Ashley Toole have also left the club.

Everton Under-18s coach Scott Phelan, 37, will take charge of the women’s team for the rest of the season.

Women’s first-team coach Jennifer Foster will remain at the club to work alongside Phelan, as will goalkeeping coach Ian McCaldon.

Everton came from behind to claim a 2-1 win over Aston Villa on Sunday thanks to two goals from Martina Fernandez, including an 89th-minute winner.

The timing of Everton’s decision comes as a surprise, just hours after the transfer deadline closed and they added Roma midfielder Zara Kramzar to their ranks.

Sorensen has been involved in recruitment and many of their additions over the past two windows have suited his requests.

But the feeling a change of direction was needed has been lingering at Everton for several months.

Supporters have grown increasingly frustrated by their performances with Sorensen seemingly still unsure on his best XI and often using players out of position.

His experimental style has been effective before and he should be praised for his management last season when Everton’s injury crisis left a thin squad amid a time when the club were awaiting the completion of the Friedkin Group takeover.

However, expectations grew this year when investment came, signings were made and the squad had enough quality to be challenging further up the table.

They have been dragged into an unnecessary relegation battle and Everton have acted now in the hope that they can do enough to stabilise their position before rebuilding in the summer.