Everton sack Sorensen days after first home WSL win of season
Brian Sorensen took over the role of Everton head coach in April 2022
- Published
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 victory moved them four points clear of bottom side Liverpool in the relegation place.
Fernandez heads in twice as Everton beat Villa
Analysis: 'Timing of Sorensen sacking comes as a surprise'
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.
Sorensen's overall time at Everton has shown his capabilities as a coach but the inability to field a consistent team has harmed his progression.
Ben Haines, Ellen White and Jen Beattie are back for another season of the Women's Football Weekly podcast. New episodes drop every Tuesday on BBC Sounds, plus find interviews and extra content from the Women's Super League and beyond on the Women's Football Weekly feed