DAGENHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 26: Brian Sorensen Everton ladies Manager at Chigwell Construction Stadium on January 26, 2025 in Dagenham, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Brian Sorensen, Everton Women's manager, has lost his job
Everton Women have parted company with manager Brian Sorensen with immediate effect.
Stephen Neligan and Ashley Tootle have also departed their roles with the Blues.
CEO Angus Kinnear said: “We would like to thank Brian, Stephen and Ashley for their hard work and efforts in their time at the club.
“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.”
Everton Under-18s coach Scott Phelan will take charge of the women’s team for the remainder of the season as interim head coach. The 37-year-old will be assisted by Jennifer Foster and goalkeeping coach Ian McCaldon.
Phelan was a product of Everton’s Academy, captaining the club’s Under 18s and earning England caps at Under-16s, U17s and U18s level before a senior career in the game.
He has coached within Everton's Finch Farm Academy for more than 10 years, holding lead roles at various age levels, including the men's U18s and U23s.
Everton Women currently sit ninth in the Women's Super League table, four points above Liverpool, who are bottom.
After a run of six straight league defeats at home to start the season - five of which came at their new home, Goodison Park, the other at Hill Dickinson Stadium, where the men's first team moved to in the summer - the Blues beat Aston Villa 2-1 on Sunday (February 1) thanks to a late Martina Fernandez winner.
Phelan's first match in temporary charge of Everton Women takes place this Sunday (February 8) when they travel to London City Lionesses.
Sorensen took charge of the Blues in the summer of 2022 and signed a new-year contract with the club in April.