Everton Women are a club who know what it means to be successful in the top flight. 

But in their current state, trophies and titles still seem a little out of their reach, as they look to regain the heights of many years ago. 

Everton’s men are having a tough time in the Premier League right now and it could be similar for their women tooGetty

Everton finished eighth in the WSL table last year – and are one of those sides who seem to consistently struggle to overcome the much-talked about ‘gap’ between the top teams and the chasing pack in the WSL.

But they finished last season particularly well, ending with a four-game unbeaten streak which saw them even take points off Arsenal. 

Overall, Everton have finished between tenth and fifth every season in the WSL since returning to the top flight in 2017. 

However, much like their men’s counterparts, this is a team steeped in a successful history. 

They have won the Women’s FA Cup twice and they were champions of the WSL’s predecessor (the Women’s Premier League National Division) in 1998.

They were also runners-up in the top flight a further five times. 

But as with Everton Men, whether it is financial disadvantages or ineffective recruitment, something has meant that the Toffees are no longer one of the dominant names in women’s football in England. 

Manager: Brian Sorensen

When Brian Sorensen became manager of Everton, he had just led his home side Fortuna Hjorring to two consecutive league titles in his two seasons in charge. 

With a proven record of success and an understanding of the task before him, he seemed like the right man for the job. 

“Everton is one of the historic clubs in women’s football and our backgrounds fit nicely, with common values, work ethic and ambitions,” he said upon his arrival in 2022. 

Sorensen has done well so far but there are more challenges ahead with EvertonGetty

“Having studied the squad in depth during this process, I feel there is massive potential, with players capable of making an impact on the biggest stages.”

In many ways, Sorensen has done what has been asked of him.

The WSL landscape only grows more competitive every year and it should not be taken for granted that Everton have largely avoided becoming embroiled in the relegation battles which have sucked in clubs like West Ham, Brighton and even Tottenham in recent seasons. 

But his job is never really done – and this season more than ever, the battle at the bottom looks set to be extremely fierce. 

Star player: Megan Finnigan

Megan Finnigan joined Everton at the age of just nine – and she has not looked back since. 

17 years later, she remains a Toffee and now also holds the mantle of club captain. 

She has made 169 appearances during her time at the club and also starred as a young Lioness, winning bronze at the Under-20 World Cup back in 2018. 

Speaking to the Toffee Blues website back in 2022, Finnigan explained what it was that kept her at the club year after year.

“I’ve been here a long time and I’ve never really won silverware with the club so, long term, that’s my aim,” she said.  “We got to the FA Cup Final at Wembley a couple of years ago and we just fell short but to be in those big occasions, that’s what you dream of as a player.

“I will be at Everton for as long as Everton want me so , long term again, I’m happy to be here as long as it’s the right place for me. As a team, like I say we’re in a new phase at the minute and we’re building. 

She added: “In a few years I think we should be challenging for Champions League. As an individual player, that is the pinnacle of your career, I think to be playing in the Champions League it’s the best competition for men and women. That would be my dream.”

GettyFinnigan still has dreams of silverware with Everton[/caption]

One to watch: Courtney Brosnan

Courtney Brosnan is already a legend in the Republic of Ireland – the 28-year-old made a save back in their World Cup qualifiers against Scotland which helped the side qualify for their first major tournament ever. 

At the actual tournament, she also put on a performance to be proud of – pulling off some excellent saves, despite Ireland’s eventual failure to make it out of the groups. 

And she has been similarly valuable to Everton, making 37 appearances for the club so far as she shares her place between the sticks with young Lioness Emily Ramsay. 

The American-born keeper signed a contract extension in early 2024 and will look to push on this season even more. 

After all, Everton conceded the least goals by any team in the bottom half of the WSL table last year (37, where the next lowest was Aston Villa’s 43).

Transfer news

It is rare to see players making the switch across Merseyside, but Everton have pulled off a shrewd bit of business by signing Liverpool veteran Melissa Lawley.

The midfielder has 108 caps for the Reds – but from next season, she will be donning the Everton blue and the ex-Lioness will add some much-needed experience to the field. 

But the Toffees have also lost one of their main talents up front. 

GettyLawley is swapping Merseyside rivals and will hope she can lead them to a decent league position[/caption]

After just one season at the club, Italian forward Martina Piemonte has left to join Lazio – damaging considering she often looked to be their main danger in the box. 

Everton will need to be careful this season and results against teams who typically finish close to them in the table will be vital for their survival – a win in their opener against Brighton would be the perfect way to start.