Everton Women’s Struggles: Analyzing Their Winless Start at the Bottom of the WSL

Everton currently occupies the last position in the Women’s Super League (WSL) standings, having secured only two points from six games, presenting a challenging outlook for the club this season. The club’s operational status remains uncertain as it anticipates the forthcoming acquisition by the Friedkin Group, a transaction expected to conclude a prolonged negotiation phase that included multiple other interested parties. This period of anticipation has impacted all facets of the club, notably the women’s team, hindering Everton’s capacity to effectively participate in the transfer market and match the financial outlays of its competitors in the WSL. Significant injuries have compounded the difficulties faced by manager Brian Sorensen, and a recent 5-0 loss to reigning WSL champions Chelsea further underscored the presence of numerous problems, such as: Fan criticism regarding a “ridiculously unbalanced” squad, which has placed “huge pressure” on young players deployed in unfamiliar roles. A severe injury crisis, with three players sidelined due to torn anterior cruciate ligaments (ACLs), indicating that January signings are “essential” despite a minimal transfer budget. Questions raised about Sorensen’s tactical approach, with some sources suggesting that external club issues are being cited to mask subpar on-field results. The ongoing takeover situation creates instability, yet the Friedkin Group’s investment in Roma Women offers a positive sign for future prospects. Last week, Captain Megan Finnigan informed Sky Sports: “The club situation right now obviously isn’t ideal and that is impacting the women’s side in some ways. “Once the new ownership comes through hopefully we can start seeing changes for the better because this league is ever growing. Everton cannot be left behind.”We need to eradicate the sloppiness. I don’t know the answer right now because it has not been the easiest of starts to the season. It needs to happen soon.” In addition to the challenges faced by the men’s team, Everton’s women’s team has also experienced a decline, with finishes of sixth and eighth place in previous seasons, and currently occupying the bottom spot in the initial phase of this WSL season. Peter MacFarlane, a season-ticket holder, conveyed to BBC Sport: “The women’s team have suffered horrendously due to lack of investment and total disregard by those at the top of the football club for a number of years now.”I feel for those who are currently trying to keep the club going during a time where we have an absent owner who, in my opinion, appears to have washed his hands of the football club and walked away.” Nevertheless, grounds for optimism exist. The acquisition by the Friedkin Group is anticipated to be finalized before the year’s end, and Everton’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock is nearing completion. Everton chose not to provide an official statement regarding the criticisms of the present circumstances; however, club sources informed BBC Sport of intentions for the women’s team to tour the stadium in the new year. The new venue is also slated to occasionally host WSL matches, mirroring the practice at Goodison Park, with the upcoming Merseyside derby scheduled there next weekend. Although the Friedkin Group’s specific aspirations for the women’s team will remain undisclosed until the takeover is finalized, supporters may find reassurance in the recent investments made in Roma Women, a club currently owned by the US-based group. Sorensen expressed continued optimism for future investment and stated that he remains unaffected by the prevailing conditions. On Thursday, he commented: “Everyone in and around here knows [the situation],” adding, “That doesn’t change where we are right here, right now. We can’t spend money we don’t have. We have to get the most out of it.” Brian Sorensen commenced his tenure at Everton in 2022, having previously managed Danish club Fortuna Hjorring. The financial constraints impacting the women’s team became particularly evident during the summer period. Sorensen indicated that a pre-season tour to Australia was declined due to logistical considerations rather than financial ones. Nevertheless, he conceded it represented “a gamble we can’t afford”. Everton was compelled to transfer highly-regarded Sweden midfielder Hanna Bennison to Juventus to generate essential funds. The club was unable to secure players from the Japanese market, whom Sorensen mentioned he had scouted years prior, due to more lucrative salary offers from leading clubs. Strict regulations concerning non-EU players entering the WSL also pose an obstacle for clubs such as Everton, as foreign players must fulfill specific criteria to be eligible to compete in England, thereby restricting the available talent pool, a challenge also experienced by West Ham. Among Everton’s most notable acquisitions were Sevilla players Inma Gabarro and Toni Payne, while established WSL players Honoka Hayashi, Melissa Lawley, and Veatriki Sarri were considered ‘low-risk’ choices requiring no adaptation period. During the summer transfer window, Sorensen stated that the club “can’t just go out and spend a lot of money so we have to be super-smart”. In actuality, the women’s team’s budget has remained consistent since 2021, a period when former manager Willie Kirk aimed for a top-three league position. Nevertheless, the transfer market has seen an increase in costs since that time, with transfer fees now a regular occurrence and player salaries having risen. Alan McTavish, Everton Women’s chief executive officer, Kevin Thelwell, director of football, and Sorensen are currently engaged in planning recruitment for the January transfer window; however, supporters are becoming increasingly frustrated and demand that the insufficient squad depth be resolved. Supporter MacFarlane asserted: “Immediate investment in recruitment is essential. We have such a ridiculously unbalanced squad,” adding, “The pressure on these players is huge, especially on some of the younger players, having to play out of position all over the pitch – this simply is not good enough.” MacFarlane also advocated for future enhancements to the club’s Walton Hall Park stadium, which he believes would contribute to “grow the fanbase and attract new supporters”. The challenges off the pitch have been exacerbated by a significant injury crisis. This season, three players, including summer acquisition Gabarro, have suffered ACL injuries, rendering them unavailable for the remainder of the campaign. Presently, seven first-team players are sidelined due to injury, necessitating that other players fill unaccustomed roles and academy prospects be rapidly integrated. Earlier this season, Sorensen remarked: “Last year, 70% of the injuries were related to the national teams,” continuing, “Our league is getting stronger every year with the recruitment and investment. That puts a different load on the players. “We didn’t have any overuse-related injuries or anything out of the norm.” Several injuries have impacted players signed by Sorensen in recent transfer windows, as those new to the WSL have found it challenging to meet the league’s physical requirements. This situation prompted Everton to adjust its strategy this summer, focusing on acquiring players already accustomed to the WSL’s intensity. The club conducts regular injury reviews, with the medical team producing a weekly document, supervised by senior personnel, to identify potential player overloading. However, these injuries have created a cascading effect; a limited squad means players are not rotated, leading to increased workload, and Everton has consequently struggled, having scored only one league goal to date. Inma Gabarro suffered an ACL injury merely two months following her transfer to Everton. This raises the question of whether Sorensen is maximizing the performance of his current squad. Certain sources indicated to BBC Sport that external club issues are being cited as explanations for poor performances, and that greater efforts could be made to achieve better results. Following the loss to Chelsea, former Everton striker Toni Duggan stated to Sky Sports: “I still believe, and I hope, that the hierarchy are involved in the women’s team and are bothered by the results.”Everton were relegated in the past and it was such a difficult time. Back in the day, we were competing with Arsenal for the league title.” Sorensen expressed satisfaction with the team’s performances, excluding the significant defeats against Brighton and Chelsea, and club sources affirmed their continued backing for the manager. However, MacFarlane questioned the suitability of Sorensen’s physically demanding playing style for the current injury-depleted squad. He remarked: “It’s plain for all to see that the style of football which the players are being forced to play is not only predictable for the opposition but also simply does not work in terms of creating chances or trying to win football matches,” adding, “I feel sympathy for Sorensen in terms of the lack of support financially, and the horrendous injuries, but he has to find ways to win with the squad that is available.” The club is not exhibiting panic. Nevertheless, a crucial phase persists, commencing with an away fixture against recently promoted Crystal Palace on Sunday (14:00 GMT), followed by the Toffees hosting Liverpool at Goodison.