Brian Sorensen’s second full season in charge of Everton Women was also going to be a tough one following the departure of Gabby George. The former skipper’s move to Manchester United in September was a tough one to take, and would be followed by Nathalie Bjorn’s exit the following January.
But it wouldn’t be defensive issues that hampered the Toffees in what was a season of frustration… and injury.
Missing Members
Be it long term absentees such as Emily Ramsey, or bouts of illness and painful knocks keeping a number of stars out for various periods of the season, Sorensen was facing an uphill battle in trying to build on his team’s sixth-placed finish the previous campaign.
The boss’ weekly pressers usually began with a lengthy list of who would be unavailable for the upcoming fixture, which often resulted in a reshuffle in both personnel and formation.
But as one door closes, the young guns were ready to break down another, with names like Issy Hobson announcing themselves on the WSL stage in spectacular fashion.
Photo by Emma Simpson – Everton FC/Everton FC via Getty Images
Everton were also faced with a retirement during the season, as Nicoline Sorensen hung up her boots in December after admitting she no longer enjoys football.
The 26-year-old, who herself had overcome serious injury, was a miss to the Blues’ squad but left on good terms and well wishes from the club and her teammates.
Goal Shy
It was an issue during Sorensen’s inaugural season as manager, and this campaign proved no different as the Toffees registered just 24 goals in 22 WSL games, with only the league’s bottom two teams scoring fewer.
Summer signing Martina Piemonte was joined by the returning Toni Duggan and Alyssa Aherne, with the latter on loan, while moves for Eleanor Dale and Rikke Madsen in January also bolstered a forward line containing last season’s top scorer, Katja Snoeijs.
And it was the Dutch forward, who recently extended her stay until June 2026, again topping the scoring charts with just five goals in all competitions, with Italian forward Piemonte one behind.
![Bristol City v Everton FC - Barclays Womens Super League](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AZvndeSIEBLehRsZAdoSgjlV5l4=/0x0:4272x3039/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:4272x3039):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25511250/2153538486.jpg)
Photo by Luke Walker – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
The Blues came up for praise for their ball-retaining style and, while it did hinder them against the WSL’s better opposition, were able to dominate games and create chances.
But with both Snoeijs and Piemonte’s conversion rates below 25 per cent, things need to change.
That, along with Duggan and Dale departing Everton this month, as well as the happy news of Madsen’s pregnancy, the forward line should be of primary concern to Sorensen if Everton are to realistically have any chance of emulating neighbours Liverpool in cracking that top four.
Cup Agony
While it was another Continental Cup campaign to forget, save for a few promising displays from a number of youth team players, the FA Cup was one that yielded highlights, hopes, but ultimately, heartbreak.
A brilliant display away at Aston Villa was followed by a 7-1 hammering of Nottingham Forest, as the Toffees charged to a quarter-final showdown with WSL Champions, and then FA Cup holders, Chelsea.
Catarina Macario’s second-half strike settled matters at Goodison Park, but it was an all-too familiar tale for Everton, who squandered a number of chances to secure their place in the last four.
A New Leader
It wasn’t only Issy Hobson who was seizing opportunities last season, as Megan Finnigan used George’s departure to announce herself as her team’s undisputed captain.
![Everton FC v Tottenham Hotspur - Barclays Women´s Super League](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sNwoWQg49OiiI6S39kPLs9DsNk8=/0x0:4929x3286/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:4929x3286):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25511256/2151397804.jpg)
Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images
A born leader, the centre-half made 27 appearances in all competitions for Everton and her consistency was a major factor in the Blues having the best defensive record in the bottom half of the WSL.
Often paired with a number of different partners at the heart of the team’s rearguard, the 26-year-old scored three times last season, including the winner at Anfield.
What Next?
As well as the departures of Duggan and Dale, Everton have also said goodbye to Kathrine Kühl, who returns to Arsenal following a successful loan period, while Academy graduate Annie Wilding will also leave when her contract expires in June.
The Blues have tied down a number of stars to new deals, with Ramsey and the experienced Elise Stenevik joining Snoiejs in signing new deals with the Toffees.
![Elise Stenevik Signs a New Contract at Everton Women](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2yrzD34p9S6lWUMJ49jqfIsBtgY=/0x0:4439x2959/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:4439x2959):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25511266/2154556367.jpg)
Photo by Emma Simpson/Everton FC via Getty Images
Sorensen won’t compromise his beliefs in ball retention, so the Blues faithful can expect new additions to be ones comfortable with that style.
The Dane is more than likely to scour his homeland’s talent pool while also blooding Everton’s homegrown graduates as he embarks on his third season as manager.
But it will be that goalscorer he craves the most, and he may well look at fellow Dane Amalie Thestrup, who managed nine goals last season despite being relegated with Bristol City.
The former Liverpool forward will be 29 this year, and may well be ready for another go at the top table.