Everton Women have appointed Scott Phelan as their permanent head coach, rewarding the 38-year-old for an impressive interim spell that lifted the club away from the foot of the Women's Super League. Phelan took the reins in February following the sacking of Brian Sorensen, with the Toffees perilously close to the relegation zone. Under his guidance, they secured an eighth-place finish, pulling comfortably clear of danger.
From Interim to Permanent
Phelan's caretaker tenure began with Everton Women just four points above the bottom of the table. His immediate impact was transformative, as he masterminded three consecutive WSL victories – a run that all but guaranteed survival. That instant turnaround convinced the club's hierarchy to hand him the role on a permanent basis, backing his vision for sustained progress.
His understanding of the club's DNA, combined with the respect he commands within the dressing room, made him the standout candidate. Phelan now has the chance to build on that momentum heading into next season.
Lifelong Blue, Now Leading the Women
Phelan's connection to Everton Women runs deep. He joined the academy at the age of eight and progressed through the youth ranks, though he never made a senior appearance. After a playing career elsewhere, he returned to the club as a coach in 2012, immersing himself in every level of the women's setup. That institutional knowledge has proven invaluable.
Former Everton striker Phil Jevons, who also returned to the club on an interim basis in February, will continue to support Phelan as part of his coaching staff. Together, they form a leadership team rooted in the Everton tradition.
Vision for the Toffees
Phelan made no secret of his ambitions upon taking the job permanently.
"To have the opportunity to lead our women's team as head coach is something I do not take for granted. I am looking forward to what's ahead," Phelan said. "We want to push forward and try to get back to the place where we believe Everton Football Club should be and that's towards the top end of the table."
Those words will resonate with Evertonians who recall the club's top-four finishes in the WSL as recently as the 2020-21 campaign. Re-establishing that status will be Phelan's ultimate goal, though the immediate task is building a squad capable of competing with the division's powerhouses on a consistent basis.
Key Takeaways
- Scott Phelan has been appointed permanent head coach of Everton Women after an interim spell that dragged the club to safety.
- His early run of three straight WSL wins was pivotal in convincing the board to hand him the role full-time.
- Phelan is a lifelong Evertonian who first joined the club at eight years old and has deep ties to the academy.
- Former striker Phil Jevons will remain as Phelan's assistant, reinforcing the club's commitment to a unified coaching philosophy.
- The new boss has targeted a push towards the top end of the WSL table, aiming to restore Everton's status as a leading women's side.
Quick Facts
New manager: Scott Phelan
Predecessor: Brian Sorensen
Interim record: Led team to eighth-place finish in 2025-26 WSL
Assistant: Phil Jevons
Contract details: Not disclosed
Source: BBC Sport