Everton have today announced that manager Willie Kirk has left the club after spending almost three years on Merseyside.
The 43-year-old took charge of The Blue Girls in December 2018 and helped transform the club from Barclays FA Women’s Super League strugglers to European hopefuls. Kirk also guided Everton to the 2019/2020 Vitality Women’s FA Cup final where they battled valiantly before going down to Manchester City 3-1 after extra-time at Wembley.
Everton announced news of Kirk’s departure via their official website this morning. Kirk’s exit comes off the back of a difficult start to the new Barclays FA Women’s Super League season for the Merseyside club. Everton have lost three of their opening five league games while they were beaten 5-1 by injury-hit Manchester City in the FA Women’s Continental League Cup in midweek.
Following the announcement, Kirk penned a message to Everton which read “I am thankful to the Club for the opportunity that they gave me three years ago. During that time, we have made tremendous progress both on and off the pitch and I leave the Club in a better place. Without a doubt, the highlight was the FA Cup final less than a year ago, a memory that will stay with me forever.
“Unfortunately, this season has not started the way we anticipated, due to a very tough opening fixture list and the re-building of a squad with eight new players.
“I have no doubt the talented squad that I leave behind can go on to have a very bright future.
“I send the Club, the staff and the players my very best wishes.”
Everton have indicated their intention to recruit a new head coach during the current international break. There is likely to be much speculation regarding who may fill the vacancy. Given their multi-national squad which contains several players from Scandinavia, it seems very possible that Everton could begin their search in that part of Europe.
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