Brian Sorensen named new Everton manager ahead of 2022/23 WSL season
By Ali Rampling
Everton have named Fortuna Hjorring boss Brian Sorensen as their new manager, with the Dane signing a two-year deal with the club.
He will officially take up his new position in the summer ahead of the 2022/23 WSL season.
The Toffees have been on the hunt for a new permanent manager since the dismissal of Jean-Luc Vasseur in February, with Chris Roberts and Claire Ditchburn currently in interim charge. The pair will remain in control until the end of the campaign.
“I’m extremely excited to join Everton," Sorensen said. "It is one of the historic clubs in women’s football and our backgrounds fit nicely, with common values, work ethic and ambitions.
“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.
“I'm very thankful to Fortuna Hjorring for our journey together and their support for this opportunity - and I now look forward to meeting with the Everton staff and players next week on Merseyside and getting to work on preparations for next season.”
Sorensen has enjoyed two spells with Fortuna Hjorring, winning two league titles and the Danish Women's Cup. He has also had spells with FC Nordsjælland and IK Skovbakken. The Everton post will be his first job outside of his native Denmark.
Sorensen will inherit a strong Everton squad which boasts a number of seasoned internationals. The club had ambitions of challenging for the WSL's Champions League spaces this term, but have not hit the heights they were hoping to after a series of managerial changes. The Toffees currently sit 10th in the WSL.
- Women's Euro 2022: Kenza Dali on battling into France squad after career-threatening injury
- Izzy Christiansen on recreating Everton FA Cup magic & Manchester homecoming
The recruitment process was led by Everton Women Managing Director, Alan McTavish, and Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell. BBC Sport had linked Everton with approaches for Brighton's Hope Powell and Tottenham's Rehanne Skinner during their hunt for a new manager, before settling on Sorensen.
The club describe their new manager as a coach with "a reputation for developing young talent and forming tight-knit squads, founded on supportive and driven cultures."
Sorensen has worked with Pernille Harder, Signe Bruun and Emma Snerle during the early stages of their careers.
“We are delighted to welcome Brian to the club," said McTavish. "Throughout the process to appoint a new manager there has been considerable interest in the role and after a great deal of consideration, we are confident we have found the best person to lead the team into next season and beyond.
“Brian was the outstanding candidate from a very strong field, and he is a proven winner. His vision for the team, along with his ambition and drive to move Everton Women forward, impressed us throughout the interview process."