18 April 2024
| THE HEARTBEAT OF WOMEN'S SPORT
Home   >   Features   >   FA WSL Preview: Everton Ladies FC

FA WSL Preview: Everton Ladies FC

April 16, 2024

Everything appears to be pumping at Everton: like a well-oiled machine, every gear of the club’s system is going strong and ready for the season to start. The Everton machine has a lot of power and if all the cogs stay in place, they can do a lot of damage this year.

Manager: Andy Spence (2nd season)

Home Field: Select Security Stadium

Twitter: @EvertonLadies

Facebook: Everton L.F.C.

Kickoff

Everton are another WSL1 side with a history of success. They have won FA Women’s Cups, Premier League titles, and have done well in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. They have a strong squad and a fiesty coach in Andy Spence. Anything less than domination might be considered a disappointment for this team.

 

Offside/Onside

What might be a bit off, and what is looking on, for Everton this season?

Offside: Everton must be careful not to set their standards too inflexibly high. Whilst it is natural-and critical-to high for the top, Everton must be aware that losses do happen and be mentally trained enough to recover after any setbacks. Even champions are infallible, and there is nothing more vulnerable than a team that knows it will win.

Offside: What will Everton’s team chemistry be like this year? This is not necessarily a flat-out negative for them, but it remains to be seen just how well this squad works together. Even if they struggle together Everton will be a force… but if they mesh, magic could happen.

Onside: The individual leaders on this team are huge. Veteran international Jody Handley can lead, new captain Michelle Hinnigan can certainly lead, and it doesn’t stop there. Everton is a team that values intelligence and mental strength, and this can take them farther than any physical ability could.

Onside: The influence of manager Andy Spence should not be discounted. He has been with Everton since 2004 and knows the club inside out, can read players well, and is passionate about women’s football.

Players to Watch

Everton has a loaded roster, but watch for workhorse Handley to lead up front and Hinnigan to provide steady control from the midfield. Defender Alex Greenwood is a former FA Young Player of the Year and brings and solid consistency to the pitch. Brooke Chaplen and Fern Whelan will also be fun to watch.

 

FA WSL Fact

Everton is very active in the local community and run programme in which the women’s team works closely with the men’s to benefit Merseyside charities.

Get tickets or catch Everton Ladies live on FATV.

 

Erin Walters, Sportsister
The Women’s Sport Magazine

Picture credits: Everton Ladies FC, FAWSL

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Select a sport

Find out how to get started, training plans and expert advice.