Everton Women interim boss Scott Phelan may not get the job permanently despite an impressive start to life in charge at Goodison Park. The Athletic’s Megan Feringa exclusively told Goodison News that the 37-year-old may need to do more to secure the role full-time after a difficult season for the Toffees.

Brian Sorensen was sacked in February after nearly four years in charge, having won just three of 14 Women’s Super League games this season. Phelan then made the switch from Everton’s Under 18s to the Women’s team on a deal until the end of the season, initially enjoying a strong run of results.

Phelan Enjoyed New Manager Bounce

After securing an impressive 2-1 win at Tottenham on 15 March, Everton posted their fourth consecutive victory in the WSL. That was also the third win in a row for Phelan, and a result that saw them rise to sixth in the table. However, since then, the Toffees have suffered a gut-wrenching late defeat to Manchester United and a disappointing loss to local rivals Liverpool.

Everton now sit eighth in the table, 11 points above the relegation zone and one point off Brighton in sixth. When asked to sum up the season, Feringa explained the situation bluntly.

Infrastructure Issues Remain Concern

“Difficult. There’s no infrastructure around the team, and that vulnerability was on display this season,” Feringa told Goodison News. “Phelan has done well, but not enough to drive the team to the next level permanently. I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t get the role.”

Everton face a tough run in with fixtures against second placed Chelsea and third placed Arsenal before finishing at home to basement side Leicester. The manner of their performances will likely determine Phelan’s future.

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Everton Women’s star Clare Wheeler had an excellent outing as Australia began their Asian Cup campaign with a win on Sunday. The Toffees midfielder was among four Everton players selected for their respective countries alongside teammates Rion Ishikawa, Honoka Hayashi, and Hikaru Kitagawa, who all play for Japan.

Host nation Australia got the tournament underway when they edged past the Philippines at Perth Stadium in front of nearly 45,000 fans with a 1-0 victory. Chelsea‘s Sam Kerr got the winner in the 14th minute, with Wheeler heavily involved in the build up to the goal.

Drew in Two Defenders Before Crossing

Wheeler was absolutely crucial in Australia’s sole goal. After receiving the ball near the right touchline, she drew in two would be defenders before fizzing in a dangerous cross to the back post. Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord was on hand to head the ball back into the six yard box, and Kerr did the rest from six yards out.

The Guardian described this as fantastic work from Wheeler, who had a fine shift before being replaced by Alanna Kennedy in the 67th minute. The news outlet added that Wheeler and midfield partner Katrina Gorry impressed at the base of Australia’s midfield.

Playing as a Six With Great Effectiveness

On the AFC’s website, they wrote how Wheeler was playing as a six with great effectiveness for her country. Australia dominated the game but could not get a second goal, and Wheeler will likely be called upon again when the tournament hosts take on Iran at Gold Coast Stadium on March 5.

This is the 21st version of the Asian Cup, but Australia have only competed in it on eight occasions. They have only won it once, back in 2010 in China, with that being their sole triumph in the competition. Australia will hope to finish at the top of the pile in the 12 team tournament that runs until March 21.

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With the Women’s Super League paused until March 15, multiple clubs across the division are preparing to say goodbye to players representing their countries at the upcoming Asian Cup. Out of all WSL clubs, none are set to suffer as much as Everton during this period, with four players taking part in the tournament.

This year’s competition is being hosted by Australia and runs from March 1 to 21 across five venues. The timing could not be worse for Everton, who face crucial matches against Tottenham and Manchester United before the tournament ends.

Hayashi Among Four Everton Absentees

Everton secured the signatures of three Japanese internationals over the summer: Rion Ishikawa, Honoka Hayashi, and Hikaru Kitagawa. All three have been called up by Japan alongside Australian midfielder Clare Wheeler, who will represent the host nation.

Hayashi will be particularly missed, having racked up the fifth most minutes of any Everton player this term. Her absence leaves a significant hole in Scott Phelan’s midfield options during a critical period. More positively, Yuka Momiki will remain on Merseyside, having missed out on a place in Japan’s squad.

No Other Side Losing as Many Players

Depth is a huge concern, with no other WSL side losing as many players as Everton while they navigate fixtures against fifth placed Tottenham and second placed Manchester United. These are exactly the kind of matches where you need your strongest squad available.

Break Provides Crucial Reset Period

Sunday’s derby defeat against Liverpool was a shock after recent weeks. Everton have seen an uptick in form across February with wins against Aston Villa, London City Lionesses, and West Ham, leaving them eighth in the table.

The Toffees have formed a gap to the relegation zone and now have ample time to reset despite the absentees. With Phelan in charge on an interim basis, the club have an ideal period to figure out their direction ahead of the season run in.

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