The start of the 2025/26 season was historic for women’s football, as Goodison Park was dedicated to being the fulltime home for Everton women. However, since moving in September, it hasn’t been a pretty reality. The Blues are yet to pick up a point in the league since moving to Goodison and have only picked up 1 point against WSL2 side Nottingham Forest in the league cup.
While it is unfair to define the season by these results, as the Toffees are yet to face the lower league sides (Liverpool, West Ham, Leicester, and Aston Villa) at home, being yet to pick up a point at home is majorly disappointing. The Blues currently sit 10th in the WSL (on 8 points) picking up two away draws (Leicester and Aston Villa) two away wins (Liverpool and most notably Chelsea).
The Blues latest defeat to Brighton, was manager Brian Sørensen’s 100th game in charge of Everton, and opinions of his ongoing tenure seem divisive between fans.
Since joining in 2022, he has led the team to 32 victories, 16 draws, and 52 losses. It is to be noted that his time at the club has been plagued by injuries with often no choice but to play a weakened squad for weeks at a time. However, his ongoing poor form has led to fans questioning his credibility.
The winter window:
This winter transfer window saw the Blues lose Hayley Ladd on a permanent transfer to Crystal Palace (WSL2), while loanee Katie Robinson returned to parent club Aston Villa (before transferring out again to Bristol City).
The only positive news for fans was the purchase of Hannah Blundell, on loan for the rest of the season, from Manchester United. A clever piece of business to reinforce our backline following injuries to Megan Finnigan (ACL), Elise Stenevik (thigh) and the rehab for Lucy Hope (following her pregnancy).
Elsewhere, Karen Holmgaard will miss the remained of the season with an ACL injury sustained against West Bromwich Albion, and Katja Snoeijs will be sidelined for 4-6 weeks following an ankle injury picked up against Manchester City.
Positively, first professional contracts were given to academy graduates Issy Hobson and Ellie Jones. Lifelong Blue Hobson and 18 year-old Jones, were both given contracts committing them to the club until June 2027.
Also, Aurora Galli made her return to WSL action this week, much to the delight of fans, players, and staff alike. After a lengthy spell on the sidelines after doing her ACL in September 2024, and multiple rehab setbacks, it’s so nice to have you back Yaya!
To the eye of fans, it seems like The Friedkin Group are hesitant to go heavy on their January expenditures, mirroring what’s occurring with the men’s team. Perhaps, it is to save on money now, following a big turnover in summer, and go big again in the next window.
However, the teams around Everton in the WSL are seemingly going all out in this transfer window to ensure safety come the end of the season. Something lurking in the back of every Evertonian’s head. Going into the second half of the season only one point off bottom of the table, with only four fit forwards, is concerning.
The Kelly Gago story:
Fans are also being fed half a story about striker Kelly Gago, which has left them speculating about her future at the club. According to French media outlets, her manager claimed she was being held by the Blues, who were blocking her potential move to PSG.
However, these accusations were indirectly disputed by manager Brian Sørensenin his latest press conference. He claims that Gago is free to leave, as per the fee of her release clause is met (for context Gago signed a new contract, committing her to the Blues until 2028). According to Sørensen only one bid has been submitted, significantly less than her release clause, meaning that for the time being she is stuck at Everton.
Her manager seemly suggests that this is the club keeping her trapped. However, if he had input in suggesting committing to the club on a new 3-year contract, this now seems to have been a poor decision, as they are now bound to Everton by a £500,000 release clause.
For fans, who took an immediate liking to Gago, this is hard to witness as she is unhappy with staying put and of course, we all want the best for her. The relationship between Gago & her manager and the club & staff has evidently deteriorated, and fans can only speculate given the information made public.
Shouts from the Gwladys Street at Friday’s fixture against Brighton were ‘Sack your manager, Kelly Gago’ to the tune of Radio Ga Ga by Queen. A handful of supporters making it very clear where they stand on the matter.
Stand-out players:
Despite a disappointing start to the season, here’s my stand-out players so far:
Honoka Hayashi: Pivotal in that win over Chelsea and scoring some amazing goals this season, whilst also doing her defensive duties so well. A midfield maestro.
Yuka Momiki: One of the players I love to watch the most, her determination never wavers and when on field, absolutely runs the game. Always instrumental in our forward play… loving it Yuka.
Ornella Vignola: One of the tidiest and most skilled players in the league at the minute, and that’s not me being biased. I could watch Ornella with the ball at her feet for hours and never get bored.
Ruby Mace: WOW! Not many words need to be used to describe Ruby’s efforts, other than incredible. What a player…
Are we out of our depth?
Fans have started to voice their concerns, both at games and on social media, with the way the club is going into the second half of the season. Many are now calling for Sørensen to be sacked or The Friedkin Group to intervene, to prevent the club from being relegated.
It seems to be impossible to beat WSL sides with our current squad, which on paper seems strong (especially after an impressive summer window of new signings). The team are often comfortably beating lower league sides in the cup, namely Newcastle and West Bromwich Albion, but this only gets you so far.
As the team progress in the FA cup, the next round is against neighbours and rivals Liverpool, and already fans are hesitant as to whether we’ll progress… the hope already dwindles before the match is even played.
At the beginning of the season, the promise looked there and fans were excited to start progressing after a few years of regression and poor results, but this has yet to have materialised. The question is, how is this fixed? New manager, new players, new system? Perhaps, a mixture of all three?
What hurts the most to see as fans, and neutrals alike, is the players beating themselves up over the losses. I have never known a more loyal fanbase than Evertonians and so for them, and the players, we’re all ready for a change. We’re ready to start leaving the game with a smile on our faces.
Onwards and upwards Toffees!
Signing off,
