Everton Women are set to appoint Scott Phelan as their new head coach on a full-time basis. Phelan had been the club's interim head coach since Brian Sorensen's sacking in February. The deal is not yet finalised but all signs point to Phelan replacing Sorensen on a permanent basis, sources briefed on the matter told The Athletic. Phelan, who has not held a full-time head coach position but has been a highly thought of coach throughout Everton's academy, was considered the safest option heading into the summer. Phelan's appointment means that, heading into the 2025-26 season, the WSL will be split evenly between men's and women's head coaches, with all three promoted clubs from the WSL2 — Charlton Athletic, Birmingham City and Crystal Palace — being managed by women. Phelan holds a UEFA A Licence and as such, meets the existing WSL minimum requirement for head coaches. However, UEFA has announced new coaching mandates in women's football, effective from June 2028, that head coaches in its women's club and national team competitions (such as the Champions League) must hold a UEFA Pro Licence (the level above the A Licence).