Everton Women’s expert Peter MacFarlane reacts to Willie Kirk’s exit
We’re delighted to welcome Peter MacFarlane, member of the Everton Women Official Supporters Club, as our exclusive Everton Women expert.
Willie Kirk has been sacked as Everton Women’s manager, and Peter MacFarlane is gutted.
The Toffees haven’t started the season well in the WSL after winning just two of their first five games [The Guardian].
The 3-0 defeat to Arsenal proved to be the final straw, and Kirk was let go, which has disappointed MacFarlane.
“It’s always sad to see a manager lose their job, especially when it’s someone who did so much for the club. When Willie Kirk was first appointed, we were in very real danger of going down, and he not only kept us up and stabilised us, he revitalised the entire team.
“Reaching the FA Cup Final was obviously a highlight of his tenure; wins over Liverpool, including a win away at Anfield, will always be remembered, but mostly I will credit him for taking a team fighting for survival and turning them into genuine top four contenders.
“I think ultimately Willie was a victim of his own success as with improvement comes greater expectations, especially given the increased investment in the side. It’s been a tough start to the season, taking into account the opening fixtures and with so many new players to integrate into the side, but in football, results are key, and if results go against you, then ultimately it’s the manager who comes under scrutiny.
“On behalf of the Supporters Club, I’d like to extend my thanks to Willie Kirk for his time at the club and wish him the very best for the future, which I have no doubt will be a successful one.”
Where do the Toffees go from here?
They are currently sitting in eighth position in the WSL just six points clear of the relegation zone.
So, that probably will be the first priority moving clear of the drop zone and trying to push up the league after a rough start.
However, you could argue that the sacking was harsh, considering that two of the defeats that the Toffees have suffered this season came at the hands of Chelsea and Arsenal, who are top sides.
So, it will be intriguing to see where the Toffees go from here, but it is clear that MacFarlane is disappointed with the decision to let Kirk go, and we just have to hope that it proves to be the correct decision.
The last thing the Toffees need now is to be dragged into a relegation battle, and to avoid that; they have to make the right appointment.
So, we will be watching on to see what happens now.
In other Everton news, a Watford Super Fan provides their prediction ahead of the game today.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.