Everton Women are to benefit from increased squad investment and a new leadership structure as the club sets its sights on challenging for major honours.
As part of changes, an injection of increased resources for squad development has been confirmed for Willie Kirk’s side that will be supported by a new Strategic Leadership Team headed by Professor Denise Barrett-Baxendale.
The Everton CEO will take on the role as Chair of the new leadership team focused on delivering success for Everton Women – mirroring the strategic vision plotted by the Club CEO for Carlo Ancelotti’s team.
Director, Sasha Ryazantsev, will also strengthen the Strategic Leadership Team’s capacity by taking on the new role of Managing Director, ensuring Everton Women have senior representation in the Everton boardroom as the club fully utilises its resources and back-office systems to provide a springboard for the women’s team.
Completing the new Strategic Leadership Team will be Sarvar Ismailov. Sarvar will move from his role as Global Partnerships Consultant at the club to become Everton Women’s first Sporting and Commercial Director.
Everton CEO Professor Denise Barrett-Baxendale said: “Our ‘One Club’ vision is a clear symbol of togetherness and unity. We have already taken the progressive and significant steps of bringing our men’s and women’s teams closer together in identity and location, with them both using the state-of-the-art facilities at USM Finch Farm. We will now build on the foundations for success – with a clear focus on competing for honours with the elite of women’s football.”
