Stephen Neligan extends as Everton Women Assistant Manager

Stephen Neligan has extended his three-year stay on Merseyside after agreeing a contract extension until 2027. (Goodison Park, Liverpool)

The Australian Assistant Manager has today agreed to a new two-year contract extension with Everton Women, to 2027.

Neligan’s contract now runs until Summer 2027, and will see him continue building on his three years at the Club, and five years of working alongside Manager Brian Sørensen. In this period, the Toffees have finished in sixth and eighth place in the Women’s Super League, with the team in contention to finish even higher during the current season.

The extension comes with the pair representing the second-longest-serving staff in the league, having navigated a difficult period in the Club’s history. Prior to moving to the England, the UEFA A-License coach was Assistant Manager in the Danish Kvindeliga at both FC Nordsjælland and Fortuna Hjørring, where the teams secured 3rd and 2nd place league finishes and won two Danish Cups. In these roles, there was a large focus on individual development, working with such players as Emma Snerle, Kathrine Kühl and now-Everton players Sara Holmgaard, Karen Holmgaard and Karoline Olesen.

Neligan’s development journey started in Australia, where Neligan founded First Phase Football, a training centre that worked with both professional and amateur players, both female and male, including a large number of senior Australian internationals, such as Caitlin Foord, Sam Kerr and Kyra Cooney-Cross. Prior to this, the Sydney native held Head coaching roles in the top levels of Australian club football.

Neligan shared his enthusiasm for continuing the journey: “I am delighted to commit my future to this club. It is definitely a place where I feel at home and I know it's big for Brian as well. We both feel happy to be here and excited for the future.

“This city has become my home away from home. The people are very similar to where I'm from: hard-working and they have to work for what they get. The first time we went to The Winslow, we saw what this club means to the people. It just fills you with a sense of pride to know what you're representing.”

Congratulations, Stephen!