Willie Kirk believes Everton’s major progress over the past 12 months can help the Club attract high-calibre players during the summer transfer window.
The Blues finished the 2019/20 Women’s Super League season in sixth place after the campaign was ended early due to the coronavirus pandemic – four positions higher than the previous term.
Everton’s increased defensive solidity and high-energy attacking performances consistently impressed during the campaign, as the Blues showcased their ability to compete with the leading sides in the country.
The Club’s ambition was highlighted during the January transfer window, with the signings of England midfielder Izzy Christiansen, highly-rated goalkeeper Sandy MacIver and electric Australian international forward Hayley Raso.
Kirk is confident Everton will continue to be an enticing destination for potential new arrivals, citing the Blues’ tangible improvements on the pitch, purpose-built new stadium at Walton Hall Park, and state-of-the-art training facilities at USM Finch Farm.
“We’ve got really good recruitment plans in place,” the Scot told evertonfc.com.
“Last summer was tough, convincing players to sign for a team that had finished second-bottom two years in a row.
“I think we were clever about that, using the WSL as an attraction as much as the Club.
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“Then, as soon as you get the hook into players and take them to USM Finch Farm, it’s a different story. It’s an easy sell at that point.
“Last summer was challenging but I think we recruited really well. We built on that in January with three terrific signings [MacIver, Raso and Christiansen].
“We’ve not seen Hayley or Izzy on the pitch yet, so that becomes even more exciting.
“With regards to this summer’s recruitment, I think planning in advance is so important.
"Lawrence Shamieh (Recruitment Analyst) does a lot of work in that area for me, and I’ve worked really closely with him to make sure we’ve got really good shortlists in terms of the positions we want to recruit in.
“With the help of Aaron Little, the General Manager, and Sarvar Ismailov, our new Sporting and Commercial Director, we’ve progressed really quickly and professionally.”
Kirk was eager to praise the work of his Everton backroom team in helping him to create environment built for sustainable success.
He explained how trust underpins his relationship with his staff – and paid tribute to their continued hunger to learn and develop.
“Through experience, I believe I’ve been good at giving out responsibility,” he explained.
“I don’t try to do everything myself, I don’t try to micro-manage.
“I’ve got to be able to trust my staff, and I’ve got a really good team here.
“I’ve got to challenge them to make sure they continue to improve. And I challenge myself, too.
“The staff are no different to the players, we’re always looking to improve.”
