Frédéric Piquionne and Franck Plaine have joined Everton Women as part of manager Jean-Luc Vasseur’s backroom staff.

Piquionne has been appointed Assistant Manager and will have specific focus on coaching and tactics, with Performance Manager Plaine focusing on physical performance and sports science.

Frenchman Piquionne enjoyed a successful playing career as a forward that included spells at Olympique Lyonnais, Portsmouth and West Ham United before moving into coaching with Paris Saint-Germain Féminine in 2018.

Plaine previously worked at Paris Saint-Germain’s youth academy and spent the past three-and-a-half years in Africa, most of which was as a first-team fitness coach at Orlando Pirates.

“I’m very proud and excited to begin my work with this club,” Piquionne told evertonfc.com. “To be back in England with a big club like Everton, it’s exciting to be part of.

“The WSL has grown very quickly over the past few years and we are all determined to get Everton competing with the best.

“I will give everything to help the players progress. I want to help bring success to this team and this club.”

Working in England for the first time, Plaine said he was looking forward to supporting manager Vasseur as Everton bid to progress.

“It’s a great feeling to join Everton and be a part of this ambitious and historic club,” he said.

“I feel fresh and prepared for the challenges coming in this league and ready to help the team to success.

“My target now is to make sure the players are in the best possible condition for the rest of the season and beyond.”

Everton Women manager Vasseur spoke of his delight to work alongside Piquionne and Plaine.

“It’s great news for us because Frédéric and Franck come in to improve our staff and offer us new strengths to make the team better,” said Vasseur.

“Franck has good experience abroad and Frédéric knows England from his time in the Premier League.

“They have different profiles and I think they are highly-skilled staff.”

Everton Women Managing Director, Alan McTavish, added: “We are delighted to welcome Frédéric and Franck to Everton Football Club as we further strengthen our talented and dedicated Women’s coaching team.

“Frédéric and Franck bring with them a wealth of experience in football, and they are determined to help us progress and compete with the best in the Women’s Super League.

“We look forward to seeing them working alongside our manager, Jean-Luc, and our ambitious squad at an exciting time for our Club.”