Everton has announced that the side is to face changes in and around the leadership structure and investment of the Women’s side.

A statement from the club reads: "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."

Alongside the announcement, Everton stated that there will be an increased amount of resources for the squad development of Willie Kirk’s side, which will be supported by a new Strategic Leadership Team directed by Professor Denise Barrett-Baxendale.

Sasha Ryazantsev – who is the director of the new vision – will strengthen the Strategic Leadership Team by taking on the role of Managing Director, meaning that she is in charge of ensuring that the side has a senior representation in the Everton boardroom.

Everton stated that this should “provide a springboard for the women’s team”.

Concluding the new Strategic Leadership Team will be Sarvar Ismailov. Ismailov was previously Everton’s Global Partnerships Consultant before joining the women’s side to become Everton Women’s first Sporting and Commercial Director.

In addition, the restructuring will include additional funds for scouting and recruitment, enhanced commercial opportunities, an increase in their marketing and promotion, media and digital coverage and an improved connection to the Club’s community programmes with Everton in the community.

Everton CEO, Professor Denise Barrett-Baxendale, stated:

"This football club has played a significant role in the development of the women’s game. As well as winning a host of domestic silverware and playing in European competitions, Everton has produced a number of women’s players that have gone on to represent their countries with distinction at major tournaments."

With Everton being one of the eight founding members of the Women’s Super League, they have certainly impacted the women’s game substantially. Having achieved the FA Women’s Premier League, FA Premier League Cup and two FA Women’s Cups since forming as Everton Ladies in 1995 they have a rich history and are looking to continue their growth with Willie Kirk leading the side.

The developing strategies come just a month after Everton Women located into a “new purpose build stadium” at Walton Hall Park, which is just a mile away from Goodison Park. The move has allowed Everton to bring an elite showcase of women’s football to the city frequently for the first time.

“Our ‘One Club’ vision is a clear symbol of togetherness and unity.

"We will now build on the foundations for success – with a clear focus on competing for honours with the elite of women’s football," said Barrett-Baxendale.