Brian Sorensen Joins Republic of Ireland Women's Team as Assistant Coach

Brian Sorensen is set for an international return, with the former Everton manager poised to join the Republic of Ireland women’s set-up for their World Cup play-off campaign later this year.

Sorensen is expected to come in as assistant coach, working alongside Liverpool coach Amber Whiteley as part of an expanded backroom team.

Crucially, he is not leaving club football. He is understood to be retaining his role as technical director with Aston Villa Women, linking up with Ireland only during international windows.

That creates an intriguing dynamic. Sorensen will now work under Carla Ward at international level, having previously gone head-to-head with her when she was in the Villa dugout and he was in charge of Everton in the Women’s Super League.

First Assignment

Ireland’s first assignment with the reshaped staff is clear and unforgiving: a two-legged World Cup play-off against Kazakhstan in the opening round of qualifying. Those games are scheduled for 9 and 13 October.

High stakes. Short turnaround. And now, an experienced WSL operator stepping into the Irish camp just as the pressure starts to rise.