Everton Women confirm dramatic manager exit after midnight

Everton Women confirmed the exit of manager Jean-Luc Vasseur after midnight on Wednesday.

Vasseur. 53, had been in charge 95 days - replacing Willie Kirk at the end of October - but led Everton to just one league victory.

He presided over a heavy 3-0 defeat at West Ham United in January and also watched his side lose by single goals to Brighton & Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur.

He leaves Everton 10th in the Women's Super League, seven points clear of relegation but 13 points behind the European qualification places.

Everton beat Huddersfield Town 4-0 in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday in what proved to be the final match in charge for the Frenchman.

But a report in The Telegraph suggested senior Everton management figures were 'disappointed' by recent results and also claimed players in the squad were unhappy with some training methods used by Vasseur, leading to a dramatic decision on Wednesday.

A club statement released in the early minutes read: "Everton can confirm that Jean-Luc Vasseur has left his role as manager of the Club’s women’s team. Assistant coaches Frédéric Piquionne and Franck Plaine have also left the Club.

"Everyone at Everton would like to thank Jean-Luc, Frédéric and Franck for their service and wish them well for the future.

"Chris Roberts and Claire Ditchburn will take charge of the team on an interim basis."

Former Everton Women sporting and commercial director Sarvar Ismailov labelled Vasseur the 'perfect candidate' upon his appointment but the 25-year-old stood down from his position days after the manager arrived citing 'personal and health reasons'.

Vasseur targeted 'titles' and 'Champions League qualification' at Walton Hall Park but lasted just three months after replacing Kirk, who