We’re just weeks into the 2024/25 season, and the WSL has already had its first managerial sacking.
Jonas Eidevall he called it after just over three seasons a arsenal earlier this week, a decision that followed a string of disappointing results. Pressure on the Swede had increased in recent weeks, with some fans openly calling for his resignation.
Now, one of the hottest jobs in the women’s game is up for grabs. The Gunners have already started the process of appointing Eidevall’s successor, but assistant Renee Slegers is in charge of the team on an interim basis until a permanent decision is made.
90 minutes have assessed and ranked the names in the race to take over the Gunners.
We’ll keep this one short and sweet.
Phil Neville is a bookies’ favorite but the odds of him being offered the job are slim. He has experience in the women’s game as a former club coach lionessesbut has since returned to men’s soccer with Inter Miami and now the Portland Timbers in the MLS.
The 47-year-old would almost certainly be an unpopular date with fans. Arsenal can do much better.
Again, an unlikely candidate. Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere knows the club and understands what it means to represent the Gunners, and is currently coaching the men’s under-18 team.
But with no experience of the women’s game, or of management at the top level, it would be a risky appointment, to say the least. If silverware is to be the aim, Arsenal will have to turn to more tried and tested names.
When news of Eidevall’s resignation broke Tuesday morning, Casey Stoney immediately emerged as perhaps the strongest option. It’s available, he boasts WSL experience with Manchester United, represented Arsenal as a player and is one of the most respected figures in the game.
The 42-year-old would have topped this list if it weren’t for a BBC report indicating that he is not currently under consideration for the job. That could, of course, change, but given that the links have already been squashed, it seems far-fetched to suggest that it will take over.
A list of potential candidates would not be complete without the interim. Dutchman Renee Slegers has been part of Arsenal’s coaching staff since last year, and also succeeded Eidevall at Sweden’s Rosengard.
He had two successful seasons, winning two Damallsvenskan titles, before stepping down from his role in April 2023. At 35, it remains to be seen whether he has the experience and knowledge to take on a job of this magnitude , but the Arsenal hierarchy will. You’ll no doubt be evaluating how the next few games will turn out.
Mark Parsons is another outside shout for the role, although he can be featured in the less popular options. The 38-year-old has previously coached in England in Chelsea’s academy and reserve set-up, but really made a name for himself in the NWSL, having been coach of the year in 2016.
Interestingly, she succeeded Sarina Wiegman as head coach of the Dutch national team in 2021. But it was a short-lived and somewhat disappointing appointment. He returned to the United States soon after to join the Washington Spirit, but only spent one season at the helm and is currently out of a job.
The Australia connection could make former Matildas boss Tony Gustavsson an interesting appointment. She has coached in her native Sweden, the United States, and most recently the Australian women’s national team.
He spent four years in his previous role and guided the team to the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2023. He stepped down in the summer, so he is available. He would also be familiar with Arsenal’s Australian contingent.
Laura Harvey would be one of the most popular candidates to succeed Eidevall. The 44-year-old has coached Arsenal before, more than a decade ago, winning back-to-back titles to usher in the WSL era. But it’s her recent time in America that now makes her an even more desirable date.
He’s currently in his second stint with the NWSL’s Seattle Reign and is under contract until 2025, so getting over the line could prove difficult. The fact that he was tipped to take the USWNT job before appointing Emma Hayes underlines his credentials at the highest level.
Look away, Orlando Pride fans. With the NWSL season coming to an end early next month, it’s probably the perfect time to assess the US market.
Born in England, Hines was a product of Middlesbrough’s academy but ended his playing career across the pond with Orlando City.
So it’s no surprise that his entire coaching career has been in the same city. She has overseen a remarkable rebuild with the Pride and guided the team to their first trophy earlier this month in the form of the NWSL Shield.
En route to silverware, they went on a record 23-match unbeaten run and boast one of the strongest defensive units in the league. It’s fair to say this would be a strong appointment for Arsenal.
