Brian Sorensen Joins Republic of Ireland Women’s Team

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

He is expected to come in as assistant coach, forming part of a reshaped backroom team that will also include Liverpool coach Amber Whiteley. The move adds top-level Women’s Super League experience to an Ireland side preparing for a high‑stakes autumn.

Sorensen will not be leaving club football behind. He is understood to be staying on as technical director with Aston Villa women, combining that role with his new international duties during the designated breaks in the calendar. It means he will be working closely again with Villa manager Carla Ward, this time on the same side rather than in opposite dugouts, after their previous WSL meetings when Sorensen was in charge of Everton.

Upcoming Matches

Ireland’s immediate focus is clear: a two-legged World Cup play-off against Kazakhstan in the first round of qualifying. Those games are scheduled for 9 and 13 October, a tight window in which Sorensen and Whiteley must quickly stamp their influence.

High-pressure knockout football. A new-look coaching team. And a World Cup place on the line against Kazakhstan. Ireland know exactly what is coming in October.