Everton Ladies’ manager Andy Spence says his side are raring to sink their teeth into the top flight of women’s football after the Toffees manager was crowned as the FA’s Head Coach of the Spring Series.

Spence claimed the prestigious accolade at the annual FA Women’s Football Awards as stars of women’s football gathered to celebrate a memorable year in the women’s game.

Spence guided Everton to the WSL 2 title in the Spring Series earlier this year, which saw The Toffees win seven of their nine games and secure promotion to WSL 1. 

Speaking at the awards ceremony at Grosvenor House Hotel, in London, Spence praised his excellent team of players and Everton Ladies Football Club for their continued support in promoting the women’s game.

“Winning any award like this is down to the fantastic football club, with people who give me brilliant backing,” said Spence.

“The girls have been absolutely fantastic and were an absolute pleasure to work with last season. The support and love that we get from Everton Ladies Football Club is phenomenal.

“We thought we got our just rewards last season in terms of picking up the Spring Series title. It’s given us an exciting future to build on.”

Everton will ply their trade in the top division of women’s football for the first time since 2014 after replacing former FA WSL1 side Notts County Ladies.

Spence insists his side will arrive in the elite league full of confidence and will be determined to outplay their underdog tag after a strong summer of recruitment. 

“We’ve made some great signings – signings that we know are ready to go and compete in WSL 1,” said Spence. 

“We’re renowned for being a big name in ladies’ football and we want to get back to that stage when people do talk about us on a regular basis.

“It’s a challenge for all of us to take the opportunities that fall our way and make sure that this season is as good as our Spring Series season was.”

And the manager cited his side’s opening game – a crunch clash with local rivals Liverpool on September 22 – as the prime opportunity for his women to step up to the mark.  

“Any derby is fantastic,” said Spence. 

“With the TV cameras that will be there, it will be a great opportunity to showcase the women’s game with the quality we have in the squad and there’s no better occasion to do that than in a Merseyside derby.” 

For more information and to see all the award winners visit www.thefa.com/forgirls Join the conversation online using the hashtag #FAWomensAwards.