Vidosic makes shock Brighton exit before WSL season
August 28, 2026 09:00
Brighton & Hove Albion's women’s team manager Dario Vidosic has left the club a week before the WSL season, with the club saying he is departing "to pursue a new opportunity". The timing comes shortly before Brighton's opening fixture at home to Arsenal.
Vidosic had joined Brighton from Melbourne City in 2024 on a three-year contract. His exit ends a two-season spell in which he guided the team to their highest-ever WSL finish and to the club’s first Women’s FA Cup final.
KEY CONTEXT
- Under Vidosic, Brighton finished fifth in the WSL — their best league placing — and recorded notable victories over Arsenal and Manchester City in 2025–26.
- He arrived from Melbourne City after a two-year spell in Australia and quickly became regarded as one of the more respected coaches in England.
- Brighton have been investing in the women’s project: the club announced plans in April for what it described as Europe’s first purpose-built women’s stadium (estimated cost around £80m), and recent transfer activity brought in players including Fran Kirby and Lia Walti.
WHY IT MATTERS
A managerial departure so close to the season opener disrupts continuity for a club that had been pushing to move into the WSL top four. New recruits were signed with Vidosic’s methods in mind, and his tactical approach — described in reports as exciting but at times inconsistent — has shaped the squad. The immediate need for a replacement raises questions about how seamlessly Brighton can maintain momentum built over the last two seasons.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Brighton’s process to appoint a new head coach and how quickly the club can complete that transition. Spanish reports have linked Arturo Ruiz, recently departed Real Sociedad, as a potential successor — this is an external report, not confirmed by the club.
- Media sources have suggested Vidosic may move to the NWSL, with Angel City frequently named as the likeliest destination — this remains unconfirmed.
- Short-term competitive test: Brighton begin the WSL campaign at home to Arsenal on Sunday 6 September (12:00 BST).
KEY FACTS
- Dario Vidosic has left Brighton a week before the 2026–27 WSL season to "pursue a new opportunity".
- He joined Brighton from Melbourne City in 2024 on a three-year deal.
- Brighton reached their first Women’s FA Cup final in May and finished fifth in the WSL — their best league finish.
- The club has invested in the women’s side, announcing plans in April for a purpose-built women’s stadium (≈£80m) and signing players such as Fran Kirby and Lia Walti.
- Reports link Arturo Ruiz to Brighton and suggest Vidosic could move to the NWSL with Angel City; neither move was confirmed by the club in the source.