Brighton Women name Dario Vidosic as new manager

Dario Vidosic has been named as the new manager of Women’s Super League side Brighton on a three-year deal.

He will start the role once his work permit has been processed and he can move to England.

Vidosic, 37, has been in charge of Melbourne City Women in Australia’s A-League for the past two seasons.

A former Australia international as a player, Vidosic takes over from interim Brighton boss Mikey Harris, who oversaw the second half of their WSL campaign.

Harris, who will return to his role at Brighton’s men’s academy, guided the WSL side to a ninth-place finish after the sacking of Melissa Phillips in February.

Zoe Johnson, Brighton’s managing director of women’s and girls’ football, said: “From the start of the process to appoint our new head coach, Dario was someone who caught our eye as a young coach with a progressive outlook.

“He has a playing style and philosophy that aligns with how we want Brighton teams to play. We are really excited to start working with Dario to prepare for the upcoming WSL season.”

Vidosic guided Melbourne City to the A-League title last season, before losing to Sydney in the Women’s Grand Final.

He is set to be joined by former Everton assistant manager Chris Roberts, who will form part of his coaching staff after leaving the Toffees at the end of the season.

Albion technical director David Weir added: “Dario is an individual who demonstrates a capacity to support players to develop and improve which is fundamental to our approach at the club.

“His leadership and performances at Melbourne City were transformative during his time at the club and we fully believe he will help us take a significant step towards our vision of being a top four WSL club.”

Brighton hope Vidosic will guide them closer to the top four, which had been dominated by Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United until Liverpool broke into it last season.

The club invested £8m in a new training complex for the women in 2022 as part of their strategy to break into the top four.

They have been able to attract a number of high-profile players since, including former Barcelona captain Vicky Losada and two-time Champions League winner Pauline Bremer, while England international Fran Kirby joined this month.

Vidosic will be expected to help implement Brighton’s distinctive style of possession-based football.