Brighton & Hove Albion Women head coach Dario Vidošić will leave the club just one week before the new Women's Super League season starts. The 39-year-old Australian is set to move to the National Women's Soccer League in the United States, as reported by Telegraph Sport this week.
Vidošić's exit creates a major disruption for Brighton, who host Arsenal in their opening WSL fixture on September 6. The club did not wish to comment when contacted by the Telegraph. It is understood the decision was made for Vidošić to depart now rather than midway through the domestic campaign. He will not join his new NWSL side until the start of their next season in February 2027.
Why is Vidošić leaving Brighton now?
The timing is far from ideal for Brighton. With the WSL kick-off just days away, the club must find a new leader for a squad Vidošić helped shape this summer. He was instrumental in bringing new players to the Amex and in convincing others to stay. Sources indicate Angel City is his intended destination. That club currently has Leif Smerud as interim manager and plans to appoint a permanent boss ahead of the 2027 NWSL season.
Vidošić joined Brighton in the summer of 2024. In his first season, he guided the team to a historic fifth-place finish, their highest-ever league position. Last season, he led them to their first-ever FA Cup final, where they were beaten 4-0 by Manchester City. His departure makes him the second manager to leave the WSL this summer, following Marc Skinner's exit from Manchester United earlier this month. Vidošić was the joint-longest serving manager in the WSL alongside Chelsea's Sonia Bompastor.
What does this mean for Brighton's season?
Brighton's immediate challenge is to stabilise the team ahead of a tough opening match against Arsenal. You can view the full schedule on our fixtures page. The club has publicly stated ambitions of challenging for European football. Losing a manager who delivered record league finishes and a cup final run is a significant setback.
The squad he built now faces uncertainty. Key players who were persuaded to stay under his vision may need fresh reassurances. The club's hierarchy must act quickly to appoint a successor who can maintain the positive trajectory. Vidošić's departure leaves a major void just as the new campaign begins.
How does Brighton's squad currently look?
The playing group remains the one Vidošić assembled. Fans can check the latest roster on our squad page. His work in the transfer market this summer was seen as crucial for building a team capable of pushing for the top four. The new manager will inherit a group that has shown it can compete at the highest level, evidenced by that fifth-place finish and cup final appearance.
The club's recent performances have raised expectations. Supporters will hope the progress made under the Australian is not lost. The next appointment will be critical for morale and for continuing the project Vidošić started. You can track the team's statistical performance this season via our stats page.
What happens next for Brighton?
The search for a new head coach begins immediately. Brighton's board must identify a candidate who can quickly get to grips with the squad and implement a style of play. The opening match against a title contender like Arsenal is a daunting first task for any new appointment.
The club's statement of ambition means they will likely target a high-calibre replacement. The goal of European football remains, but this unexpected change makes the path more difficult. The focus now shifts to the recruitment process and ensuring the players are ready for the season ahead, despite the late upheaval in the dugout.
