Brighton target top-four WSL finish after making Dario Vidosic new coach
Brighton have appointed the Melbourne City manager Dario Vidosic as their new head coach on a contract until 2027.
The 37-year-old former Australia international winger spent a year in charge at Melbourne City and led them to last season’s A-League title, in what was his first senior managerial role.
Brighton’s technical director David Weir praised Vidosic’s “leadership” skills, adding: “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.”
Vidosic’s playing career included spells with Brisbane Roar, Melbourne City and Adelaide United as well as German clubs including Duisburg and Armenia Bielefeld, plus Chinese club Liaoning.
Brighton’s women’s chair, Michelle Walder, added: “He has the knowledge and experience as a leader but also as a player. He has a clear understanding of our club values and we believe he will help us achieve our long-term ambitions of being an elite WSL club.”
The club have also appointed former Everton assistant manager Chris Roberts as assistant head coach. Roberts had been with Everton since 2018.
Brighton had been without a permanent head coach since sacking Melissa Phillips in February, and had placed Mikey Harris in interim charge for the latter part of last season, but he has now returned to his previous role as the club’s academy coaching and pathway manager.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa have signed Spain international left-back Paula Tomás from Levante for an undisclosed fee on a two-year deal with the option of a further year.
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Tomás has two senior caps for the world champions and new Villa manager Robert de Pauw said: “Paula is a young and versatile player that can play as a full-back on both sides. I think she will bring intelligence and determination to the team.”