Fran Kirby: Vidosic’s Sudden Brighton Exit Left Me Stressed

Fran Kirby Vidosic exit Brighton — Fran Kirby has described feeling stressed and disappointed by Dario Vidosic’s abrupt Brighton exit, a managerial change that came just before the Women’s Super League season began. Vidosic left the club on 28 August, and Arturo Ruiz was appointed the same day. Nine days later, Brighton opened their campaign against Arsenal.

Kirby, who had a good relationship with Vidosic and called him a fantastic coach, said the squad had no coaching session with Ruiz before that Arsenal match. Brighton lost, and the team remained winless in their first four league games under the new manager.

A tenure cut short

Vidosic’s time at Brighton included notable progress. He led the club to its first FA Cup final in May, where they lost 4-0 to Manchester City, and oversaw WSL finishes of fifth and seventh. Under him, Brighton ranked fourth in average possession, though they also committed the most fouls and received the most yellow cards in both 2024-25 and 2025-26.

Kirby joined Brighton in July 2024, six days before Vidosic was appointed. She has since scored 10 WSL goals and provided six assists for the club. Her frustration stemmed from the timing of the change and the lack of preparation it left before the Arsenal fixture.

Ruiz’s early impact

Ruiz, at 29 the youngest manager in the WSL, arrived from Real Sociedad, where he led the Spanish side to third in Liga F and Champions League qualification. Brighton’s first league win under him came before the international break, a 5-1 victory over Charlton. The club also secured two League Cup wins.

Kirby said Ruiz wants the team to harm opponents more quickly, whereas Brighton previously overplayed at times. She acknowledged that changing the mindset is hard but described the group as great and said she prefers clear instructions.

Annabel Bassett noted that under Vidosic, Brighton soaked pressure and built from the back, often overloading midfield with a goal threat. Ruiz, she said, speaks about nullifying opponents and likes winning the ball high and using the flanks. Bassett added that Ruiz is willing to try things and that the club says work behind the scenes is progressing.

Manchester City challenge

Brighton now travel to Manchester City on Sunday, 18 October, with a 14:30 BST kick-off, live on BBC Two and iPlayer. It is the first meeting since May’s FA Cup final. City have won all five of their WSL matches this season and are on a run of 15 consecutive home wins.

Kirby said Brighton are trying not to think too much about City, but the challenge is clear. Ruiz said he is happy with the performances and work so far, though he acknowledged the difficulty of beginning without time to build an identity. He hopes for more solidity and consistency from Sunday.