Former England striker Fran Kirby says the departure of Brighton head coach Dario Vidosic on the eve of the season left her feeling "stressed" and "disappointed". Vidosic guided Brighton to the club's first FA Cup final this year and finished a club-record fifth and seventh in the Women's Super League before leaving abruptly on 28 August, nine days before their opener against Arsenal. He was replaced by Real Sociedad manager Arturo Ruiz on the same day.
"It wasn't easy when I heard," Kirby told the Women's Football Weekly podcast. "I was a bit disappointed. "I had a really good relationship with Dario and think he's a fantastic coach that can go on and achieve amazing things with top clubs.
"But we had Arsenal coming up and hadn't had a coaching session with the new manager. Ruiz named Brighton boss after shock Vidosic exit Brighton lost their season curtain-raiser to the Gunners, the only game Arsenal have won so far in the WSL, and went winless through their first four league matches under Ruiz. The 29-year-old did secure his first victory in the English top-flight before the international break, thrashing promoted Charlton 5-1.
However, this Sunday, Brighton travel to champions Manchester City, who have won all five WSL matches this season, for a game live on BBC Two (Sunday, ). It is the first time the two sides have met since City won 4-0 in the FA Cup final in May. A seven-time winner of the WSL with Chelsea, Kirby conceded 2026-27 has not been easy.
"We're under no illusions – it's been a tough start," said Kirby. "Getting the manager in so late and trying to adapt to his style of play. It's difficult when it comes so close to the start of the season.
"People say, 'Who have you got after the international break?' and it's Man City. We're trying not to think too much about it." Manchester City v Brighton & Hove Albion Watch full coverage and follow live text updates on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website Under Vidosic, Brighton became a team seeking to dominate the ball, and during his first season in charge, they were very successful with only Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City averaging more possession per game. They were physical too, committing the most fouls and accruing the most yellow cards in both 2024-25 and 2025-26.
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