Kirby ‘stressed’ by abrupt Vidosic exit from Brighton

Fran Kirby revealed she was left feeling "stressed" and "disappointed" following the abrupt departure of Brighton head coach Dario Vidosic on August 28. Vidosic exited just nine days before Brighton's Women's Super League opener against Arsenal, having guided the club to its first FA Cup final earlier in the year. He was promptly replaced by former Real Sociedad manager Arturo Ruiz on the same day.

Brighton experienced a challenging start under Ruiz, losing to Arsenal and remaining winless in their first four league games before defeating Charlton 5-1. Kirby acknowledged that adapting to a new manager's tactical style so late in pre-season proved difficult, especially with an upcoming fixture against reigning champions Manchester City on Sunday.