Confirmed 28/8: Arturo Ruiz has been appointed our new women’s first-team head coach
Brighton & Hove Albion are searching for a new women’s first-team head coach after Dario Vidosic left the club to pursue another opportunity.
His departure comes shortly before the start of the 2026/27 Women’s Super League season. Brighton confirmed that preparations for their opening fixture will continue alongside the recruitment process, but did not announce who will oversee the team in the interim.
Vidosic leaves after two seasons in charge, having guided Albion to their highest WSL finish and first Women’s FA Cup final. His next destination has not yet been confirmed. Meanwhile, Arturo Ruiz is linked to the head-coach job at Brighton, after departing Real Sociedad.
Brighton face late change before WSL season
Women’s and girls’ managing director Zoe Johnson said Brighton were disappointed by Vidosic’s decision but respected his choice to take on a new challenge.
“Our priority now is on recruiting our new head coach and continuing our preparation ahead of the start of the Women’s Super League season next weekend,” Johnson said.
The timing leaves Brighton with a significant appointment to make as their competitive schedule approaches. The club have not indicated whether a permanent successor could arrive before the opening weekend.
Dario Vidosic described leaving Brighton as a difficult decision but said it was the right time for him and his family to begin a new chapter. “I have loved my time at the Albion and am proud of what we have achieved together,” he said.
The former Australia international also thanked Brighton’s players, staff and supporters for their backing during his time on the south coast.
Two landmark seasons at Brighton
Vidosic joined Brighton from Melbourne City in the summer of 2024, having won the A-League Women premiership during his time in Australia.
He made an immediate impact during his first campaign in England. Brighton finished fifth in the 2024/25 WSL, establishing a new highest league position for the club. Albion then reached another milestone during the 2025/26 season by advancing to the Women’s FA Cup final for the first time.
Brighton recovered from two goals down to beat Liverpool 3-2 in the semi-final, with Nadine Noordam scoring the winning goal in stoppage time. Their cup run ended with a 4-0 defeat against WSL champions Manchester City at Wembley.
Although Brighton did not collect a trophy during Dario Vidosic’s tenure, their fifth-place finish and appearance at Wembley represented the club’s two strongest achievements at senior women’s level. Johnson thanked the departing coach for his contribution across both campaigns.
“During his time with the club he led us to our highest-ever WSL finish and our first Women’s FA Cup final,” she said.
Brighton must now appoint the next coach responsible for building on those results. No timetable for the recruitment process has been made public.
Source: Brighton & Hove Albion
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