Dario Vidosic Resigns as Brighton Manager, Linked With Angel City Head Coach Role

The Women’s Super League Club, Brighton have confirmed that their team’s manager, Dario Vidosic has left the team, with over just a week left before the start of the new season. He has reportedly left the team to pursue a new opportunity.

According to The Guardian, Vidosic is reportedly one of the leading candidates to take over the head coach role for the Angel City and will be looking to start work before the start of the NWSL 2027 season. Vidosic has been in charge of the Brighton team for two years and led them to their first appearance at Wembley in Women’s FA Cup Final.

The departure of the 39-year-old Australian, which was first reported by the Daily Telegraph has reportedly left many members of Brighton's squad surprised. Zoe Johnson, the women’s and girls’ managing director at Brighton, who opened their WSL campaign with a visit to Arsenal on September 6, said, “We would like to thank Dario for his contribution over the past two years. During his time with the club, he led us to our highest-ever WSL finish and our first Women’s FA Cup final.

We are naturally disappointed but respect his decision to pursue a new challenge and wish him every success for the future. Our priority now is recruiting our new head coach and continuing our preparation ahead of the start of the Women’s Super League season next weekend.”

Vidosic, a former Australian midfielder who has also managed Melbourne City Women, said, “I have loved my time at the Albion and I am proud of what we have achieved together. Leaving has been a difficult decision, but I believe it is the right time for me and my family to begin a new chapter. I would like to thank the players, staff and supporters for their support throughout my time at the club and wish everyone associated with Albion every success.”

Angel City is currently led by their interim head coach, Leif Smerud, the former Crystal Palace manager, since their full-time coach Alexander Straus departed in June, earlier this year. Sources close to the Angel City have said, the club is very happy Smerud leading the team for the rest of this season. The Los Angeles-based team are currently placed at the ninth position, two points off the playoffs.