Brighton have appointed the Melbourne City manager Dario Vidosic as their head coach on a three-year contract. The 37-year-old former Australia winger spent a year in charge at Melbourne City and led them to last season’s A-League title, in his first senior managerial role.
Brighton, who finished ninth in the Women’s Super League, had been without a permanent head coach since sacking Melissa Phillips in February.
The club’s technical director, David Weir, praised Vidosic’s leadership skills, adding: “Dario is an individual who demonstrates a capacity to support players to develop and improve which is fundamental to our approach at the club.
“His leadership and performances at Melbourne City were transformative during his time at the club and we fully believe he will help us take a significant step towards our vision of being a top-four WSL club.”
Vidosic’s playing career included spells with Brisbane Roar, Melbourne City and Adelaide United as well as German clubs including Duisburg and Armenia Bielefeld, plus Chinese club Liaoning.
Brighton Women’s chair, Michelle Walder, added: “He has the knowledge and experience as a leader but also as a player. He has a clear understanding of our club values and we believe he will help us achieve our long-term ambitions of being an elite WSL club.”
The club have also appointed the former Everton assistant manager Chris Roberts as assistant head coach. Roberts had been with Everton since 2018.
Mikey Harris had been in interim charge after Phillips’ dismissal, but he has now returned to his previous role as the club’s academy coaching and pathway manager.
Meanwhile, newly-promoted Championship side Newcastle have signed the 32-year-old England left-back Demi Stokes, following the end of her contract at Manchester City.
Former Sunderland youth academy product Stokes, who has 69 caps for England and helped Manchester City win their sole WSL title in 2016, said: “I am thrilled to be joining Newcastle United and returning home to the north east. I still have so much to give on the pitch and I’m excited to bring my experience to a club with such big ambitions.”
Aston Villa have signed the Spain left-back Paula Tomás from Levante for an undisclosed fee on a two-year deal with the option of a further year.
Tomás has two senior caps for the world champions and Robert de Pauw, Villa’s new manager, said: “Paula is a young and versatile player that can play as a full-back on both sides. I think she will bring intelligence and determination to the team.”
