Kirby 'stressed' by abrupt Vidosic exit from Brighton

Kirby expressed frustration over Vidosic's sudden departure nine days before Brighton's season opener, leaving the squad without preparation time under new manager Ruiz.

Fran Kirby has spoken about the disruption caused by Brighton head coach Dario Vidosic's abrupt exit on 28 August, just nine days before the Women's Super League season began. Vidosic, who had guided Brighton to their first FA Cup final and consecutive top-seven finishes, left without warning and was immediately replaced by Real Sociedad manager Arturo Ruiz. Kirby told the Women's Football Weekly podcast she felt stressed and disappointed by the timing, particularly as Arsenal were their opening opponents and the squad had no coaching sessions with Ruiz beforehand. Brighton lost that opener and went winless through their first four league matches under the new manager, though Ruiz secured his first WSL victory with a 5-1 win over Charlton before the international break.