Women’s Super League 2024-25 previews No 3: Brighton

Guardian writers’ predicted position: 8th (NB: this is not necessarily Sophie Downey’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips)

Last season’s position: 9th

The plan

It has been another summer of change for Brighton, who have been through a tumultuous time since the departure of Hope Powell in 2022. Two managers and two interim head coaches have come through the door leading to a feeling of instability that has contributed to them fighting to avoid relegation at times.

A new head coach has arrived and there has been a significant turnover in players. The constant change means they are perhaps a little unpredictable going into a new campaign. Dario Vidosic is the new head coach, arriving from Melbourne City on a three-year deal. The club have made no secret of their ambitions to win the WSL and handling that expectation and building a squad to meet it will be key.

There is no doubt quality has been added to the team. Fran Kirby’s arrival from Chelsea is the marquee signing and is a real statement of intent. Having players of her experience and leadership will be crucial with Vicky Losada, Guro Bergsvand and Maria Thorisdottir already at the club. But questions remain and the biggest is: how do you replace the goalscoring prowess of Elisabeth Terland, who was responsible for 13 of Brighton’s 26 league goals last campaign? She has joined Manchester United.

They hit the ground running in pre-season with a comfortable win over Portsmouth while two goal-filled friendly victories in Spain against Málaga and Grenada will also have filled them with confidence. An opening day fixture at home to Everton will provide a strong barometer of where they are at and is certainly a game they will be eyeing up as a potential three-pointer. A stern test against Manchester City follows but encounters with Aston Villa and Crystal Palace certainly give them an opportunity to have a strong opening month.

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The manager

Brighton underwent a lengthy recruitment process before they brought Dario Vidosic into the setup. The former Australia international enjoyed success at Melbourne City Women in his two-year stint, guiding them to the A-League title in 2023-24 season. The 37-year-old is clearly ambitious and has stated his desire to “test himself against the best”. He told the club media: “The simple word to use is to ‘dominate’. I like to play a very attacking brand, but we will still need to defend when we have the ball … we know we’ll play against some very good teams, but I’ve never feared results. Whatever club we play their badge is almost a blank. We’ll look to play our way of football. It doesn’t really matter who that’s against.”

Off-field picture

There is no question the foundations behind the team are significant. Their state-of-the-art training facility is up there with the league’s best, a place built for their players to thrive. Questions do remain, however, about their recruitment and significant manager and player turnover. A period of stability is much needed and Vidosic must be given time to bed in his philosophy.

Breakout star

Summer signing Aisha Masaka is the first Tanzania international to join a WSL side. The 20-year-old forward is an exciting young talent and natural goalscorer. She comes to England after two seasons in Sweden’s Damallsvenskan with Häcken. They finished second last season and reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League. She has been capped 15 times for her country, scoring nine goals. Brighton are in need of a prolific goalscorer and while it might take Masaka a little time to settle, she clearly has the potential to be a success.

A-lister

In acquiring the signature of Fran Kirby, Brighton have gained a generational player and winner of multiple trophies. During her decade at Chelsea, she helped them win seven league titles, five FA Cups, two League Cups and a Community Shield. On an international stage, she played a key role in England finishing third at the 2015 in her breakout tournament before being at the heart of the Lionesses’ Euro 2022 victory. Injuries and illness have hampered her career at times and Brighton does appear the perfect fit for a player who is searching for consistent form and fitness but brings numerous qualities on and off the pitch.

This summer’s business

As previously alluded too, there has been a bit of a revolving door at Brighton. Nine in and nine out is a significant change for any team but it looks like the club have recruited well. In addition to Kirby and Masaka, the talented forward Bruna Vilamala has been brought in on loan from Barcelona while the versatile Kiko Seike was signed from Urawa Reds. There have also been additions in the defensive department in the young Dutch defenders Marit Auée and Marisa Olislagers.

Where do they play?

The Seagulls will continue to play their games at Crawley’s Broadfield Stadium with a handful of showcase matches at the Amex. Broadfield is a difficult location and the standard of the pitch has been known to deteriorate in the winter. Last season, Brighton announced their intention to build the first purpose-built women’s football stadium in the country and the concept was voted through by Brighton and Hove city council. It will be crucial for the club to bring the team back to to the city as it develops its supporter base and grow commercially.