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

Brighton has experienced significant upheaval since the departure of Hope Powell in 2022, leading to a challenging period marked by two managerial changes and interim head coaches. This instability has resulted in a struggle to avoid relegation, prompting the club to seek a new direction with the appointment of Dario Vidosic as head coach. Vidosic aims to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for the Women’s Super League title, emphasizing a desire to dominate opponents regardless of their stature. The club's ambitions are underscored by the marquee signing of Fran Kirby from Chelsea, a player with a rich history of success, including multiple league titles and international accolades. However, the team faces the challenge of replacing the goalscoring contributions of Elisabeth Terland, who netted 13 of Brighton's 26 league goals last season. The arrival of promising young talent, such as 20-year-old forward Masaka, is seen as a potential solution to this issue. Brighton has shown positive signs in pre-season, securing victories against Portsmouth and two Spanish teams, Málaga and Grenada, which have boosted their confidence ahead of the new season. Their opening match against Everton is viewed as a crucial opportunity to gauge their progress and aspirations for the season. With a focus on building a strong foundation and a competitive squad, Brighton is determined to improve upon last season's ninth-place finish and establish themselves as serious contenders in the Women’s Super League.