Melissa Phillips has left her place as Brighton Women head coach with quick impact.
The American has spent 10 months within the function, taking up from Jens Scheuer in April 2023. She led the Seagulls to Women’s Super League security final season, and competed within the FA Cup semi-finals, the place Brighton narrowly misplaced out to Manchester United.
She leaves with Brighton tenth within the WSL after 12 video games, six factors away from Bristol City on the backside of the desk. They have received three video games this season, however have been overwhelmed by champions Chelsea on the weekend.
Mikey Harris will take interim cost, supported by Owen Fisher – each of whom transfer from the boys academy – and the present employees within the ladies’s staff.
Technical director David Weir stated: “This will not be a choice which has been taken evenly, however we really feel it’s vital for the progress we wish to see within the Women’s Super League.
“We have invested closely within the ladies’s squad and infrastructure going into this season, and outcomes and performances haven’t been on the stage we had anticipated, on condition that funding.
Highlights of the WSL match between Brighton and Chelsea
“We would like to thank Melissa for her efforts and, on behalf of everyone at the club, we wish her well for the future.”
Women’s managing director Zoe Johnson added: “I would like to echo David’s words of thanks and wish Melissa well moving forward.
“The quick precedence is upcoming WSL, Conti Cup and FA Cup matches in opposition to Manchester United this Sunday, and Aston Villa and Wolves the next week; whereas additionally starting the seek for a everlasting head coach.”
Analysis: Phillips departure feels like a shock
Sky Sports’ Charlotte Marsh:
“This looks like a shock departure. Much of the dialogue with Phillips herself and the Brighton gamers – together with Maria Thorisdottir solely on Friday – spoke concerning the challenge on the membership, constructing in the direction of a staff that may problem these high three or 4 groups.
“She had a number of new players in her squad this summer as the aforementioned ‘project’ started to take shape. But they were players of real talent and a signal from the club that they were backing their women’s team.
“Now, it looks like that has all come to a screeching halt. It’s now ‘harm limitation’ to keep away from the drop – though they continue to be effectively inside vary of mid-table, far nearer than they’re to twelfth place.
“The signs of improvement have been clear under Phillips after a turbulent 2022/23 and there did not appear to be any conflict between managers, players or club. Although you never know what goes on behind closed doors, there were few rumblings of discontent.
“But the WSL might be an unforgiving league, particularly when dealing with massive hitters like Chelsea, Arsenal and Man City regularly. Although certainly one of her finest moments will certainly be a 1-0 win in opposition to Gareth Taylor’s aspect earlier this season.
“However, to sack a clearly talented manager who was working well with a new-look squad is a strange choice, especially at this stage of the season.
“The potential menace of relegation was clearly sufficient to make the Brighton hierarchy nervous. Whether it proves to have been the proper alternative stays to be seen.”
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