Fran Kirby says Dario Vidosic leaving Brighton on the eve of the season left her stressed and disappointed.
Fran Kirby has opened up on the shock of Dario Vidosic's departure as Brighton head coach, saying the timing left her feeling "stressed" and "disappointed" just as the new season was about to begin.
The former England striker was speaking about the fallout from a change that came at one of the worst possible moments. With preparations done and the campaign almost underway, Brighton's players suddenly faced a major shake-up on the touchline.
Pre-season is when a coach's ideas are drilled into a squad, when roles are set and when understanding between players and staff is built. Losing the man in charge so late disrupts that rhythm. It forces everyone to adjust quickly, and Kirby's words show how unsettling that has been for the dressing room.
Kirby is one of the most experienced and decorated players in the English women's game, so her frustration carries weight. How Brighton respond to the upheaval will say a lot about the strength of their squad as the season gets going.
