Dario Vidosic to coach English women’s side Brighton & Hove Albion

Melbourne City will have to scramble to find a new head women's coach after premiership winning manager Dario Vidosic was poached by an English club.

Melbourne City is in a race against the clock to find a new coach after former Socceroos player-turned-manager Dario Vidosic landed a new gig with an English club.

Vidosic took the reins of City’s women’s team part way through the 2022-23 season.

This past season he finished with the Premiers Plate.

The 37-year-old, who also played with City for two seasons, will leave Melbourne to take charge of WSL side Brighton & Hove Albion.

He won’t be the only Aussie at the club because fringe Matildas player Charlize Rule is in his squad.

The side finished ninth in the WSL with five wins from 22 games.

Former coach Melissa Phillips was sacked from the top job in February, just 10 months into her two-year contract.

Vidosic said it was a tough decision.

“It’s a bittersweet moment for me to embark on this exciting new challenge after the incredible two seasons I’ve shared with the team,” Vidosic said.

Melbourne City coach Dario Vidosic has landed a new gig with an English club. Picture: Michael Klein

“There are a lot of emotions. Some of happiness, some of sadness.

“It’s a strange one because I leave a lot of great memories here. Leave a lot of great people here.

“The players have been fantastic and I couldn’t ask for a better group to start my coaching career.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute. It is a sadness to leave but I’ll be a lifelong fan and be a massive supporter of both the men’s and the women’s team.”

The 37-year-old said lifting the premiership plate last season and qualifying for the first women’s AFC Champions League were highlights of his coaching career.

Vidosic isn’t the first City coach to make the move overseas.

Joe Montemurro, who returned to Australia this year to coach the A-League All Stars women’s team, coached at City before he made the move to Arsenal’s women’s team in 2017. Montemurro has since coached at Juventus and will take the helm at Ellie Carpenter’s domestic club Olympique Lyonnais this season.

Melbourne City FC CEO Brad Rowse praised Vidosic’s contribution to the club.

“Dario brought an exceptional culture to our team this season, unlike anything I’ve experienced in my many years in sport,” Rowse said.

“We displayed some phenomenal football but it was the team camaraderie, the togetherness and the attitude of this group that stood out most, and that’s a testament to Dario’s leadership.

“Although we’re disappointed to lose a head coach of Dario’s calibre, we value the importance of our staff and players taking these opportunities.

“We’ll continue to provide a platform that enables those in our environment to thrive, succeed and progress in their respective careers.”

Melbourne City claimed the premiership plate last season. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

Melbourne City FC director of football Michael Petrillo had no doubts Vidosic would continue to impress.

“Dario is already an exceptional coach and he has all the qualities needed to become one of

the world’s best one day,” he said. “We wish him every success.”

Finishing the season on top of the ladder earned Melbourne City the right to compete in the inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League.

The tournament kicks off next month, which doesn’t leave City with much time to find a new coach.

There are a number of holes to fill in the squad too after New Zealand international Hannah Wilkinson left, along with Emina Ekic, Naomi Chinnama, Julia Grosso, Daniela Galic and goalkeeper Barbara.

Kaitlyn Torpey also left mid-season to join NWSL club San Diego Wave and goalkeeper Kysianne Proulx signed with Bay FC.

Originally published as Dario Vidosic to coach English women’s side Brighton & Hove Albion