Brighton have announced they have sacked their head coach Melissa Phillips after less than 12 months in the role.
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Brighton sack Melissa Phillips after 10 monthsMikey Harris to act as interim managerSeagulls sit in 10th place in WSLWHAT HAPPENED?
In her first few months in charge, Phillips helped the south coast team avoid relegation from the Women's Super League, after signing a two-year contract. But although Brighton made a respectable summer spending spree that featured signings of Pauline Bremer, Maria Thorisdottir, and Vicky Losada, the team's performance this season has fallen short of expectations.
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Britghton's technical director David Weir said to club media: "This is not a decision which has been taken lightly, but we feel it is vital for the progress we want to see in the Women’s Super League. We have invested heavily in the women’s squad and infrastructure going into this season, and results and performances have not been at the level we had expected, given that investment. 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 immediate priority is upcoming WSL, Conti Cup and FA Cup matches against Manchester United this Sunday, and Aston Villa and Wolves the following week; while also beginning the search for a permanent head coach."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Mikey Harris, assisted by Owen Fisher, has been named temporary manager of the Seagulls for the foreseeable future. The Seagulls are currently in 10th place in the English Premier League and have only won once in their last six games. Harris, a UEFA Pro License coach, joins from the men's academy, where he oversaw the Under-21 and Under-18 squads. In his prior tenure with the team, Harris oversaw the Under-18 squad at Albion.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR BRIGHTON?
Harris will not have long to try and change things up for Brighton ahead of their match against Marc Skinner's Manchester United in the Women's Super League on Sunday, February 4.