Brighton Women have confirmed the appointment of Melissa Phillips as their head coach. The 35-year-old American has agreed to terms with the Women’s Super League team until June 2025. She succeeds interim coach Amy Merricks, who took over after the retirement of former England Women boss Hope Powell. Brighton sits at the bottom of the WSL, but they have two games in hand on the three teams above them, with only three points separating them. Phillips, who led London City Lionesses to the Women’s Championship title in January before moving to Angel City, must also contend with Brighton’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United on April 15.
“I’m thrilled to be here and can’t wait to get started. It’s an incredible feeling to be a part of this club, and I’m looking forward to working with the team,” new Brighton Women head coach Melissa Phillips said. “I had excellent discussions with the club, and I thought returning to England was the right move. I am completely aware of our current position, but I am convinced that we can improve and move up the table.”
“We are thrilled to have Melissa as our new head coach of the women’s first team. She has a strong understanding of the game as well as some critical experience that will help us move up the table,” Brighton Women chair Michelle Walder said. “Amy Merricks has done an outstanding job under difficult circumstances in recent weeks, allowing us to go through a rigorous process to bring in Melissa. We are looking forward to our FA Cup semi-final versus Manchester United thanks to Amy, Perry Northeast, and the rest of the team. We are extremely excited to begin working with Melissa, to assist her in settling here, and to support her in some very quick short-term goals with the upcoming cup and league matches.”
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