Brighton Chairman, Tony Bloom has iterated that the women’s team “mean business,” this season.
Brighton have competed in the Women’s Super League since 2018-19 season and recorded their best finish of sixth-place in 2020-21 season, whilst they also reached two Women’s FA Cup semi-finals in that period.
This summer has seen nine new arrivals which included Fran Kirby and Jelena Cankovic from Chelsea amongst others, with Kirby’s signing viewed as a bold message of their intent.
“We certainly do mean business,” commented Bloom. “I accept the fact that Fran is a statement signing, and I think she’s going to be great for the group in terms of her experiences. But there are lots of other really good players we’ve brought in.
Bloom proceeded to reveal that a top-four finish is a wider future target for the club, yet acknowledged that it is unlikely to come this season.
“When we say long-term vision of top four, we say what we mean and it may still take quite a while to consistently get there, but that is our aim. That is our ambition.
“I’m really looking forward to this season’s campaign with the women’s team.”
Reflective of Brighton’s performances in last six seasons, Bloom admitted that it’s a tough ask against the household clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool.
“We haven’t been that close but top four is really difficult in the WSL with all the strong teams.
“Since we did that [set out the vision], Manchester United and Liverpool have come into the division, but I do think this year we’ve got by far and away our strongest squad of players, and we will give it a real go to be challenging for the top four.”
Like their male counterparts, Brighton’s Women this season have a new manager in charge, with Dario Vidosic appointed as the new permanent manager.
Bloom though has urged fans to give the Croatian a chance following his title-winning exploits with Melbourne City Women in Australia’s A League.
“He’s not got a huge amount of experience as a head coach, but we’re really impressed with what Dario did in Australia, so we’re very hopeful for the season ahead,” added Bloom.
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