Football Season Guide

Missed out on the top 6 last season by a single point. Existed in mid-table all campaign. Recorded some memorable wins on the way, became the first team to beat Chelsea in 2 years. Lacked consistency though. Felt a change is needed in the summer at the helm. Coach Vidosic resigned after 2 years in charge. Risky replacement appointed. Spaniard Arturo Ruiz is only 29-years-old. This his first job outside of Spain. Last season he coached Real Sociedad, before that Granada and Atletico de Madrid. Ruiz seems set to work with pretty much the same core of star players. No major departures so far. Able to add some quality in defence and midfield. Lia Wälti returns to the WSL, played for Arsenal for many years, and can be a key figure as the main anchor of the midfield. Gabby George is an experienced defender, she has injury issues and the main goal will be to keep her healthy. Norwegian striker Olaug Tvedten arrived last winter but was hardly used. The new head coach seems to like her a lot. She shone in pre-season, 4 goals in 3 friendlies, and is poised for much bigger role this term. The new manager is an unknown but the squad looks slightly stronger on paper so Ruiz might not need to do too much for Brighton to be competitive and in the top half of the standings all season.