Head coach Melissa Phillips departs Brighton Women | OneFootball

Tom Phillips/SPP

Brighton & Hove Albion have relieved head coach Melissa Phillips of her duties, with Mikey Harris, supported by Owen Fisher, now in interim charge.

Technical director David Weir told brightonandhovealbion.com: “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: “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.”

Mikey Harris is a UEFA Pro License coach, and moves across from the men’s academy, as does Owen Fisher who has also worked with the women’s first-team as goalkeeping coach in an interim capacity.

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