Brighton appoints Melissa Phillips as new manager

Melissa Phillips has taken over from Jens Scheuer, who left last month. Photo: BHAFC/Nigel Keane

Women's Super League&# 39; underside of Brighton & Hove Albion has appointed former London City Lionesses head coach Melissa Phillips as their new manager on a two and a half year contract until summer 2025.

The relegation-threatened Sussex club have been looking for a new manager since March 6, when Jens Scheuer left his position by mutual agreement. The 35-year-old American coach Phillips is now taking over with seven WSL matches remaining as the club aims not to be the only relegation spot in the top flight at the end of the season, with her first match in charge coming on Saturday, April. 15. Women's FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United.

«Melissa has a wealth of experience and deep understanding of the women's game, having previously coached Angel City, London City Lionness, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of San Francisco and Bakersfield California.» Read the statement from Brighton.

Most recently, in January, Phillips was announced as the new first-team assistant coach of Los Angeles-based NWSL Angel City. This appointment saw her leave London to join the California club, but she quickly returned to the English game, taking a job in Brighton. She pushed the London City Lionesses to fight for a promotion to the WSL from the Championship.

Phillips added: “I'm excited to be here and really want to start. It's an amazing feeling to join this club and I'm looking forward to working with the team. I had positive talks with the club and I knew that returning to England was the right decision. I am fully aware of our position but I am confident that we can grow and move up the table.»

Brighton Women's Group Chair Michelle Walder said: «We are very pleased to welcome Melissa as our new Women's First Head Coach. national team. She is well versed in the game and also has some key experience that will help us move up the table.

“[Interim Manager] Amy Merricks has done a fantastic job under difficult circumstances in recent weeks, getting us through a thorough process to attract Melissa. Thanks to Amy, Perry Northeast and the rest of the team, we are looking forward to our FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United.