Brighton: New WSL ‘adventure’ begins under Mikey Harris after Melissa Phillips sacking
Mikey Harris described his first few days as Brighton Women’s interim boss as “crazy” and it is easy to see why.
Following the shock sacking of manager Melissa Phillips on Thursday evening, Harris was asked to step across from the men’s academy to oversee preparation for their Women’s Super League match against Manchester United.
He did a news conference on Friday lunchtime before even meeting all the staff and one 60-minute training session was all he had to get his team ready.
Harris’ time at the helm could be short, or it could be long, but he says it is “an adventure” he is “privileged to be given the opportunity” to oversee.
On top of several other surprises, one that was perhaps most welcome was the performance Brighton produced in the first half at Leigh Sports Village, despite coming away with a 2-0 defeat.
“It’s been a crazy 48 hours really. I’m genuinely blown away by all the intelligence the players showed off the back of one session,” said Harris.
“To go and perform in the way they did – and that we asked them to – was outstanding, regardless of the result. It’s about building on that.
“This is a bit of an adventure for me. I don’t know how else to describe it.
“It could be over next week, it might last longer than that. I’m going to enjoy every minute of it and help the staff to be the best versions of themselves.
“If we can play with the style, the identity and the togetherness we did today, I’m sure the results will come.”
What were the reasons behind Phillips’ sacking?
Brighton’s decision to sack Phillips, who had been in the role for just nine months, has been questioned.
She was popular with supporters and players but Brighton said her departure was “vital for the progress we want to see”.
Despite sitting five points clear of the relegation zone at the time, Phillips’ seven defeats from 12 league matches was considered a disappointment for a club that has ambitions of breaking into the WSL’s top four.
Brighton have invested in experts who analyse performance data and statistics and it is understood this played a part in their decision to sack Phillips, for what they believe to be a lack of progress in performance, as well as results.
The Seagulls released a strategy two years ago, setting out their ambitions to create a “pathway towards top four” between 2022 and 2024, which had six key elements to it.
Read also; Michael Beale Criticizes Middlesbrough Forward for Persistent Fouls Following Injury Concerns
Those were player pathway, recruitment, performance and coaching, medical, wellbeing and marketing and communications.
It came after an £8m investment in a new training complex for the women, which is widely considered one of the best in the WSL.
As is a result of that investment, plus the arrival of 11 new signings in the summer, Brighton feel they should have progressed further.
Critics point to the overhaul of the squad and feel more time was needed for Phillips to have an impact so Brighton know they must get their next appointment right.
But Harris, who admitted he is learning about the women’s game, is highly rated within the club and insists he has “total belief” they can achieve success.
‘We tried to play with style and identity’
The first impressions of Brighton’s new direction were fairly positive.
They were never expected to beat United and were always going to struggle – but Brighton controlled plenty of possession and limited the hosts to four shots on target.
Harris was particularly pleased with the first-half performance, which had plenty of promise, aside from a moment of quality from United’s Geyse which led to Nikita Parris’ opener.
“We were really positive and confident coming to Manchester United. We knew it was going to be a tough task as they are a top team, with top players. But I also believe we have top players,” said Harris.
“The players are really capable of achieving success this season. We tried to play with a style and an identity which reflects the vision and the philosophy of the football club. I felt we did that.
“Huge credit to the players because it’s not easy, particularly given the week they’ve had. Nobody likes to lose football games and we came here to win. Hopefully that was clear for everyone to see.”
So what are the philosophy and values of the club Harris hopes they can replicate?
“We want to dominate the ball as much as possible,” said Harris.
“I certainly feel that with this group of players – given time to work a bit longer and do analysis – I truly believe we can play possession-based football, where we dominate the ball.
“We want to be really aggressive without the ball, press and win the ball back as quickly as we can. I need to watch the game back but in the moment it certainly felt like we were trying to do those things.
“I hope it will give the players belief. They believed today and delivered a really good performance, especially in the first half.”
Read also; Lee Hendrie Applauds Aston Villa Star’s Remarkable Feat on £125k-a-week Salary
