Axe falls on Phillips with Seagulls failing to soar in the WSL

Women's Super League strugglers Brighton have parted company with head coach Melissa Phillips. 

Having picked up just three wins from 12 WSL games this season, the Seagulls sit 10th in the table. 

And despite leading the club to safety last term after taking charge in April, 36-year-old Phillips has been shown the door after a miserable run of league results. 

Technical director David Weir said: "This is not a decision taken lightly but we feel it is vital for the progress we want to see.

"We 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. 

"We would like to thank Melissa for her efforts and, on behalf of everyone at the club, wish her well for the future."

Brighton signed Maria Thorisdottir, Vicky Losada and Pauline Bremer during the summer transfer window but Phillips' side were brushed aside 3-0 at home by WSL champs Chelsea last Saturday. 

And that defeat proved to be the last straw — even though the club are still in the Conti Cup and Women's FA Cup. 

Women's managing director Zoe Johnson said: "I would like to echo David's words of thanks and wish Melissa well moving forward. 

"The immediate priority is upcoming WSL, Conti Cup and FA Cup matches against Manchester United, Aston Villa and Wolves, while also beginning the search for a permanent head coach."

Mikey Harris, supported by Owen Fisher, will take interim charge, starting with Sunday's trip to Leigh Sports Village to face Marc Skinner's Red Devils. The duo have moved across from the men's academy.