Fran Kirby: How Brighton’s star is using his competitive edge to inspire his young team – and look at Chelsea’s upset in the WSL | Soccer News

Even before Fran Kirby utters a word, the twinkle in her eye and her contagious smile tell you that her hunger for the game still burns bright.

His body may have endured his fair share of injuries and setbacks over the years, but Kirby’s mind remains as passionate about football as it was in his early days at Reading.

Kirby announced his retirement from international football in June last year, a month before England’s European Championship defense began, and the past three years have been pivotal for the Lionesses on their way to historic victory on home soil.

But after her second season at Brighton ended this spring after a move from Chelsea where she won numerous trophies and personal accolades, it’s clear the 32-year-old doesn’t see life on the south coast as an opportunity to have fun and relax by the seaside.

“When you join a new team you try to find your feet a little bit and I didn’t really feel the need to do that,” Kirby told Sky Sports from Brighton’s impressive Elite Football Performance Center, reflecting on his early days.

“I felt like I was part of the furniture.”

Brighton achieved their best ever fifth place finish in the Women’s Super League in their first season at the club.

Kirby has admitted his side have consistently struggled this season, losing ground to the teams around them, most recently falling from 2-0 down against West Ham, conceding three late goals to lose 3-2, and finishing eighth in the table against London City before the international break, matching or even surpassing last year’s success.

While admitting he is “late in his career”, Kirby said he is still learning as a player by working with “incredible” coach Dario Vidosic, who is currently on leave for personal reasons.

Her experience and success – winning 77 England caps, seven WSL titles, five Women’s FA Cups and two Women’s League Cups while at Chelsea, as well as winning the PFA Women’s Player of the Year award twice (2018 and 2021), the FWA Women’s Player of the Year award twice and being shortlisted for the 2021 Ballon d’Or – means she is looking for it in her team-mates.

She knows her “tough love” approach is popular with her younger team-mates, with Brighton boasting one of the youngest teams in the WSL, led by captain Macy Simmons, who is just 23 years old.

“I come from a very tough environment where you want to dominate teams and always win trophies and win football games, and I think I just tried to bring that experience here,” Kirby said.

“It’s different coming into this building with a lot of young players who are just starting their careers or looking to step into the WSL more. You have to take into consideration what everyone is trying to achieve and I’m really enjoying it.

“Sometimes the girls might think I’m being a little harsh, but that’s because I know what they’re capable of. I know what they’re capable of. I watch them every day in training, and you can see the way we play football. I want to help them feel that confidence and go on and achieve great things.”

Kirby said that while it may have been an “eye-opener” for some of her teammates, she just wants to instill the same level of drive and ambition that is built into her.

“Sometimes I think they’re a little tired of me, but overall they love me and understand what I want to help them achieve.”

“Brighton can still ruffle feathers in the title race.”

Clearly a self-motivated person with initiative and ambition, Kirby joined Chelsea in 2014 and has reached new heights as their passion for the game aligns, working under Emma Hayes throughout her time at Chelsea.

Chelsea, who won their sixth straight WSL title last year and are currently in their second season under manager Sonia Bompastre, have hit a downturn this season and are 10 points behind leaders Manchester City, who appear ready to end Chelsea’s dominance. However, they retained their place in the Women’s League Cup with victory over Manchester United on Sunday.

According to Kirby, the change to the current state of league play is an unexpected and drastic change that will be exciting for fans of the game. Brighton travel to Kingsmeadow to take on Chelsea and will be shown live on Sky with a 7pm kick-off on Wednesday night as they prepare to take on their former club.

“The difference this year is that Chelsea aren’t in the lead, but it’s always been close. For years now, it’s been about goal difference or the last game of the season. So as much as Chelsea have dominated for years, there’s always been that kind of title fight.”

“It may look comfortable for Manchester City at the moment, but a lot of things could change. They need a few games before they get a little nervous. And it becomes difficult when you lose a few games.”

“For me, it’s really exciting to see it, but obviously we’re not in the title race. But we’re also here to spread our wings along the way.”

Injuries and instability have affected Chelsea this season, as has a lack of firepower. So far in the league, Chelsea have scored 29 goals compared to Manchester City’s 47.

You could argue that they missed Kirby’s ability to create magic from midfield, produce one decisive winner after another, and turn games around. In fact, Kirby remains Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer with 116 goals in 208 appearances.

She is now poised to further derail Chelsea’s ambitions to fall behind in the title hunt.

“When I left Chelsea, I said to the girls, even if I play against you guys, I’m going to want to win because you guys know who I am and I know what I’m doing.”

“I’m excited to play against them. I’m excited to play against some girls that I know and I’m excited to play in front of the fans that I played for years ago and have always shown me so much love. It’s all about love until the whistle blows.”

Passion to the end. And you wouldn’t expect anything else when it comes to Fran Kirby.

Brighton take on Chelsea in the Women’s Super League on Wednesday, live on Sky Sports, kick-off 7pm