Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Fran Kirby emphasizes the team’s determination to pursue more significant achievements following their historic run to the Adobe Women’s FA Cup final last season.
In the 2025/2026 season, the Seagulls reached their first-ever domestic cup final, ultimately falling 4-0 to a seasoned Manchester City team at Wembley.
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Brighton & Hove Albion aims to build on this momentum in the new season, with Kirby noting that their Wembley experience will serve as motivation for ongoing success.
“Getting to Wembley was a really thrilling time for the team,” Kirby shared with WSL Full-Time. “Although we lost 4-0, I believe we represented ourselves well. We performed admirably, but when facing a team like Manchester City, if you don’t capitalize on your strong moments, they will make you pay. They had two of the league’s standout players last season, [Yui] Hasegawa and Bunny Shaw, and if you give them chances, they will exploit them.”
“As a team, we were really proud to make it there, but our drive for more remains strong. We recognize that the level of competition is increasing every year, making it even more challenging. The girls truly cherish the experience.”
“The FA Cup final is one of the most unforgettable days of your life; it’s exhilarating to be part of it, regardless of the outcome. Having that experience will definitely inspire us to aim for it again and again.”
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Last season, Brighton & Hove Albion finished seventh in the Barclays Women’s Super League. Kirby believes that bringing in experienced players will be essential for the club’s growth moving forward.
“It’s essential to build upon the foundation we already have,” she stated.
“We’ve added Lia Wälti, a seasoned player who can make a significant impact both on and off the pitch. We need to continue recruiting players who can elevate our performance levels and help us achieve success. That’s crucial to staying competitive in this evolving landscape.
“With many clubs investing heavily, we must keep pace and develop what we already possess.”
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“This season promises to be intriguing and exciting. We’ve signed players who can help us advance and remain competitive.”
Brighton & Hove Albion is set to open the Barclays Women’s Super League season against an Arsenal team they faced three times last season. Kirby anticipates another thrilling match.
“It’s going to be an exciting game. Both teams will come in looking to find their rhythm, which typically develops as the season progresses.”
“Given Arsenal’s impressive transfer window, it’s an exciting time for their supporters. They’ve arguably had the strongest transfer period among all teams, highlighting their commitment to improvement.”
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“Historically, Arsenal has been a winning team, though they’ve struggled in the league recently. However, with their recent acquisitions, they will be formidable this year.”
“This game will be both exciting and challenging. We hope to approach it with confidence based on our previous encounters, but I am aware of the quality within their squad. It will be great to get the season underway, even if it is a tough match to start with.”
Brighton & Hove Albion’s first Barclays Women’s Super League match against Arsenal is scheduled for September 6, 2026.