Brighton interim manager Chris Roberts has described Rado Vidosic as “one of the most incredible men I have ever met” following the death of the club’s head of women’s and girls coaching.
Vidocic, 64, has been working at Brighton since January 2025, and his son Dario serves as the head coach of the Brighton women’s first team.
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His death was announced on Tuesday, with Dario Vidosic posting on social media that his father had been battling cancer.
“This has obviously been a challenging and sad week for the football club and everyone around the world,” Roberts said.
“Lado is one of the most incredible people I’ve ever met. He’s infectious, he makes people smile and he has the most amazing football brain. He’s great to have around.”
Prior to joining Brighton, Rado Vidosic spent six years with Melbourne City in Australia, working with both the men’s and women’s teams.
Prior to taking on the role of women’s head coach, he served as technical director of Melbourne City’s youth academy. He then coached the men’s team and led them to the 2022-23 A League regular season championship.
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He has also coached at Brisbane Roar, Sydney FC, Melbourne Victory and Wellington Phoenix.
Roberts has been in interim charge of Women’s Super League side Brighton since Dario Vidosic returned to Australia to reunite with his family earlier this month.
Speaking about the club losing a key figure, Roberts said: “The legacy he leaves here and across football will last for a long time to come.
“This is incredibly sad and is felt deeply by the whole team.
“I just wanted to pay tribute to one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. He was a mentor, a friend, one of the funniest people, and he will be greatly missed.”
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Roberts said there is no timetable for when Dario will return to the club and Brighton’s priority is to support him and his family.
Brighton face London City Lions in the WSL on Sunday (11:55 GMT) and fans are expected to pay tribute to the radar table.
“We’re trying to work through this collectively and put things into perspective. It’s a challenging time, but the team also has to be ready for an important game,” Roberts said.
“We just have to support each other as a team and show huge support on and off the pitch. We paid our respects privately in our own way.
“Lado brings the players and the staff closer together. He works very hard on the methods that he and Dario have. He is a mentor to all the staff.
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“He had a unique ability to get close to players, get the best out of them and promote their personal development. He made everyone better.”
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