Flight Club

Cover star Poppy Pattinson discusses Brighton’s fast start to the 2024-25 Barclays WSL season under incoming coach Dario Vidošić, and her own development in her third season at the club. The 24-year-old left-back, who progressed through Sunderland, Manchester City and Bristol City before joining Brighton under Hope Powell in 2022, reflects on adapting to six different coaches, the impact of summer signings Fran Kirby and Nikita Parris, and working alongside a dressing room of international teammates. She talks candidly about her England ambitions, childhood inspiration Rachel Yankey, and the realities of a long-distance relationship with Belgium-based partner Antef Tsoungui. A grounded, wide-ranging interview from a player enjoying a career-best run of form at a club increasingly admired for its footballing approach.