Vidal began with the Andalusians' youth sides, then moved to assistant manager, being finally appointed head coach for the 1988–89 season after a brief interim spell in 1987. It was during that time he managed arguably the club's best ever player, Mágico González, of whom he once said: "Technically he was better than Maradona".[1]
After two and a half additional years in the top flight with modest CD Logroñés, who always retained their status, Vidal resumed his career mainly in the second tier. On 12 January 2007, he was appointed manager of Elche CF following the sacking of Luis García.[2] On 12 October of the following year, as a draw at RC Celta de Vigo meant Elche only managed two points from seven matches, the manager was dismissed after a meeting with the board of directors; his assistant, former Spain and Deportivo de La Coruña player Claudio Barragán was temporarily placed in charge of the team.[3]
Vidal returned to Albacete midway through the 2010–11 season, replacing the fired Antonio Calderón. He was also relieved of his duties after only one and a half months in charge, as the team was eventually relegated to the Segunda División B after 21 years.[5]
After two years out of football, Vidal was appointed at Tercera División club Xerez CD on 13 July 2013.[6] As it was in the midst of severe economic problems, he left after less than one month,[7] and continued to work in the lower leagues.[8][9]
In May 2017, Vidal achieved promotion to the second division with Lorca FC after arriving the previous month.[10] On 5 June, however, his contract was not extended.[11]
On 20 June 2019, after nearly two years of inactivity, Vidal was appointed manager of Racing Murcia FC in the regional leagues.[12] In October 2020, he left due to personal reasons and was replaced by Antonio Pedreño.[13]
^Lamparero, Daniel (13 July 2013). "David Vidal ya es xerecista" [David Vidal is already a xerecista]. Diario de Jerez (in Spanish). Retrieved 22 April 2017.