SHOCKING NEWS: Brighton & Hove Albion Announce Paul Barber as New Co-Owner
BRIGHTON – In a stunning development that signals a new era for Brighton & Hove Albion, the club has announced that long-serving Chief Executive and Deputy Chairman Paul Barber has become a co-owner, making him the club’s second-largest shareholder. The move, described as a “major” one for the club, sees Barber increase his stake to 1.5% of the total shares, solidifying his long-term commitment to the Seagulls.
The announcement was made by majority shareholder and chairman Tony Bloom, who has been at the helm since 2009. Bloom, who is widely credited with the club’s incredible rise from the lower leagues to an established Premier League side and European competitor, described the decision as a way to further recognize Barber’s integral role in the club’s success.
“Paul has been exceptional in his role as deputy chairman and chief executive, and we are thrilled that he has further strengthened his commitment to the club with this investment,” Bloom said in a statement. He went on to praise Barber as a “major driving force” behind Brighton’s progress and called him the “best chief executive in football.”
Barber, who joined Brighton in 2012, has been a key figure in the club’s transformation. He has overseen the successful move to the American Express Community Stadium, the establishment of the state-of-the-art training ground, and the club’s promotion to the Premier League in 2017. His operational expertise and strategic vision have been instrumental in creating the sustainable and well-run club that Brighton is today.
In a statement of his own, Barber expressed his gratitude to Bloom and the board for the opportunity. “It is a minority and some way behind Tony’s majority shareholding, but nonetheless I’m very proud indeed to co-own a small part of a football club I’ve come to love over the past 13 years,” he said. He added that he is looking forward to continuing the club’s progress for years to come.
While the ownership change is not a full-scale takeover, it is a significant shift in the club’s structure. It cements Barber’s position and, as some analysts have noted, could make it more difficult for him to be poached by a rival club. The move is a testament to the strong relationship between Bloom and Barber, a partnership that has been a cornerstone of Brighton’s remarkable journey.
This news comes as a surprise to many, who have grown accustomed to the stable and steady leadership under Tony Bloom. However, it is a move that has been met with positive reactions from fans and pundits, who see it as a reward for a key figure and a sign of continued stability and ambition at the club. With Brighton’s future firmly in the hands of two proven leaders, the future looks bright on the south
coast.
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