Man Utd and Arsenal wins among 'best in Brighton's history'

Man Utd and Arsenal wins among 'best in Brighton's history'

Brighton & Hove Albion owner Tony Bloom says he is looking forward to seeing what the Seagulls can achieve after results he described as the "best in the history of the football club".

In a rare interview, Bloom told BBC South East victory over Manchester United in the Carabao Cup, a 3-0 win over champions Arsenal, and the 5-0 thrashing of Coventry City had boosted confidence at the club.

Bloom helped transform Brighton's fortunes after he became majority shareholder at the club in 2009, when the team were struggling in the third tier of English football and playing at a temporary ground.

"(I'm) looking forward to what this team can achieve this season", Bloom said.

The Seagulls are currently third in the Premier League and are tipped to win the Europa Conference League.

Bloom's grandfather Harry was vice-chairman at the club in the 1970s, and he's been a fan since childhood.

He would watch them play at the Goldstone Ground, which Brighton were forced to leave due to debt in 1997.

The club were promoted to the Premier League eight years after he took control and celebrated its 125 -year anniversary at the victory over Arsenal on 19 September.

That win was three days after coming back from 2-0 down to knock Manchester United out of the League Cup at Old Trafford, and they beat Coventry the weekend before.

Bloom's leadership and sustainable business model - buying and selling players at a huge profit with a data-led approach - has become the envy of clubs worldwide.

Brighton, however, have not won silverware since promotion, and Bloom doesn't dwell on their successes so far.

"It's vital that we always look forward, there's no point in looking back," he said.

"We're always looking to improve in everything we do in terms of performances, in terms of results, processes, innovative way of doing things because our competition is doing the same so if you stand still you go backwards.

"So we enjoy the moments and then move on because we have to keep improving."

Brighton are about to start their second ever European campaign, this time in the Conference League, a cup that rivals Crystal Palace won last season.

"Obviously, winning leagues, winning trophies is really difficult, but I do think we've got a real chance," Bloom said.

"The Conference League is a very winnable tournament compared to others we've played in."

Bloom said he also hoped Brighton's women's side would win a trophy this season.

Having bankrolled the building of Brighton's Amex Stadium, he said he is now "really excited" about the club's plans for a new £80m women's stadium.

He added: "Having a stadium right next to the Amex is perfect for us."

"I'm really looking forward to 2030 when hopefully the players will be walking out at our new stadium."

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