- Tony Bloom sends powerful message after Brighton progress
- Fabian Hurzeler praised as Albion chase European football
- Brighton women prepare for historic Wembley final
Brighton chairman Tony Bloom believes the club’s future remains incredibly bright after another season of progress both on and off the pitch.
Writing in his programme notes ahead of Brighton’s final home game of the campaign against Manchester United, Bloom reflected on a season filled with milestones, development and growing ambition across the club.
With European qualification still possible heading into the final weekend and Brighton’s women preparing for their first ever FA Cup final, the Albion owner delivered an upbeat message to supporters while praising the work of players, coaches and staff throughout the campaign.
Fabian Hurzeler earns praise after Brighton progress
Bloom reserved special praise for head coach Fabian Hurzeler after Brighton remained in contention for European qualification deep into the season.
In his programme notes, Bloom said:
“For Fabian Hurzeler and the squad to be in contention to qualify for the Champions League going into the last game of the season as we prepare to face Manchester United today is a magnificent achievement.”
The Brighton chairman also welcomed the club’s decision to hand Hurzeler a new three-year contract earlier this month following an impressive first season in charge.
Bloom added:
“It speaks volumes for the outstanding ability we have both in our squad as well as Fabian and his coaching staff.”
The chairman also praised the consistency Brighton showed during the closing months of the campaign as experienced players helped guide the club’s younger talents through another demanding Premier League season.
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Senior stars reach major milestones
Several individual achievements stood out for Bloom during the season.
Danny Welbeck scored 13 Premier League goals which marked the best top-flight scoring return of his career while Lewis Dunk passed the 500-appearance mark for the club.
Meanwhile James Milner broke the all-time Premier League appearance record during another remarkable chapter in his career.
Bloom also highlighted Brighton’s academy success after several under-21 players made first-team debuts this season.
That progress was capped by the club’s PL2 Play-Off Final triumph at the Amex with academy manager Shannon Ruth and his staff receiving praise for continuing to strengthen Brighton’s pathway into senior football.
Tony Bloom sends powerful message on Brighton women
Bloom also celebrated a historic season for Brighton’s women’s side after they reached the Women’s FA Cup final for the first time.
Dario Vidosic and his squad will face Manchester City W.F.C. at Wembley following impressive victories over both Arsenal and Manchester City in recent weeks.
In his programme notes, Bloom said:
“It will be a proud moment for everyone associated with Brighton & Hove Albion next Sunday when they walk out at Wembley Stadium.”
The chairman also paid tribute to Vidosic for guiding the team through a difficult personal period following the death of his father Rado Vidosic who had also worked as a coach at the club.
Bloom said:
“Dario’s commitment and leadership, even when he was back home in Australia, ensured continuity and progress throughout what was a challenging period.”
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Brighton continue building for the future
Away from the pitch, Bloom pointed to Brighton’s wider ambitions after the club announced plans for Europe’s first purpose-built women’s football stadium at the Amex site.
The project is expected to open ahead of the 2030/31 season and underlines Brighton’s growing investment in the women’s and girls’ game.
The chairman also reflected on Brighton’s 125th anniversary celebrations and praised chief executive Paul Barber along with staff and supporters for helping drive the club forward.
Bloom ended his message with an optimistic statement about Brighton’s future.
“There is so much to be positive about in terms of our future.”
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