Brighton reveals interesting decision in UEFA Europa League draw as CEO makes ‘sold’ remarks
Albion are in the Europa League this season for the first time in the club’s history and CEO Paul Barber has used the results of the group stage draw to promote Brighton.
Brighton & Hove Albion’s Paul Barber speaks after the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 group stage draw (Image:
Claudio Lavenia – UEFA/UEFA
Brighton chief executive Paul Barber said he took time during the UEFA Europa League draw last week to teach other clubs about the history of the Seagulls.
Albion, who entered the European competition for the first time in the club’s history after finishing sixth in the Premier League last season, was placed in the same group as Ajax, Marseille and AEK Athens in the draw that was knocked out of the round.
board.
in Monaco.
And while Brighton fans will be delighted to face some of European football’s heavyweights, Barber is aware that many clubs will have very little knowledge of the Seagulls due to them.
there is no history in this continent.
The club’s rise to higher levels of club play was swift, with Albion finishing 92nd in the Football League with just two games left of the season in 1997, but managed to avoid falling.
narrowly ranked.
Since then, Brighton have risen 86 places and are now a fixture in the Premier League, where their on-field performances and off-field decisions have left many thinking.
“There’s certainly more awareness of Brighton and what we’ve done at European level and we’re looking to enhance the club’s reputation with those who don’t know us yet,” Barber said after returning to the club.
back from Monaco.
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We have produced a special business card with a QR code for this draw so that the clubs we draw can instantly learn about the history of the club, where we come from and what we do.
do.
It will help all members of other clubs, their fans and media know a little more about us.
Yes, it’s about selling yourself a little and making yourself known, but it’s also educating.
Our stadiums, our hotels, our fan dining venues – UEFA appreciates that.
We have an important story, not on the highest level, but still a story that is really important to the fans.
People come to Monaco and say they’ve watched our football a lot in the last two years and they like the way we play.
“One European club I spoke to today watches all of our games and their coaching staff sit down on Monday mornings and watch them from start to finish.
“
Brighton’s ascent over the past 25 years has been the result of many, but Barber says working with owner and chairman Tony Bloom and helping to make his vision of the club a reality has been the highlight.
pop in his career.
Bloom took over as chairman from Dick Knight in 2009 and quickly invested £93m in the development of the club’s new ground, which 14 years later is now set to host three matches.
Europa League group stage.
Barber added: “I have been working with Tony Bloom for 12 years and we have a great partnership.
“I love the club and where I live.
With the help of many people, I have overseen many advances that support Tony’s vision.
With each passing year, we do something a little different and go a little further.
“During my career, I have been fortunate to work with the national team, with Tottenham and abroad in the MLS.
But it’s an incredible project that I’ve been able to work on for 11 to 12 years, and you don’t do that often in this industry.
“Big clubs have been built.
Small clubs have a lot to do and you rarely get the chance to see the work done.
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