Tony was born in Brighton in 1970 into a family of ardent Seagulls fans. He quickly developed a love for the club from an early age, attending matches at the Goldstone Ground with his grandfather Harry, father Ronnie and brother Darren.
The family have played an important role in the club since the 1970s. Tony's grandfather Harry was vice-chairman to Mike Bamber during the club's historic rise from the old Third Division to the First Division of the EFL. His uncle Ray has also been a club director since the 1980s.
Tony, who obtained a degree in mathematics from the University of Manchester, first became a major investor and shareholder in the club in 2000. He has been the club's benefactor ever since, personally financing the construction of the American Express Community Stadium, which opened in 2011, and the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre, which opened in 2014.
During his time as chairman, Albion have risen from a club which had just avoided relegation to League Two playing at Withdean Stadium to a Premier League club, with a state-of-the-art stadium and training complex, regularly competing in the top ten and achieving European football for the first time in its history in 2023.
Tony’s personal investment in Brighton & Hove Albion and across the city is considerable. In recognition of his contributions, he was voted Brightonian of the Year in 2009. The chairman was given freedom of the city status in May 2017 to recognise his contribution to the club's promotion and in December 2023 he was awarded an MBE for his services to football and Brighton & Hove.
This honour came a few weeks after he was named European Club President of the Year in the prestigious Golden Boy awards.