Club news

Barber Hails A Fantastic Achievement

07 May 2018

By Paul Hazlewood
Paul Barber has praised the hard work that the women's team have put in.

Brighton & Hove Albion chief executive Paul Barber hailed a fantastic achievement from everyone connected with the club, after Friday’s unforgettable 1-0 victory over Manchester United at the Amex.

The club reached the 40-point mark with two games remaining following the win over Jose Mourinho’s side, and the CEO is now relishing the prospect of another top-flight campaign.

He said, “It felt like the longest second half after the goal, but I’m absolutely delighted for everyone at the club: the fans, the chairman, the manager, the players, the board and staff.

“Everyone has worked so hard to get into the Premier League and it was such a big effort to stay here, so to achieve that is absolutely fantastic.

“It’s nice to focus on next season a couple of games earlier than maybe some people predicted, as we try to get ourselves ready to strengthen again.

“It’s a lovely feeling to get through a first Premier League season and reach the magic 40 points.

“Once again, the chairman deserves special praise. Not only has Tony Bloom invested in our club financially - beyond most people’s wildest expectations - but also emotionally. This is Tony’s club, his family’s club; it means so much to them as fans themselves and this latest achievement is also even more special because of that.”

Barber paid tribute to the fans for creating an electric atmosphere inside the stadium, and dedicated Friday’s win to them after their unconditional support during the darker days in the club’s history.

“The atmosphere was just incredible; I thought the fans were absolutely magnificent, and I’m so happy for them.

“This club has been through so much, and the fans have contributed plenty to saving it and getting us here today to the Amex.

“The players managed to reward them with a magnificent performance against the biggest club in the world.”

The CEO also looked ahead to the summer transfer window, and spoke about the challenges involved to ensure the squad is in the best-possible shape to establish the club in the top flight.

“It’s always a balance between being loyal to the players that have achieved so much, but also giving ourselves the best-possible chance of establishing ourselves as a Premier League club.

“We know from what’s happened to some of the more established clubs of just how difficult it is to stay in the Premier League.

“But we’re delighted to have another opportunity and we’re really looking forward to next season already.”