Paul’s OBE recognises his 25 years working in the professional game with The Football Association, Tottenham Hotspur, Vancouver Whitecaps and the Albion - where he was appointed chief executive in June 2012 and deputy chairman in November 2018 - and more than three decades in which he played at various schoolboy and amateur levels and coached in the community, working with numerous age groups from eight to 18 years.
Paul said, “I am truly humbled to receive recognition for my involvement in a sport that has been an ever-present in my life, and which has given me so much pleasure at so many levels for such a long time. Great credit for this award is also due to the many talented people I have worked with throughout my career, not least in the decade I have been at Brighton & Hove Albion, and, of course, to my family and friends for their constant support and encouragement.
“For me, working in football is a true labour of love. It’s a great privilege to earn my living from a sport that not only means so much to me, but also to so many other people. It’s something I have never, and will never, take for granted. I get up every morning looking forward to another day at work – and I genuinely couldn’t ask for more than that. I feel very lucky to have had so many opportunities to live my dream and to have worked as a small part of so many talented teams on and off the pitch.”
At different times, Paul has been elected by fellow club executives to serve as a member of The FA Council, Professional Game Board, and English Football League (EFL) board. He has also served on numerous committees and working groups for The FA, Premier League and UEFA, and is a guest lecturer on FIFA’s prestigious diploma in club management programme. Paul is currently a non-executive board member of Women in Football and is a regular contributor to the Speakers for Schools charity.
“I was absolutely thrilled when I received the news that Paul had been award an OBE for his services to football in the New Year Honours list,” said Albion chairman Tony Bloom.
“Since joining us Paul has been a steadfast and loyal colleague and as our chief executive – and more recently, deputy chairman – he has played a huge role in the continued development of our football club both on and off the pitch.
“He is, without doubt, one of the finest administrators and CEOs in the game, has an excellent reputation among his contemporaries and always represents our club in the best possible light.
“At any football club, it’s inevitable you will have ups and downs, but Paul’s assured nature and professionalism has always guided us. That was never more evident than during the COVID-19 pandemic when he conducted himself impeccably, whether it was briefing the club’s staff, the media or in lending support to the wider community.
“We should also remember that this honour is not solely for his work with the Albion. Paul has been involved in football, in various guises, for a quarter of a century now, having executive positions at The FA, Tottenham Hotspur and Vancouver Whitecaps before joining the Albion in 2012. He has had a positive impact wherever his journey has taken him.
“So, as I raise a glass to toast in the New Year, I will raise it particularly high for my trusted colleague and friend. Paul, this is an honour you richly deserve. Congratulations from all of us at the football club.”