We’re delighted to announce that chairman and owner Tony Bloom has been named Best European President by the prestigious Golden Boy awards.
The Golden Boy awards were established by Italian newspaper Tuttosport in 2003 and are voted for by the football correspondents of various influential European news titles including The Times.
In its citation, Golden Boy Awards director Guido Vaciago said, “This title is given to you as a result of an important reflection… of the great work you have been doing with Brighton. Everybody has appreciated your extraordinary dedication and your virtuous achievements.”
Tony Bloom said, “I’m delighted to accept this prestigious award. I consider it a privilege to be the chairman of our brilliant club and this honour reflects the support I have had from, first and foremost, my family and friends, but also so many people associated with the club, not least our chief executive Paul Barber, the staff and players, our men’s and women’s first-team head coaches Roberto De Zerbi and Melissa Phillips and, of course, our brilliant supporters.
“As everyone knows I’m a Brighton fan through and through. We’re all on a wonderful journey and I will do my utmost to make sure it continues long into the future.”
Chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber added, “Tony is very modest about his achievements with the club which has been such a big part of his life, but this honour recognises his fantastic contribution to the club, the city of Brighton & Hove and the wider football community.
“It goes without saying that, without Tony’s unstinting efforts, all the things we are enjoying at the moment – seven consecutive seasons of Premier League football and European competition for the first time in our history – would not have been possible.
“He’s a brilliant person to work with and I know everyone associated with the club will join me in once again thanking him for all he has done for Brighton & Hove Albion and will no doubt continue to do in the future.”
Among the 25 nominees shortlisted for the Golden Boy award, which recognises the best young player in Europe, was Albion forward Evan Ferguson. The overall winner was Real Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham.