Tony Bloom says being awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year's Honours List rounds off a special 2023 for him and the club.
Tony has been given the honour for his services to football and the community in Brighton & Hove.
“I would say 2023 was right up there in terms of special years for the club, along with promotion to the Premier League, which we had worked so far,” he said.
“The celebrations when we got into Europe were amazing and then this season topping such a tough Europa League group despite all the injuries has been immense.
“There have been many achievements in the last few years. The first was getting the Amex funded and built then it was building our amazing training facility at Lancing. The goal all along was getting into the Premier League, staying there and then, of course, getting into Europe this year was a very special moment for the club.
“We have to keep going forward because if you stand still, you go backwards. There are a lot of clubs behind us who want to overtake us. The things we do in the community are such an important part of the ethos of the club, giving back not just to Brighton and Hove but Sussex. It’s a buzz to see so many kids wearing Brighton shirts, we want to see more of them supporting the club not only from the local community but worldwide as well.
“The club is so important to the city and the community; it means a lot to them to be part of that camaraderie.”
Tony also paid tribute to his family and colleagues at the club.
“I’m extremely proud and honoured; and this award is not just for me but for my family who have supported and encouraged me for so many years. It’s also testament to all the support I get from everyone at the football club,” he added.
“This honour wouldn’t have happened without so many people at the club, not least our outstanding CEO Paul Barber and the board who have been so supportive to me for over a decade. Then there are the coaches and players who have got us into this amazing position and of course the staff in the club and our community foundation, many of whom have been with the club for many years.”