Brighton CEO: The Hidden Costs To Running a Premier League Club

Paul Barber is the CEO of Brighton & Hove Albion FC. In Barber's first season at the club, they recorded their highest league finish for more than 30 years.
How did he achieve it and what has he done since to instil the club’s values?
He reflects on how having a diligent and thorough approach has allowed the team to effectively review mistakes and revise for the future - the focus is always how to come back stronger.
Looking into the future, Paul shares what elements go into preparing the club for Europe.
Having over 25 years of football experience, Paul divulges the key lessons he employs to ensure the team always achieve high performance.
Let us know what you think in the comments!
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[@gaiusjcaesar09]

As a 14 yr old boy, I emailed this man (must have been in the championship at this point) and he not only replied, but held an amazing back and forth conversation about how to achieve a great career. Followed his advise and loving life 🙏

[@anthonyclarke4016]

Fantastic story lad, delighted for ya

[@HiImChase]

you were a smart 14 year old, great move!

[@ebenezergankon81]

this is either deja vu cos I feel like I have seen this comment somewhere🤔

[@F_Dot_]

Lewis is now in prison at Belmarsh HSU serving a 27 year sentence.

[@gaiusjcaesar09]

@@ebenezergankon81 I've said it on a TalkSport post too talking about this guy 😂

[@hayley503]

Probably one of the best podcasts I’ve listened too! What a brilliant genuine man and well done to Brighton 👏🏼

[@ramiroamaral7419]

What a joy to listen to a proper leader like Paul in the football business. Great interview.

[@genevievechua8753]

I am not a Brighton fan but have been impressed with the incredible improvement and football they play... now I can understand what has propelled their success. This CEO is impressive, has such a well articulated vision and management style. Excellent episode, well done!

[@thesampsoninstitute]

All CEOs of multi million pound businesses are intelligent men.

[@brad9235]

This is how every football club should be run, with transparency. I really admire how Brighton operate as a club and long may their success continue.

[@Darth-Boner]

They will be in championship next season

[@geams]

Yeah, piling up debts of over 300m.

[@BrandonSmith-ct5rz]

​@@Darth-Boner palace fan?

[@BrandonSmith-ct5rz]

​@@geams what are you on about? Were in a surplus right now?

[@guy7541]

The CEO's of Saxa & Sarsons have arrived to soak up the salty tears and sour grapes shed by supporters of other clubs (especially palace). Daniel Levi must have rued the day he allowed Paul to speak with Tony Bloom, and he certainly picked the right owner. Next season will be No57 for myself, and never even dreamt of watching my football club playing in European Competition, unless it were Sensible Soccer or Football Manager. Will the bubble burst? Only the future can tell, but for the moment, that future looks pretty reassuring.

[@K3NT97]

Paul got a lot of stick from Albion fans on a first few years of his tenure, but I think that's in part that the club didn't communicate to the fans about the vision in detail he's mentioned in the video in depth, its fantastic to see how Paul, Tony Bloom and the club has evolved in what I would call a snippet of the clubs overall life since 1901. The best CEO in English football. I'd like to think we trust this man with our club now and in the future, lets just hope Tony doesn't have to replace him as well!

[@A2daM2daZ]

I don't tend to watch these sorts of business focused videos but I'm surprised at how transparent this is. And also, easily digestible to someone who isn't constantly thinking in terms of money and contracts and business jargon. The philosophy behind the club, their recruitment and investment, is so clear, and admirable. And Paul doesn't talk as if he's a genius CEO, but rather as someone who believes in transparency breeds trust, and trust breeds success. And that even that success can be fleeting, and to never be complacent when achieving, but rather to keep focusing on your goals so there is always another pedestal to reach. As always, take everything a millionaire says with a grain of salt. But so far I like what I see with this guy.

[@alectrusler2114]

This has to be one of the best podcasts I have watched, Brighton is one of the best run football clubs and being in the hands of Paul Barber and Tony Bloom will be for a very long time.

[@larryanderson9711]

On a more serious note, the attention to detail of all the people that enters Brighton's orbit is so inspiring.

[@emilio7142]

After watching many a HP podcast, this one is up there with the best. Absolute class in the sense of understanding how a club can operate beyond the perceived sum of its parts. There are so many learnings here which are applicable to every day life. Thank you very much!

[@charliemartn]

No wonder Brighton are doing so well. What a guy!

[@columcunningham4458]

Incredibly refreshing to be honest. Amazing gentleman right there / Happy for Brighton’s fanbase

[@ayanda8672]

This is brilliant HP podcast. So informative. The man is just so well spoken & clear. Why can't my club Manchester United hire people like him. He's on top of things. Highly qualified for the job. Good luck to him & the club. We all love Brighton.

[@prodromosalampritis1844]

Cause he would be rejected from his CV. We will start moaning about, no UCL win,didn’t coach a top team in a top league etc etc

[@thecalumjohnsonshow]

This man is incredibly impressive. The way he speaks and thinks. No wonder Brighton are killing it

[@Benjamin-oo3vj]

The character of an organisation is established by the character of the people who work there. That character is determined by the integrity of the leader. I learnt so much listening. Thank you for your exceptional excellence.

[@JoDyMa]

This randomly started playing after a completely different video, and having sat through the entirety, I just wanna say that was truly brilliant.

[@richardketley8692]

It’s so refreshing to listen to what Paul says, to hear his motivations and values and the way he talks with such an open but focused mind. It must be a pleasure to work at Brighton football club to really make a difference. The very fact that he recognises things falling into place at the right time speaks volumes for me. A great podcast, thank you and kudos to Paul and the team at Brighton.

[@thereistheonlyone]

Ok, mates! I just subscribed. Because you interview the one of the men that changed a club into much better style of play and exciting to watch. You do something different. Wonderful ! Best regards from Indonesia 🇮🇩 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 PL has a massive supporters here. For I believe Brighton will win the heart of many, just like Blackburn Rovers, Leeds & Newcastle United once did. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 clubs are ruling Europe. ✨💫 YNWA! 😄

[@savage6131]

This is fascinating like always. as a Newcastle fan coming up with Brighton i always wanted them to do well. They play great football and are ran brilliantly i hope they grab Europa League.

[@alantheangler6768]

What an impressive guy. Very down to earth and a fantastic mindset. I wish we had someone like this running United.

[@id70b40]

I’ve always been impressed with Paul….he knows his stuff, he’s a gentleman leader, he doesn’t tolerate nonsense. I’ve also always been impressed that he has always responded to messages I’ve sent him and is keen to help or offer a solution.

[@pantheraleo2490]

I hope they can carry on finding managers and players like they have. Other teams have done it, Southampton etc. but then the wheels come off and they fall over. Fingers crossed they keep at it!

[@mikethomas2172]

Tony Bloom has been the best club owner in Britain for the last decade

[@xboxgamer300]

I had the pleasure of working for Paul while he was the Vancouver Whitecaps CEO. The small interactions I had with him were always a learning experience and a privilege to be around. Good to see him going well, I wonder if he could go back to Tottenham and Levy move over and give him the reigns?

[@KarimOneill]

This is the best podcast I have seen about Football definitely deserves a subscribe for more interviews with CEO’s

[@perrytatler9966]

So proud to have him at our club and our success is partly down to him So I thank you What. Brilliant listen

[@2dany5]

The interviewers were absolutely on point. 1000% , amazing journalism!

[@AbdussamiTayyab]

What's amazing is the level of clarity in Paul's thoughts. No wonder why Brighton have unbelievably risen.

[@alfiebower7152]

Having watched Brighton today, and I know I’m not impartial, but you really should be pleased about the prospect of an expansive, exciting, ambitious Norwich team...full of home-grown talents...joining the premier league. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@tq6892]

Norwich the biggest nothing team in the football league.

[@hugbeans]

One of the best/most insightful podcasts I've heard, too much to take inspiration from

[@OwenYarnall]

One of the best podcasts I’ve listened to. Clear why Brighton are doing so well.

[@madailylife3677]

just fell in love with brighton this season, they really doing a great job

[@alanward992]

Excellent interview! Very articulate guest and a pleasure to hear his very honest views. Well done!

[@arkatarunmukherjee]

Fabulous Interview!

[@veego_utv]

Brilliant! Really genuine and honest answers. You can see why a club like Brighton are so well managed and achieving what they are.

[@sandygilmour5444]

I really admire the honesty of this conversation. The values make complete sense and are genuinely inspirational and thought provoking for all businesses. Thanks High Performance

[@franktastic07]

It's a great illustration of the saying "Dress for the job you want, not the job you're in." Great interview, thank you.

[@TheKobytan]

A truly well run club. Love watching brighton play!

[@seagulls566]

I would like to know how bloom found barber, there is no-one better at what Paul does than Paul himself the chemistry of Tony and Paul is the reason Brighton are doing so well

[@Anju876]

I think everyone has a soft spot for Brighton but the premier league is brutal. Each club thinks they have formula until they get relegated or end up in a relegation battle. Southampton had a good model and was so profitable from player sales over the last 4-5 yrs, Leicester won the league and got a huge cash windfall which should have solidified them as a premier league team from then on. A few bad transfers and a really poor run can have any team fighting for their lives, but I think Brightons approach is refreshing and theres just a genuine good buzz around the club.

[@xxdutchxx9336]

Just over an hour in and 2 questions arise. Where did you get that plant pot from and did Paul knowingly wear Albion socks? Seriously though, fantastic interview, great questions. As an Albion fan these are heady days and what strikes me is it all starts at the top. For a long time now it's abundantly apparent that Tony Bloom is an angel sent from the football Gods. We as a club are very fortunate to have him. To know the calibre of personality he employs through listening to Paul during this interview is reassuring. Exciting times.

[@seancoleman8528]

As a very proud brighton fan, this man is the main reason we are wherevwe are brilliant to hear him and very interesting conversations good questions

[@samkeino6810]

Stumbled across this podcast. Amazing!

[@richardanderson258]

Interested to hear what Paul Barber has to say, but had to turn it off when I seen Humphrey was sat across from him.

[@neziselement]

Wow. Great interview. I am inspired. I am a liverpool fan but i wish the best for brighton now.

[@Understanding_Football]

Such an insightful refreshing discussion.. Brighton have done so well with patient build up of their club 👏

[@toyosioyejobi309]

I really appreciate the honesty!! 🙌🏾 Refreshing to hear things from this perspective

[@Nrgize1]

Paul Barber is possibly the best signing we've ever made.

[@1971stratocaster]

First time coming across your channel and what an incredible interview. I’ve watched many Josh Homme interviews and you definitely created a special environment for him to open up in the way he did and really let lose. Brilliant insights and Josh Homme is just a legend for the way he sees life, what a guy. Can’t wait for this album!

[@suryamahdi2674]

Listening to this podcast is even much better than attending Business and Management lectures at Russell Group or Ivy League Universities.

[@garethdenyer21]

Fabulous. Skilled interviewers and articulate, candid and informative guest. Will watch more!

[@alex70301]

Great Content guys!!! You really deserve a huge audience for your podcasts!! All of them

[@Coldddpalmer]

These podcasts are fantastic. Listened to Eddie Howe's the other day and thoroughly enjoying this one. So much insight + learning I can apply to work and personal life. Thanks guys

[@phillipbanda9184]

Two words: True leadership.

[@christophetreboutte2656]

that was short but really good and straight to the goal. i like it

[@dazzler5012]

What a fantastic video. Honest and transparent answers and comments. An asset to Brighton and the wider football community.

[@NathanFane-d2q]

Fantastic podcast. So many transferable insights. Thankyou.

[@danblain4591]

Brilliant inside knowledge, loved this interview! Top man. So lucky he runs my club.

[@stephencard2493]

fantastic interview good questions, amazingly clearly awnsered,clarity is all the supporters want,congratulations to mr bloom and mr barber, and not forgetting mr dezerbi and a fantastic squad of players,onwards and upwards seagulls, #TOGETHER UTB

[@TheHarrythomas]

This is gold . This is the information we want from football

[@fedorloginov3150]

Hey guys can you put time codes? It’ll be easier to navigate through the video😊

[@AbdifetahIOmar]

Really enjoyed alot. That was excelent interview. Learned alot

[@janniknielsen9292]

Indicative of their healthy culture that they identified players such as Lallana and Milner from LFC, not only from the point of view of being quality players and the experience that Brighton as a club need, but also the mindset they themselves were recruited by one of the most successful recruitment entities in LFC on especially on a personal level. They also remind me of Swansea's approach, but they got scared of growing and exactly scared of what Barber welcomes, and got rid of Laudrup and his staff, and essentially abandoned their identity they had used from Martinez to Rodgers to Laudrup, thus suffered.

[@theurbanistas6066]

Listening to Paul, makes me want to work for Brighton!

[@xaviermcknight1510]

He's a really good ceo and seems a good man aswell

[@tausfeewright5612]

As a Chelsea fan I always say Graham Potter was not a bad choice for chelsea foot ball club. The issue is that Graham's philosophy will take time and thats what Chelsea didnt have as where we are in the league as a top club, winning is top priority. This interview not only open my eyes towards Brighton success but as an individual who aspire to become a future leader, this man has educated me in so many areas that i dont believe can be learnt anywhere else. Such brilliant mind SIR I SALUTE YOU. THANK YOU.

[@richardjames123]

The issue with being a club that always sells your best assets is you have to keep finding wonderkids. It's really tough, even when backed by data. Saints finished 8th in 16/17 and now they're relegated. I don't expect Brighton to maintain their trajectory, unless they can convince some of their best players to stay and build something. Finishing in Europe is a great opportunity to do this, but now is the time to change their behaviour, not keep doing the same things.

[@alfiegrove7233]

We are different to Southampton…

[@richardjames123]

@@alfiegrove7233 We will see this summer if Brighton are different. You're still selling off your best talents - Caicedo and Macallister, for example. I hope you can keep replenishing at this rate. Good luck to ya!

[@laillosidgar]

@@alfiegrove7233 every club is different, until you sold your best player. Look what happened to Ajax right now, lose their eredivisie title.

[@edgarwong5652]

I mean yeah every Brighton fan knows that Brighton most likely cannot continue with this level of success because they’re not a sky 6 club. They just dont have the popularity and money for that. It all comes down to money. If you think City bought the league then United, Liverpool, Chelsea equally bought the league when they won. This is the reality of the PL, the bridge between big 6 clubs and midtable clubs is too huge. The only champions to win by sheerly good management are Leicester, which is why I think Leicester winning the league once will forever be more impressive than United/City/Liverpool/Chelsea winning it even 20 times.

[@alfiegrove7233]

@@richardjames123 I genuinely believe we will become the conveyor belt from world class players for at least next 10 years, if it all crumbles so be it. But not on the terms like Southampton! And thank you mate

[@MillhouseSpeaks]

Fascinating and insightful!

[@19allday24]

brighton are lucky to have a CEO like him. Fairs

[@azulu1353]

Brilliant interview. So much to learn from this.

[@prodromosalampritis1844]

There’s so many take always from this to be applied in one’s personal & professional life whatever the business sector you are in. Amazing talk!

[@cfcwhit3247]

jake looks like hes got an ironing board up his jacket

[@anthonyclarke4016]

I remember watching football scores on soccer saturday sky sports about 6-7 years ago and watching Brighton regularly coming up on the scoresheet. They were doing really well at the time, I think in league 1. I remember watching the new stadium in the background when kammy or one of the other presenters were covering a goal score. I used to think, must be really exciting being a Brighton fan, look like they are going places. Look at them now! Great story, fairytale I would say.

[@DJCam87]

I’ve watched a lot of these an always given them a like but this was absolute gold an gets the subscribe 👍🏿

[@colinwynn4384]

Sunderland fan here....How impressive is this man? He's a Philosopher.

[@mnb9162]

I think Brighton are sometimes excited when a player/manager asks to leave... Because it allows them to go and get the next person that they have been analysing.

[@strictlyfootball7859]

Wow it all makes sense now, always wondered how these guys were soo good at replacing players so quickly, it’s because they already have understudy’s loading up when key players are doing well

[@Jammer98]

Just subscribed and liked 💪 Can’t believe haven’t come across this podcast before. Absolutely brilliant!

[@ReporteSie7e]

This was an amazing talk, worth every minute

[@Makainternational]

I would love the Glazers, Arnold and Murtough to listen to this. Boy could they learn 100 things.

[@hawewie3909]

What a blessing for Brighton

[@gv6t8]

Brighton really is so entertaining to watch ngl

[@dwightcrichton3246]

Daniel Levy needs your immediate help!

[@hansgruber9093]

What on Earth is Jake Humphreys wearing

[@theurbanistas6066]

😆

[@davescott618]

Was it a bit chilly?

[@toms6807]

It's incredible to see how they consistently identify talented players with immense potential and bring them into the squad without breaking the bank.

[@jabjabgrab123]

its crazy...they have the best scouting in the world

[@solshields]

Not really, that's how Tony Bloom made his millions by finding a formula to beat the bookies with stats, easy to convert that data to scouting

[@hook8535]

@@solshields do you have a quick minute to elaborate on Tony bloom and his technique? Or is how he did it not public information

[@jamesabbott8621]

Can get a lot of information by googling Tony Bloom money ball. Few articles that go into detail on his approach

[@mirkys130]

@@solshields if it was easy every club would be like Brighton

[@thomridgeway1438]

It going to get a lot tougher. Europe is the real test! Do you have the depth of squad to stay competitive in all competitions? Can you play Thursdays and Sundays and recover? Psychologically you are always points behind and chasing the others. Next season will be the true test for Brighton, and the present demise of Leicester City, states that you can never ever rest on your laurels.

[@olahely]

What a leader ❤

[@btmalon]

That fuckin coat LOL!

[@AOS2023Q]

Great podcast Very informative and entertaining Keep on the good work

[@alteringmatter8782]

It will be really interesting to see how Brighton will replace their players while maintaining this seasons levels and competing in europe.

[@domfletcher5305]

Technically they don't have to sell anyone! But if the price is right even PSG sell.

[@raygrimes9203]

Can remember when Brighton had no stadium, what a turn around, long may they continue to shine. As a QPR fan gives me hope

[@zorashki]

It's just the weather the city in London, and England in general is phenomenal... while other leagues you cannot adapt due to lang barrier like Germany,Frace,Italy...even Spain... it's so easy to get along in England.. + they already have big club names with history..

[@alecmorneault9691]

I really wish we had a guy like this at Everton

[@CyberUK]

What I would have given to have had this man as CEO of United over the last 12 years . . .

[@stevethompson3153]

Thanks lads what a great interview ❤ I would love to see Amanda stavely on your show

[@blitz8702]

i follow brighton whole season it is incredible club also it shows that hard work matter and good results are natural if you put enough effort .

[@dariustebby]

Such an intelligent guy this, everyone learns if you listen to him, plenty of wise words spoken here.

[@wretchedworm]

please get arteta in for a session 🙏

[@johnsantos6948]

One of the best managed clubs in the Premier League without any millionaire spending money and not creating a foundation. Paul was honest and transparent about the plans for the club!

[@ferios2]

The owner is a literal billionaire...

[@everythingfootball7092]

Great interview. Learnt a lot!

[@ragedroyko250]

What a great interview