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 😂

[@phillipbanda9184]

Two words: True leadership.

[@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.

[@PedroCaminoMUFC]

I would welcome him as the CEO of Man United when new the owners takes over. Brighton has done a fantastic job. Great achievement.

[@amits3330]

Im here since day one. Greetings from Israel.

[@hayley503]

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

[@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.

[@ramiroamaral7419]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@mikethomas2172]

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

[@hansgruber9093]

What on Earth is Jake Humphreys wearing

[@theurbanistas6066]

😆

[@davescott618]

Was it a bit chilly?

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@cfcwhit3247]

jake looks like hes got an ironing board up his jacket

[@thecalumjohnsonshow]

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

[@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! 😄

[@larryanderson9711]

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

[@KarimOneill]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@fedorloginov3150]

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

[@btmalon]

That fuckin coat LOL!

[@mjwchapman]

this chap is first rate. i'm surprised todd hasn't called again!

[@CourageOfMyConvictions]

it probably went to voicemail this time ;)

[@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

[@Adamek]

What is Jake Humphrey hiding under his jacket

[@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.

[@dwightcrichton3246]

Daniel Levy needs your immediate help!

[@perrytatler9966]

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

[@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.

[@alantheangler6768]

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

[@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.

[@suryamahdi2674]

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

[@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.

[@JoDyMa]

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

[@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.

[@Nrgize1]

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

[@TheKobytan]

A truly well run club. Love watching brighton play!

[@neziselement]

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

[@hugbeans]

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

[@madailylife3677]

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

[@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?

[@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

[@_Snapper]

Jakes Jacket is a borderline cardboard box

[@arkatarunmukherjee]

Fabulous Interview!

[@davidpritchard9069]

Then Todd called..took Potter and we've never looked back..

[@MillhouseSpeaks]

Fascinating and insightful!

[@Fritazozo]

That beige jacket is the ugly and weird. Just trying to help.

[@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.

[@danblain4591]

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

[@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

[@alanward992]

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

[@Understanding_Football]

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

[@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.

[@NathanFane-d2q]

Fantastic podcast. So many transferable insights. Thankyou.

[@CyberUK]

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

[@Makainternational]

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

[@LievenSerge]

As a fan of the game it feels like justice, that Brighton ended up above Chelsea since the success was a team effort and Potter's part in that seems overrated. Leaving that late feels like betrayal. You will not change my mind, that's just how it feels.

[@keenancerff5359]

Brighton have their shit together a million times more than Chelsea 😩

[@theurbanistas6066]

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

[@alanjames5428]

Sergio gorgini..

[@paularkins6039]

Quite a heel aswell......

[@BobbyFlay14]

We’ll done for making the jump to do this permanently jake. KZbin is where it’s at right now. Can you please put time stamps on videos?

[@samkeino6810]

Stumbled across this podcast. Amazing!

[@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.

[@19allday24]

brighton are lucky to have a CEO like him. Fairs

[@2dany5]

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

[@xaviermcknight1510]

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

[@OwenYarnall]

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

[@jacobfield4848]

Every season is a different story. Brighton have done great. But if they sell one too many good players they could end up getting relegated very easily.

[@gustaaf1892]

Players that are good at Brighton can be lesser players at their new club. They tend to fit into the Brighton set up well, but won't necessarily be as well suited to different playing styles. Brighton have been getting decent coin for them as well. I think Brighton are fine and won't have to worry about relegation for quite some time. They have plenty of young talent ready to emerge. I wouldn't mind if United tried to buy Ferguson before he becomes an out and out star.

[@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.

[@gv6t8]

Brighton really is so entertaining to watch ngl

[@christophetreboutte2656]

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

[@wretchedworm]

please get arteta in for a session 🙏

[@thesampsoninstitute]

Why doesn't the man take off his coat

[@DJCam87]

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

[@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.

[@toyosioyejobi309]

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

[@mimian3501]

「ポッタ―が去った後にデゼルビ以外の監督と交渉してない」 ただ凄い

[@dazzler5012]

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

[@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

[@alex70301]

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

[@TonyHammer61]

BHA is such a well run club. Succession planning, empowerment and leadership from the top down. Totally the opposite to David Sullivan and West Ham. Light years apart

[@TheSeafordian]

Never send an e-mail to Paul Barber unless you have an hour spare to read his reply.

[@AbdussamiTayyab]

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

[@AbdifetahIOmar]

Really enjoyed alot. That was excelent interview. Learned alot

[@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

[@riansalmon7012]

Roblox in that jacket

[@Dan-mm1yl]

😂

[@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.

[@paboykorta3651]

Brighton is lucky this man knows how an institution like a football club is to be run..

[@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

[@sobbyhasselhoff]

Did this man just say his whole attitude toward business is based on Robert De Niros character from meet the parents? 😂

[@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!

[@TheHarrythomas]

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

[@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!

[@Bill0102]

The impact of this content is both profound and far-reaching. A book with like messages revolutionized my conceptual understanding. "The Hidden Empire: Inside the Private Worlds of Elite CEOs" by Adam Skylight