Brighton / Tony Bloom

[Smithian]

I would be thrilled with a relationship with them built around shared knowledge and best practices. And I would be very happy if that included Hearts getting first dibs on their loanees, with Brighton trusting Hearts to do a quality job developing those players. 

 

I have zero desire for a relationship with any club that is financial and we “owe” them anything. If we ever have a loan and he is below par, off to the bench. I never want to be in a situation where Hearts have an obligation to play players linked to a top of the food chain club. That’s the moment we cease to place our ambition at top priority.

 

And I don’t know to reconcile that. I have to think Brighton can find a desperate clubs who would be a willing junior partner. That’s not Hearts in 2024.

[RustyRightPeg]

8 minutes ago, Bazzas right boot said:

 

Would need to be a bigger team imo, and players close to first team football. 

 

Take Arsenal,  guys like Smith Rowles and Nikieth ( sp) were loaned to the championship a few seasonsago, would need t9 be that quality, not guys that will never make it and drop 2 or 3 divisions.

 

The bigger teams loan players out to Belgium,  championship even rangers recently- need to be that level imo.

 

 

Brighton are IMO the best run club in the league. If we got even 10% of their scouting network we’d be instantly better. 
 

If we were to do it, they’re the club I’d want to do it with. 

[Jackhmfc1348]

Out off all the premier league clubs you could be linked with to have a partnership 

 

brighton is definitely one of the best ones 

 

recruitment has been brilliant 

[Bull's-eye]

As long as there's a friendly match at the Amex every summer I'm OK with it. 

[PortyBeach]

2 hours ago, Seymour M Hersh said:

How sad is it that there are even rumours that a small parochial club like Brighton can be linked with "investing" in the 3rd biggest team in Scotland and who are a substantially bigger club than them.  Just shows you the power of the EPL £billions. 

 

Fair comment. That’s the sad financial reality…

[ArcticJambo]

31 minutes ago, Hood09 said:

See if your a billionaire being in football its all ego! This os  why I don’t get why one of them wouldn’t look at hearts and see winning the league for a capital city club as an ego booster.

 

Exactly. the ultimate boost!  Wouldn't even need a shedload just The Rangers sum of moolah. along with some whopping fat broon enevelopes to chuck at the beaks, and dodgy laddies wi the whistles!

[Batistuta87]

Been rumours floating about for a couple of years now. What I will say is that they appear to be a fantastically well run club and have made some crazy money selling players so if we can tap into that model in some way, I would be absolutely buzzing to have a link with them. Look at the money they've made:

 

Caicedo - paid £28M sold for £115M

 

Mac Allister - paid £8M sold for £42.5M

 

Cucurella - paid £18M sold for £65M 

 

Ben White - youth acedemy, sold for £59M

 

Undav - paid £7M sold for £27M 

 

That's over £200M PROFIT. 

Edited August 24 by Batistuta87

[ArcticJambo]

31 minutes ago, Forrest said:

What's Garang Kuol up to nowadays anyway? I'm wary of any loan. The thought of Paul McCallum sends shivers up my spine. 

back at Noocassle, after a loan spell in da Netherlandfs, played in 15 games, 673 mins one goal.  Was valed at 800K by Transfermarket going over there. came back valued 200k less. 

[One five]

2 hours ago, Spookie said:

I'm sorry to hear that mate hope it didn't ruin Germany for you 🤣

😂😂

[Bazzas right boot]

30 minutes ago, RustyRightPeg said:

Brighton are IMO the best run club in the league. If we got even 10% of their scouting network we’d be instantly better. 
 

If we were to do it, they’re the club I’d want to do it with. 

 

Tbh, I've No idea what that means -10% of their network.

 

I'd rather have a tie in with a bigger and better team who have better players not getting game time and are to be sent on loan.

Unlikely to happen tho, probably out of our reach.

 

Not sure Brighton send that many  players out out on loan that would significantly improve us, we got Cochrane already without such a set up, so unsure of the bigger benefits to us.

If they have players that aren't going to make it with them  we can loan/ buy them atm.

 

 

Brighton also carry £400m debt, best run is debatable, but they are doing well, for the time being.

 

 

 

[Des Lynam]

41 minutes ago, RustyRightPeg said:

Brighton are IMO the best run club in the league. If we got even 10% of their scouting network we’d be instantly better. 
 

If we were to do it, they’re the club I’d want to do it with. 

 

[Star Lizard]

We would need to vote on it if it was for our shares . If it was from an existing shareholder , then they would not have a controlling stake . Maybe Budge has had enough and wants to enjoy her retirement properly 

[gregzy2k7]

Outside investment will potentially be needed to grow the club further imo,

 

Having said that we are in such a great position off the pitch and are financially sound regardless,

 

I'm sure the club will only accept the investment if it's on our terms as we are not desperate unlike our wee neighbour's down in Leith.

[Agentjambo]

3 hours ago, Valois No1 said:

I’m sure there was a post a month or two ago that their chairman wanted to invest in us. Wasn’t much details though

🤔

[Spookie]

15 minutes ago, Sooks said:

We would need to vote on it if it was for our shares . If it was from an existing shareholder , then they would not have a controlling stake . Maybe Budge has had enough and wants to enjoy her retirement properly 

This is my thinking Sooks budge has done her time, and quite rightly so should enjoy her retirement and pass her shares into good hands 

[Spookie]

13 minutes ago, gregzy2k7 said:

Outside investment will potentially be needed to grow the club further imo,

 

Having said that we are in such a great position off the pitch and are financially sound regardless,

 

I'm sure the club will only accept the investment if it's on our terms as we are not desperate unlike our wee neighbour's down in Leith.

6 million for 25% was it down Leith for Foley? 

[Star Lizard]

Just now, Spookie said:

This is my thinking Sooks budge has done her time, and quite rightly so should enjoy her retirement and pass her shares into good hands 

I would have no objection to this whatsoever , and thankfully unlike when Farmer sold up his stake in the wee team , it is not a majority or controlling stake 

[davemclaren]

18 minutes ago, Sooks said:

We would need to vote on it if it was for our shares . If it was from an existing shareholder , then they would not have a controlling stake . Maybe Budge has had enough and wants to enjoy her retirement properly 

Not sure what percentage of shares FoH currently hold but as long as their holding didn't drop below 75% I don't think a vote is required. 

[Star Lizard]

Just now, davemclaren said:

Not sure what percentage of shares FoH currently hold but as long as their holding didn't drop below 75% I don't think a vote is required. 

Apologies , what I meant was if the FOH were to sell their shares . Budge can do as she pleases as she has done her bit and if she wishes to sell up then good on her 

[davemclaren]

Just now, Sooks said:

Apologies , what I meant was if the FOH were to sell their shares . Budge can do as she pleases as she has done her bit and if she wishes to sell up then good on her 

Budge can certainly sell her shares to whoever she likes. 

[Bazzas right boot]

16 minutes ago, gregzy2k7 said:

Outside investment will potentially be needed to grow the club further imo,

 

Having said that we are in such a great position off the pitch and are financially sound regardless,

 

I'm sure the club will only accept the investment if it's on our terms as we are not desperate unlike our wee neighbour's down in Leith.

 

 

Agree and  thankfully we can be choose like you say. 

 

We do not need to be forced into it.

 

A nice big Saudi Prince- would be a fraction of the cost to elevate us v the EPL investments many ate involved in.

 

I'd have no problem whatsoever for £100m or so a season.

 

 

[south morocco]

2 hours ago, soonbe110 said:

David Weir usually sees us ok. 

Until Rangers come calling (again)

[McCrae]

15 minutes ago, gregzy2k7 said:

Outside investment will potentially be needed to grow the club further imo,

 

Having said that we are in such a great position off the pitch and are financially sound regardless,

 

I'm sure the club will only accept the investment if it's on our terms as we are not desperate unlike our wee neighbour's down in Leith.

I’m not sure we actually need any external investment now or in the foreseeable future. We have more than enough income that we should be able to secure our position as the 3rd best club in Scotland and carry on investing in improvements.  
In a few years time if we are consistently doing well in Europe and qualifying for the Europa League that maybe the time to consider it.
 

Our club has a very special connection with the fans and that needs to be considered as a priority.The future of the club cannot be risked again.

[Taffin]

55 minutes ago, Batistuta87 said:

Been rumours floating about for a couple of years now. What I will say is that they appear to be a fantastically well run club and have made some crazy money selling players so if we can tap into that model in some way, I would be absolutely buzzing to have a link with them. Look at the money they've made:

 

Caicedo - paid £28M sold for £115M

 

Mac Allister - paid £8M sold for £42.5M

 

Cucurella - paid £18M sold for £65M 

 

Ben White - youth acedemy, sold for £59M

 

Undav - paid £7M sold for £27M 

 

That's over £200M PROFIT. 

 

It's also over £60m spent. I'm not sure how comparable they are to us, I'm sure there must be other clubs nearer our size making similar percentage returns but in our markets 

 

 

£180m of that was also Chelsea being total goons which I can't see being repeated.

Edited August 24 by Taffin

[Taffin]

46 minutes ago, Bazzas right boot said:

 

Tbh, I've No idea what that means -10% of their network.

 

I'd rather have a tie in with a bigger and better team who have better players not getting game time and are to be sent on loan.

Unlikely to happen tho, probably out of our reach.

 

Not sure Brighton send that many  players out out on loan that would significantly improve us, we got Cochrane already without such a set up, so unsure of the bigger benefits to us.

If they have players that aren't going to make it with them  we can loan/ buy them atm.

 

 

Brighton also carry £400m debt, best run is debatable, but they are doing well, for the time being.

 

 

 

 

I agree with this. I can't see it lasting personally.

[sac]

2 hours ago, Gillsland jack said:

I agree, Brighton are a very well run club, mainly due to a very successful businessman, if all our due diligence is done and the powers that be, deem it a smart move, then maybe it could be a clever move but lets face it, the FOH will never lose control of the club, that has to be in tablets of stone.

Very true. I’d imagine James Anderson knows a thing or two about investing and how it works.

if the Brighton thing has any credence, then let those involved in our club sit down and at least listen to what they have to say.

it would cost us nothing other than ours and their time to discuss this or any other possibilities that may arise.

if Brighton are seen to be doing things well both on and off the park then maybe there is something to be gained by at least having such a discussion. That’s all pending on the rumour being of substance in the first place.

[Star Lizard]

11 minutes ago, davemclaren said:

Budge can certainly sell her shares to whoever she likes. 

Going to happen eventually you would think , unless she just gives them to her daughter I suppose . If she does sell her significant but non majority stake then an extremely rich business person would be interesting . None of this tail wagging the dog for a club elsewhere though . The fans owning the majority of shares is massive for us 

[LarrysRightFoot]

6 minutes ago, Sooks said:

Going to happen eventually you would think , unless she just gives them to her daughter I suppose . If she does sell her significant but non majority stake then an extremely rich business person would be interesting . None of this tail wagging the dog for a club elsewhere though . The fans owning the majority of shares is massive for us 

Maybe Mr and Mrs Anderson could tap up some of their contacts 

[Star Lizard]

Just now, LarrysRightFoot said:

Maybe Mr and Mrs Anderson could tap up some of their contacts 

Maybe this Bloom chap is exactly that 

[frasermck11]

Not against it. The clubs in a great position just now but feel we need something to take us up a level (whether that would be it is another question). 

We’re never going to be able to compete with the Old Firm but I’d love someone to come in and make us capable of giving them a bloody nose from time to time. An Atletico Madrid to Real & Barca if you like. If they’re paying people £40k a week we need something to allow us to have a team of players on £20k a week. 
 

A pipe dream I know but I’d love someone to come in and really push us on (Vlad without the Mad). If all we’re capable of is paying our best players 5/6k a week then this is as good as it will get. 

Edited August 24 by frasermck11

[OTT]

I'm really not sure. 

 

IMO we need investment to develop the club infrastructure. We need an increased capacity because in Scotland ticket sales are unfortunately the dominant source of income for most Scottish teams. Whilst we remain <20k, I think Aberdeen and Hibs will always be a couple of losses within reach of us. A Wheatfield stand which dragged us north of 25k would be amazing. 

 

Then there is the facilities at Riccarton, clearly the club is interested in further expanding those, but much like a new stand, its a very costly endeavour. 

 

My question on why Tony Bloom/Brighton are interested in investment in hearts remains the same - Why? Because Scottish teams operate on razor thin margins, and so very rarely actually make decent money in the transfer market. Aberdeen have probably been the best at it in recent years. I don't see whats in it for him/them, and I don't see this as some sort of philanthropic "love of football" type move. 

 

Absolutely do not want to see our academy gutted whenever we find a youngster that is half decent. What Brighton hope to gain from this is really important to be made clear. 

[RustyRightPeg]

1 hour ago, Bazzas right boot said:

 

Tbh, I've No idea what that means -10% of their network.

 

I'd rather have a tie in with a bigger and better team who have better players not getting game time and are to be sent on loan.

Unlikely to happen tho, probably out of our reach.

 

Not sure Brighton send that many  players out out on loan that would significantly improve us, we got Cochrane already without such a set up, so unsure of the bigger benefits to us.

If they have players that aren't going to make it with them  we can loan/ buy them atm.

 

 

Brighton also carry £400m debt, best run is debatable, but they are doing well, for the time being.

 

 

 

Have you not seen their recent trading bringing in young players and flipping them for huge sums?

[Pasquale for King]

4 hours ago, BackOfTheNet said:

Cochrane and Offiah recently, so not beyond the realms of possibility.

 

I’d take Joshua Duffus. I know nothing about him but his name and that he plays for Brighton, but his name would mean the boo boys wouldn’t have to strain their impatient brain cells to think of a moniker.

 

Wasn’t Sarmiento weirdly linked with Aberdeen earlier in the window? Imagine… 

Definitely, would keep all those boo boys off Boyces back eh 🤔😜?!?!

[Pasquale for King]

4 minutes ago, RustyRightPeg said:

Have you not seen their recent trading bringing in young players and flipping them for huge sums?

Amazing work they do.

[Bazzas right boot]

I've given this too much thought in the past.

 

I'd like us to tie up with Arsenal. I'll use them as an example.

 

It's very unlikely that Arsenal would benefit from us playing wise, not many Hearts players would enhance a team like Arsenal, even when the were at a  "poor" spell.

 

However,  we could Benefit greatly if they loaned us their players that they felt were close to first team but not quite ready, players that are currently out of our reach.

Recent examples of Arsenal players that would improve us that have been shipped on loan that I'd want in such a partnership are

 

Smith Rowles 

Nkietah

Loganka

Bliek

A Ch, I forget his name

Taveras

 

There are a few others that Arsenal signed very young then punted on loan straight away,  all the above are miles out of our range now, but these guys were all on loan 3-5 years ago, some still are but to bigger clubs.

 

For me it needs to be that type of quality for a tie up, if it's guys a level below that then in all honesty they aren't adding much to us, we've had lots of these types- and we can get access to them without a formal tie up.

 

Clubs like Brighton won't loan that type of quality regularly,  they'd be in and about their own first team.

For me it has to be a big club that has loanees that without a partnership would be out of our reach.

 

What could we offer Arsenal?

 

We couldn't afford the larger loan fees and large wage contributions that some of these players attract.

 

However, We could offer-

 

A English speaking, pleasent city for players to settle and learn the language.

Close to London and players family, family wouldn't need to move.

Players could come in pairs/ Threes, again help settle and build team bonds.

Emirates for example could use Tynecastle for at the least sponsorship,  at most naming rights.

Commercial, would we sell their gear. I don't like the thought of this but the other club has to get some benefit- financially.

Likley have access to exceptional youngsters, ie Gordon , Hickey.  But the beauty is they'd loan them back to us for a season or 3. Ironically we'd probably get more playing time from them v selling them!

Competitive league that will help build competitiveness, stamina,  determination,  speed etc to compliment these technically gifted youngsters. 

Big games, ibrox, Parkhead,  derby's, full home crowds with a bit expectation, frequent cup sf and finals.

European experience. 

 

Liverpool,  Manchester clubs are closer and would offer similar benefits to both sides.

 

For me, for us to benefit on the playing front it has to be a club that tends to carry more and better players that require game time. 

 

Arsenal,  Chelsea, City, Utd, Liverpool  all spring to mind, 2nd teir may be Spurs, Everton,  Newcastle maybe Brighton,  but I don't think they have they sort of numbers/ quality and players that are of a good level that I allude to above would  tend to be in and about their team or squad.

 

Brighton are also far less stable than these sides if looking forward 5, 10 years.

 

I do think it's the way forward,  if we secured 2/3 loan signings of the quality I mention it would make a big difference season on season.

 

Edited August 24 by Bazzas right boot

[Bull's-eye]

The best run club in Scotland having some sort of connection with the best run club in England wouldn't be a bad thing imo

[Bazzas right boot]

8 minutes ago, RustyRightPeg said:

Have you not seen their recent trading bringing in young players and flipping them for huge sums?

 

I have, why is that relevant in helping us?

 

 

[RustyRightPeg]

12 minutes ago, Bazzas right boot said:

 

I have, why is that relevant in helping us?

 

 

Because if we’re interlinked with them, they might give us access to their scouting network - which may or may not assist us? Is it that difficult?

[King Of The Cat Cafe]

Old Castle rock and Brighton rock?  Some combination.

[Bazzas right boot]

Just now, RustyRightPeg said:

Because if we’re interlinked with them, they might give us access to their scouting network - which may or may not assist us? Is it that difficult?

 

So we'll guzump Brighton and get players that they would have?

 

You'll need to explain it better.

 

Brighton play in the EPl, buy players for £millions, usually younger players and then sell after a season or 2 for more money.

Celtic also do this well.

 

Brighton can attract players (like  WC winners) on the premises that if a reasonable bid comes in then they'll sell to one of the top clubs.

Celtic do the same with the UCL as he carrot. 

 

I'm not sure how a club like Brighton who use themselve as  a shop window to play and then sell young players will benefit Hearts. 

 

If scouting the same players, Players certainly won't choose us over them.

 

 

[Des Lynam]

4 minutes ago, Bazzas right boot said:

 

So we'll guzump Brighton and get players that they would have?

 

You'll need to explain it better.

 

Brighton play in the EPl, buy players for £millions, usually younger players and then sell after a season or 2 for more money.

Celtic also do this well.

 

Brighton can attract players (like  WC winners) on the premises that if a reasonable bid comes in then they'll sell to one of the top clubs.

Celtic do the same with the UCL as he carrot. 

 

I'm not sure how a club like Brighton who use themselve as  a shop window to play and then sell young players will benefit Hearts. 

 

If scouting the same players, Players certainly won't choose us over them.

 

 

 

 

They are clearly very successful and their transfer dealings are very impressive. It would be interesting to see how they collect data on players and if the that method could work for our market.

[RustyRightPeg]

8 minutes ago, Bazzas right boot said:

 

So we'll guzump Brighton and get players that they would have?

 

You'll need to explain it better.

 

Brighton play in the EPl, buy players for £millions, usually younger players and then sell after a season or 2 for more money.

Celtic also do this well.

 

Brighton can attract players (like  WC winners) on the premises that if a reasonable bid comes in then they'll sell to one of the top clubs.

Celtic do the same with the UCL as he carrot. 

 

I'm not sure how a club like Brighton who use themselve as  a shop window to play and then sell young players will benefit Hearts. 

 

If scouting the same players, Players certainly won't choose us over them.

 

 

Oh my god when did I say we’d “gazump” them?

 

Do you just go round looking for confrontation?

[Star Lizard]

In this hypothetical situation , I feel it is important to remember a couple of things

 

The only really clear comparison is Hibs , but there are important differences

 

We are a well run business who do quite well on the park too . Hibs are a basket case who are shite on the park

 

we own the majority of the shares in our club and not an individual rich owner . We are at the mercy of nobody who wishes to own a part of our club . Budge has shown that she would not sell her minority shareholding to any shyster who rocks up already , when she told Ron Gordon to sling his hook . Any investor would need to try and impress the owners (us) before they could start messing about with anything and making important decisions about our future or we could tell them no 

[Taffin]

26 minutes ago, Bazzas right boot said:

 

I have, why is that relevant in helping us?

 

 

 

It isn't imo, as they're scouting at a totally different level. People seem to just be ignoring the big sums they get are after splashing big sums themselves.

 

Do people think Brighton are going to pass on a £10m player and we'll then snap them up? Where's that £10m coming from? Unless the plan is to accumulate massive debt like them too?

[Taffin]

2 minutes ago, Des Lynam said:

 

 

They are clearly very successful and their transfer dealings are very impressive. It would be interesting to see how they collect data on players and if the that method could work for our market.

 

Are they though?

 

What success have they had? They're less successful than us, they've won feck all in decades. They're the EPL equivalent of Motherwell imo.

[Star Lizard]

1 minute ago, Des Lynam said:

 

 

They are clearly very successful and their transfer dealings are very impressive. It would be interesting to see how they collect data on players and if the that method could work for our market.

What also makes Brighton quite an interesting partner , is the way they transformed themselves from a lower league club with 5000 crowds in a crumbling stadium , in to a club with 20 - 30 thousand crowds in a brilliant new stadium . Maybe they or Bloom or whoever may have the key to us doing something about our capacity in exchange for a bit of advertising and sponsorship 

[InternationalJambo]

1 minute ago, Taffin said:

 

It isn't imo, as they're scouting at a totally different level. People seem to just be ignoring the big sums they get are after splashing big sums themselves.

 

Do people think Brighton are going to pass on a £10m player and we'll then snap them up? Where's that £10m coming from? Unless the plan is to accumulate massive debt like them too?

They’ll have a big pool of scouted players on their database from all over the world that may not be good enough for them but would be in our price range. Heard someone mention that it was Davie Weir that alerted us to Salazar. 

[db211833]

6 minutes ago, Des Lynam said:

 

 

They are clearly very successful and their transfer dealings are very impressive. It would be interesting to see how they collect data on players and if the that method could work for our market.

They have their own data company I believe. Bloom is from a betting background which Is all about the data.

[Taffin]

1 minute ago, InternationalJambo said:

They’ll have a big pool of scouted players on their database from all over the world that may not be good enough for them but would be in our price range. Heard someone mention that it was Davie Weir that alerted us to Salazar. 

 

Someone like Salazar will be a blip on their radar, if indeed that story is true. They simply won't have putt any time or resource into scouting him imo. If they're passing leads onto us anyway then happy days...why invest in us? What would they get out of that?

[Pans Jambo]

As always, devil is in the details. If they are looking to give us a few £mill and a few quality fringe players regularly on loan for a 10 - 15% stake in Hearts, I wouldnt be against it as long as it doesnt water down the FOH share amount. We would still have the controlling interest. 
Lets see if it is true and what the deal is.