Brighton & Hove Albion chairman Tony Bloom has said that he expects the club to challenge for a play-off spot season. Even though very little was expected from the club last season, they managed to defy the expectations by finishing in the 10th position in the Championship table. Tony Bloom has maintained the consistency within the club by retaining the services of manager Gus Poyet. This coupled with the signing of high profile players like the former Manchester United goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak mean that they can challenge for a play-off spot next season according to their chairman.
The chairman has also confirmed that there will be significant transfer funds available for the manager in order to strengthen his squad. Tony Bloom has admitted that it will be extremely difficult to compete with the likes of Bolton and Blackburn Rovers, who have the financial strength as well as the revenues from the parachute payments. However, he sees Brighton and Hove Albion challenging for the play-off spot due to the fact that there are a number of teams outside the relegated Premier league clubs receiving no parachute payments. Tony Bloom has also confirmed that the club are working towards increasing the commercial revenues for next season.
“There are funds to strengthen and I think we will be pretty competitive again. The budget is going to be similar, maybe slightly higher. I think we’ll improve again and hopefully we’ll be fighting for a top-six spot. The teams coming down from the Premier League have got an advantage, because of their parachute payments. But outside of those clubs and one or two others, we’ll be extremely competitive,” said Tony Bloom ahead of the new season. Brighton recently revealed that they will be having a pre-season friendly with current Champions League title holders Chelsea.