Linfield · Attacker · #0 · New Zealand · 32 yrs
Brighton have confirmed sporting director Jason Ayto has left the club with immediate effect. Ayto joined the Seagulls in September 2025 as their first sporting director, having worked at Arsenal for more than a decade in a variety of technical roles. On his exit, in a statement chairman Tony Bloom said: "I'd like to thank Jason for everything he has done for us, and to wish him well for the future."
Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini has praised the club's hierarchy for showing a "real desire and concentrated effort" this season, after the Black Cats qualified for Europa League football just four years on from being in League One. It is also the first time Sunderland have qualified for European football in 53 years.
Brighton skipper Lewis Dunk says European qualification represents a season of success at the club. Defeats by Leeds and Manchester United in the last two games left Brighton sweating on Brentford not getting an injury-time winner at Liverpool to deprive them of a place in next season's Conference League. Rather than feel underwhelmed at the prospect of entering a third-ranked competition, Dunk believes it is a measure of how far Brighton have come that after never previously qualifying for Europe in their entire history, they have now done it twice in four years.
Mick: Go back nine years and the future was bright, promises of European campaigns and challenges at the top of the Premier League. Just glad the season is now over and hope that the transfer window is a success and next season provides us travelling fans with some enjoyment and victories. Got rid of our best players and replaced them with lads who didn't have any Premier League experience between them.
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has hailed European qualification as another significant milestone in the history of the club. Despite the disappointment of ending the season with a 3-0 home defeat by Manchester United, Brentford's failure to win at Liverpool meant Brighton were able to reach the UEFA Conference League, even though Sunderland leapfrogged them on the final day. The Brighton fans quickly shrugged off the disappointment of their team's performance against Manchester United to celebrate the achievement.
