Torslanda · Ettan - Relegation Round · Midfielder · #0 · New Zealand · 23 yrs
It was set to be a big few months for Brighton's sporting director Jason Ayto. It is understood the separation was amicable, with technical director Mike Cave providing vital continuity as he takes on the role. Brighton place a huge emphasis on data and their success is well-documented, but Ayto's previous focus, including over a decade at Arsenal, relied more on other aspects.
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.
