There’s talk of Hearts investment in the air - and Tony Bloom’s track record shows he can spend smart.
The Edinburgh Evening News revealed on Monday that the Brighton chairman is in conversations over an investment deal which could revolutionise player recruitment at Tynecastle. He has an interest in introducing his sports analysis company, Starlizard, which would transform how possible new recruits are assessed.
An agreement worth up to £10m is currently being discussed between Bloom and senior Hearts officials. But how has Bloom built his fortune? How much has piled into Brighton financially? And what other clubs has he had success at?
We guide you through his road to the Hearts investment talks in 17 pictures.
1. Building his empire
So where did the Brighton owner make his cash? It's been built in the main through proprietary betting on sports events. He is head of a private betting syndicate that is thought to have been repeatedly successful year on year for a lengthy period of time. He also has significant property and private equity portfolios. | Getty Images
2. A boyhood dream
In 2009, he became Brighton chairman. Bloom succeeded Dick Knight after securing a 75% shareholding in the club he is a supporter of and set about investing £93 million in the development of the club's new ground, Falmer Stadium, known as the AMEX Stadium today, with the intention of making it 'Premier League ready'... Photo: Steve Bardens
3. Going up
He moves to appoint former Uruguay international Gus Poyet as manager in November 2009, and the team is crowned League One champions in 2011, a term before Brighton moved into their new stadia. | Getty Images
4. Hurdles hit
A couple of speedbumps then appear. Gus Poyet and Oscar Garcia both go after play-off semi-final defeats, and the appointment of former Liverpool player Sami Hyypiä has them near the drop zone. Chris Hughton steadies the ship. Poyet was sacked after an investigation over breach of contract. 15/16, and they lose in the play-offs again. | Getty Images