Tony Bloom has made his Hearts investment proposal and now it’s in the hands of fans.
The Brighton and Hove Albion chairman comes from a betting background and has made his fortune across a number of fronts. Now he is looking to put £9.86m into the Jambos in exchange for a 29% stake in the club via non-voting shares. A consultation period with the club’s majority shareholders – the Foundation of Hearts – will now start.
It’s sparked excitement within the support of how transformational this could be or the Premiership side. But how did Bloom get to this point and what has his road to Gorgie been like? In 17 photos, we take a look at the possible Hearts investor and his career to date.
9. Another promotion
The end of the 20/21 season saw USG promoted to Belgian First Division A for the first time in 48 years. | BELGA/AFP via Getty Images
10. Records shattered
Under Graham Potter, the Seagulls secure a historic fifth season in the Premier League in May 2021. Their current spell in the top flight exceeds their previous run from 1979 to 1983. The 2021–22 season brought a record-high ninth place finish with a record tally of 51 points. Photo: Bryn Lennon
11. Heading into Europe
Both of Bloom's clubs enjoy European participation. In 2022, Union's runners-up spot qualified them for UEFA Champions League qualifiers, sending them into European football for the first time since 1964–65. They reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League. Photo: Ian MacNicol
12. New records (again)
Brighton finished the 22/23 season with a new record tally of 62 points and a sixth-place finish. It bought them entry into the Europa League group stages and their first-ever foray on the continent. They'd make the last 16. Photo: Mike Hewitt