Brighton & Hove Albion are set to take on Brentford in a highly-anticipated Premier League clash at the Amex Stadium on Boxing Day. While the match promises to be an exciting affair for fans of both clubs, it also marks a significant moment in the ongoing business rivalry between two Premier League club owners, Tony Bloom and Matthew Benham.
The Betting Industry Geniuses who Own Premier League Football Teams
Bloom and Benham are both known for their success in the football betting industry. They founded Smartodds and Starlizard, respectively, which utilize statistical analysis to predict the outcomes of football matches. Both companies had many employees and offered incentives for joining their betting syndicates.
Bloom introduced Asian handicaps to the UK while working for bookmaker Victor Chandler, becoming one of the first people outside of Asia to understand this betting system. The move paid off, as Asian bookies had lower takes than their European counterparts, making stats-based betting even more appealing.
Similarly, Benham found well-connected middlemen to put him together with wealthy individuals willing to lay bets or split up bets among smaller bookies. The rivalry between the two companies had implications in smaller markets like Bundesliga 2.
A Battle Fuelled by a Decade-Old Feud
Bloom and Benham have not spoken since 2004 due to an acrimonious split resulting in legal proceedings. Though dealings between the clubs’ hierarchies are described as “cordial”, there is no hiding that two sides with much in common have often been in direct competition for players.
Bloom took over Brighton & Hove Albion as chairman in 2009, while Benham assumed majority control of Brentford in 2012. Winning hundreds of millions of pounds allowed them to try their hand at making the results rather than just betting on them.
Bloom showed a strong desire to beat Brentford when they first met in 2009. While there is no rivalry between the two clubs, there is a business rivalry between those behind the scenes, fueled by an overarching desire to win.
The Clash that Could Decide European Qualification
Brighton & Hove Albion can leapfrog over Tottenham Hotspur into sixth place with a win against Brentford and Liverpool’s failure to gain three points against Manchester City. Brighton has won four of their last five Premier League home games, keeping a clean sheet in each victor,y and has become one of the most difficult sides to beat under manager Graham Potter.
Brentford, on the other hand, have been impressive all season and currently sit level on points with Brighton at 42 after playing two more games. Ivan Toney, Brentford’s top scorer, has scored 16 league goals so far this season – impressive for a newly-promoted side.
The match could decide whether these clubs both qualify for Europe or not. Bloom and Benham’s ownership of Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford respectively adds extra spice to the clash. It will be interesting to see how both managers will line up their teams in a crucial game like this.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Brighton & Hove Albion’s upcoming match against Brentford is more than just a game; it’s about two highly successful businessmen who broke into the world of football betting before owning Premier League football clubs. This European battle could decide which of these two clubs qualifies for Europe, adding tension and excitement to what is already set to be an intriguing match. The business rivalry between Tony Bloom and Matthew Benham adds an extra layer of intrigue as we approach kick off at Amex Stadium on Boxing Day.
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