Barry Hearn's Ambitious Vision for Brentwood Town FC

A New Chapter for Brentwood Town FC

Barry Hearn, a prominent figure in sports promotion and the former owner of Leyton Orient, is taking a hands-on approach to reshape the future of his local non-league club, Brentwood Town FC. Known for his transformative impact on various sports, Hearn's recent partnership with Brentwood Town marks a significant commitment aimed at revitalizing the seventh-tier football club.

In the summer of 2026, Hearn's company, Matchroom, signed a substantial five-year agreement with Brentwood Town, including a significant financial investment aimed at enhancing the club's stature and operations. This collaboration emerges at a time when Brentwood is striving for greater achievements in the world of non-league football.

Journey from Leyton Orient to Brentwood

Hearn's connection to football is not entirely new; his tenure at Leyton Orient spanned from 1995 to 2014 when he saved the club from bankruptcy with a modest purchase price of £2.43. His strategic vision and financial acumen helped the club thrive, culminating in the redevelopment of Brisbane Road and eradicating its debts. Under his leadership, Leyton Orient reached the League One play-off final in the 2013/14 season.

After taking a hiatus from football, Hearn returned to the sport landscape in July 2023 when Matchroom sponsored Brentwood Town's home kit. His initial involvement with the club came about during a charitable event for Saint Francis Hospice, leading to meaningful conversations with Brentwood's chairman, Jez Dickinson.

Chairman Jez Dickinson’s Vision

Chairman Jez Dickinson has been instrumental in guiding Brentwood Town since his appointment in May 2019. He recognized the need for a clearer structure and pathway for youth players to progress into the first team while modernizing the club's facilities from what he described as a '1970s pub' atmosphere. Under his stewardship, the installation of a new 3G pitch heralded a new era for the club that achieved notable success, including winning the Isthmian North Division in the 2024/25 season.

Dickinson sees Hearn's involvement as pivotal for taking the club to the next level. Regular discussions with Hearn infuse new energy and ambition into the club’s objectives. "I don’t underestimate that. It's probably 10 times as important as the financial stuff he does," Dickinson remarked, underscoring the motivational aspect of having Hearn as both a sponsor and ambassador.

Future Aspirations

With Brentwood currently averaging nearly 700 attendees per match, the club is setting its sights high, aiming to increase attendance and secure a position within the National League in the next five years. Plans are underway for the construction of a new 1,000-seater grandstand, contingent on completing the purchase of the Brentwood Centre Arena.

As the partnership with Hearn develops, Brentwood Town stands on the cusp of transformation, signifying a shared vision of pushing boundaries and achieving new heights in the non-league football scene. "His five-year decision shows how much faith he and Matchroom have in us—it's down to us to deliver," said Dickinson, expressing an unwavering commitment to elevating the club’s legacy.

Conclusion

Barry Hearn's influence on Brentwood Town FC embodies a blend of strategic investment and passionate advocacy for grassroots football. With a robust plan in place and Hearn’s reputable name backing them, the club is poised for greater achievements over the coming years, heightening its ambitions in the world of football.