Barry Hearn is widely celebrated for turning snooker, darts and boxing into television staples, and even at 78 he remains one of the most recognizable promoters in sport. While his work in those arenas is well‑known, his involvement in football is less publicised yet equally compelling.
Back in March 1995, Hearn rescued Leyton Orient – a club he had first watched as an eleven‑year‑old – from the brink of insolvency by purchasing it for a symbolic £2.43. Over the next decade he oversaw a massive redevelopment of Brisbane Road, completing three new stands by 2007 and eliminating all debt by 2012, during which time he poured roughly £8 million into the club.
The 2013‑14 season saw Orient reach the League One play‑off final, a rare opportunity to ascend to the second tier, but they fell 4‑3 on penalties to Rotherham at Wembley. Just two months later Hearn sold the club to Italian entrepreneur Francesco Becchetti. After a nine‑year hiatus from football, during which he stayed busy with his other ventures, Hearn re‑entered the non‑league scene in July 2023 when Matchroom became the shirt sponsor of Brentwood Town, an Isthmian League North Division side located only three miles from the Matchroom headquarters. The following year he took a minority shareholding in the club, and earlier this summer a five‑year partnership and a "significant investment" were announced.
"The reason Barry came over initially was we were doing something for Saint Francis Hospice, which he is a patron of, and he sat next to me for a game," recalls chairman Jez Dickinson. "It was an entertaining game and Barry said afterwards, 'I'm never going to sit next to you again, Jez!
Every time the ball went into the box, you were going up for a header and elbowing me in the side!' Barry is very much about passion and wearing his heart on his sleeve, so that's probably where we connected." Dickinson adds that after a few lunches, Hearn asked what he wanted. "I said I wanted him to get involved, but I wanted him to get involved because he wanted to get involved, not because I was asking him – and he said he'd do it." Although Hearn's name naturally draws attention, Dickinson has been the driving force since assuming the chairmanship in May 2019. He describes the club’s condition at that time as lacking a clear pathway for youth players, having a bar that resembled a 1970s pub, and possessing only the modest ambition of simply staying in the league.
Under his stewardship a brand‑new 3G pitch was installed in the summer of 2024, the team clinched the Isthmian North Division title in 2024‑25, and although they fell short in the play‑off final that would have secured promotion to the National League South, the progress was evident. Brentwood now operates a Centre of Excellence that accommodates 250 boys and girls aged six to twelve.
"It's hollow if that isn’t there," Dickinson notes, emphasizing the importance of a robust youth structure. After seven years of laying foundations, Hearn’s involvement offers the prospect of elevating the club to a new tier. When asked about the mechanics of the partnership, Dickinson explains, "I speak to him probably once a week, maybe twice, depending on what’s happening. He’s hands‑on as far as his availability allows.
Every few months we sit down, review the financials and discuss progress – he loves his numbers!" Even though Hearn holds a minority stake, he deliberately stays out of day‑to‑day management. "He looks at me and sees I’m already stressed enough, so he doesn’t want to add to that," Dickinson says. "What he does is raise the bar, almost subconsciously, for what I aim to achieve. When we meet at Matchroom it’s inspiring – you walk away thinking, ‘let’s go for it.’" Dickinson believes the intangible benefits of Hearn’s involvement outweigh the pure financial injection.
"It’s probably ten times more important than the money because his reputation brings confidence. A potential partner recently told me they were keen because Barry commits for five years, doesn’t do things by halves, and won’t give up easily. That kind of assurance is priceless." Currently Brentwood sit 18th in the Isthmian Premier Division after eight games, averaging just under 700 spectators per match. The club’s ambition is to push that figure to 1,000 this season and eventually erect a 1,000‑seat stand.
However, the development hinges on finalising the purchase of the Brentwood Centre Arena, which will provide the necessary infrastructure for further expansion. Looking ahead, Dickinson envisions the partnership propelling Brentwood up the football pyramid. "Barry decided on a five‑year partnership to drive the club to the highest level possible. Hopefully after those five years there’ll be another five!
Realistically, if we’re playing National League football in five years, that will be a huge success for us. It shows how much faith he and Matchroom have in us – it’s now up to us to deliver." In summary, Barry Hearn’s re‑engagement with non‑league football through Brentwood Town illustrates how a high‑profile promoter can blend financial backing, strategic mentorship and genuine enthusiasm to transform a modest community club. By leveraging his reputation, providing steady investment, and encouraging ambitious yet realistic goals, Hearn and Matchroom are helping to lay the groundwork for Brentwood’s ascent through the English football hierarchy, while also reinforcing the importance of youth development and community involvement.
The partnership stands as a testament to how seasoned sporting entrepreneurs can make a lasting impact at the grassroots level, fostering growth that benefits players, supporters and the broader local area alike.