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 global sport. While his work in those arenas is well‑known, his involvement in football is less frequently discussed, yet it is equally compelling. In March 1995, the then‑young fan who had first watched Leyton Orient at the age of eleven stepped in to rescue the club from the brink of insolvency, purchasing it for a symbolic £2.43.
Over the next twelve years Hearn oversaw a massive overhaul of the club's facilities: three sides of Brisbane Road were rebuilt by 2007, and by 2012 he had eliminated all outstanding debt and poured roughly £8 million into the side. The 2013‑14 season saw Orient reach the League One play‑off final, a rare opportunity to ascend to the second tier, only to lose a dramatic penalty shoot‑out 4‑3 to Rotherham at Wembley. Within two months of that heart‑break, Hearn sold the club to Italian entrepreneur Francesco Becchetti, marking the end of his first football chapter.
After a nine‑year hiatus from the beautiful game, Hearn returned in a more modest capacity. In July 2023, his Matchroom Group became the shirt‑sponsor of Brentwood Town, an Isthmian League North Division side situated just three miles from the Matchroom headquarters.
The following season he acquired a minority shareholding, and earlier this summer the two parties announced a five‑year partnership backed by a "significant investment". Chairman Jez Dickinson explains how the relationship began: "Barry first came over because we were supporting Saint Francis Hospice, a cause he champions.
He sat beside me during a match, and after the game he joked, ‘I’ll never sit next to you again, Jez – every time the ball went in the box you were leaping for a header and elbowing me!’ His passion and openness struck a chord with me. After a few lunches he asked what I wanted. I told him I wanted him involved because he wanted to be involved, not because I asked. He agreed on the spot." While Hearn’s name naturally draws attention, Dickinson has been the driving force at Brentwood since taking the chairman’s seat in May 2019.
He recalls a club that, before his tenure, had "no pathway for youth into the first team," a bar that resembled a 1970s pub, and an ambition limited to merely staying in the league. Under his stewardship the club installed a brand‑new 3G pitch in the summer of 2024, clinched the Isthmian North Division title in 2024‑25, and reached the play‑off final the following season, narrowly missing promotion to the National League South.
Today Brentwood boasts a Centre of Excellence serving 250 boys and girls aged six to twelve – a cornerstone Dickinson describes as essential, saying, "A club without a youth structure is hollow." Dickinson has spent seven years laying the groundwork, and Hearn’s involvement is seen as the catalyst that could propel Brentwood to the next level. "I speak with Barry about once a week, sometimes twice, depending on what’s happening," Dickinson says.
"He’s hands‑on as far as his schedule allows. Every couple of months we sit down, review the financials, and discuss progress – he loves his numbers. Even though he’s a minority shareholder, he doesn’t want to run the club. He tells me, ‘I see you, Jez, you’re already stressed enough; I don’t want to add to that.’" The partnership works on several fronts.
Financially, Hearn’s backing provides stability, but Dickinson emphasizes the psychological impact: "His presence raises the bar subconsciously. When we meet at Matchroom, it’s inspiring – you leave thinking, ‘let’s go for it.’ That motivation is perhaps ten times more valuable than the money itself. He’s also a fantastic ambassador. Potential partners are more willing to engage because they see a five‑year commitment from someone who doesn’t do things by halves.
It builds confidence across the board." On the pitch, Brentwood currently sit 18th in the Isthmian Premier Division after eight games, drawing crowds just under 700 per match. The club’s ambition is to break the 1,000‑spectator mark this season, supported by plans for a 1,000‑seat stand.
However, progress hinges on finalising the purchase of the Brentwood Centre Arena, a key piece of infrastructure that will enable further development. Looking ahead, Dickinson envisions a realistic yet ambitious trajectory for the next five years: "Barry signed a five‑year partnership to push the club as high up the pyramid as possible. If we’re playing National League football by the end of that period, it will be a massive success. Ideally, after those five years we’ll negotiate another five‑year deal and keep climbing.
It shows the faith Matchroom has in us; now it’s up to us to deliver." Beyond the numbers and facilities, Hearn’s involvement injects a sense of belief into a community club that has historically struggled to attract attention. By aligning a world‑class promoter’s brand with Brentwood’s grassroots ethos, the partnership creates a bridge between elite sport and local passion.
It offers young players a clearer route to senior football, encourages fans to rally behind a shared vision, and positions the club as a viable candidate for higher‑level competition. As the partnership matures, the hope is that Brentwood Town will not only climb the league ladder but also become a model for how strategic investment and genuine community engagement can revive non‑league football.
In summary, Barry Hearn’s foray into Brentwood Town exemplifies how a seasoned promoter can leverage his experience, resources, and reputation to uplift a modest club. While his name attracts headlines, the day‑to‑day progress is driven by chairman Jez Dickinson’s long‑term planning and the club’s expanding youth programme. Together they aim to transform Brentwood from a small Isthmian side into a competitive force capable of challenging for promotion, enhancing facilities, and fostering a vibrant football culture for years to come. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1m!
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