Barry Hearn is widely recognised for turning snooker, darts and boxing into television spectacles that attract millions of viewers. Even at the age of 78, the founder of Matchroom remains one of the most familiar faces in global sports promotion. While his work in combat sports dominates headlines, his involvement in football is equally fascinating, though less publicised.
Back in March 1995, Hearn stepped in to rescue Leyton Orient – a club he had first watched as an eleven‑year‑old – from the brink of collapse. He purchased the team for a symbolic £2.43 and, over the next decade, poured substantial resources into the club.
By 2007, three sides of the historic Brisbane Road stadium had been rebuilt, and by 2012 Hearn had eliminated all outstanding debt and is reported to have invested roughly £8 million in total. The 2013‑14 season saw Orient reach the League One play‑off final, a rare opportunity to ascend to the second tier of English football, only to lose 4‑3 on penalties to Rotherham at Wembley. Two months later, Hearn sold the club to Italian businessman Francesco Becchetti, stepping away from football for nine years while his other ventures continued to flourish.
The next chapter began in July 2023 when Matchroom became the sponsor of Brentwood Town’s home shirts. Brentwood Town, an Isthmian League North Division side located just three miles from Matchroom’s headquarters, quickly caught Hearn’s attention. In the following year Hearn acquired a minority shareholding in the club, and earlier this summer a five‑year partnership and a "significant investment" were formally announced.
Chairman Jez Dickinson recalls the first encounter that sparked the collaboration. "The reason Barry came over initially was we were doing something for Saint Francis Hospice, which he supports, and he sat next to me for a game," Dickinson explains. "It was an entertaining match and Barry later joked, ‘I’m never going to sit next to you again, Jez! Every time the ball went into the box you were leaping for a header and elbowing me!’ Barry wears his passion on his sleeve, and that’s probably where we clicked.
After a few lunches he asked what I wanted. I told him I wanted his involvement because he wanted to be involved, not because I was asking. He said he’d do it." While Hearn’s name naturally draws attention, Dickinson has been the driving force since he took over as chairman in May 2019.
He describes the club’s condition at that time as bleak: there was "no pathway for the youth into the first team," the bar resembled a 1970s pub, and the ambition was merely to avoid relegation. Under Dickinson’s leadership, the club installed a brand‑new 3G pitch in the summer of 2024, clinched the Isthmian North Division title in the 2024‑25 season, and reached the play‑off final for promotion to the National League South, narrowly missing out.
Today Brentwood Town boasts a Centre of Excellence that nurtures 250 boys and girls aged six to twelve. "It’s hollow if that isn’t there," Dickinson says, underscoring the importance of a strong youth pipeline.
After seven years of laying the groundwork, Dickinson believes Hearn’s involvement offers the catalyst needed to elevate the club to the next level. The partnership works on a very practical, hands‑on basis. "I speak to him probably once a week, maybe twice, depending on what’s happening," Dickinson notes. "He’s as involved as his schedule allows.
Every couple of months we sit down, review the finances, and discuss progress – he loves his numbers!" Although Hearn holds a minority stake, he makes it clear he does not wish to run day‑to‑day operations. "He looks at me and says, ‘You’re already stressed enough, I don’t want any of that,’" Dickinson recounts.
Instead, Hearn’s presence raises the club’s aspirations. "When we meet at Matchroom it’s inspiring – you walk away thinking, ‘let’s go for it.’ That mindset shift is probably ten times more valuable than the financial injection, though the money is essential too." Dickinson also highlights Hearn’s role as an ambassador. Potential partners are more inclined to engage when they see a committed, high‑profile backer.
"If he’s committing to five years, he doesn’t do things by halves and won’t give up easily. It creates confidence with us and with prospective partners," Dickinson says.
Brentwood Town currently sits 18th in the Isthmian Premier Division after eight matches, averaging just under 700 spectators per game. The club aims to push that figure to 1,000 this season and has plans for a 1,000‑seat stand.
However, the development hinges on finalising the purchase of the Brentwood Centre Arena, which will provide the necessary space for expansion. Looking ahead, Dickinson envisions a bright future powered by the Hearn‑Matchroom alliance. "Barry decided on a five‑year partnership to drive the club to the highest level of the pyramid possible.
Hopefully after those five years, there’ll be another five years! 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," he concludes. The story of Barry Hearn’s renewed commitment to grassroots football illustrates how a seasoned promoter can blend passion, financial support, and strategic vision to transform a modest non‑league side into a thriving community hub with aspirations of climbing the English football ladder.