Jason Ayto departs Brighton & Hove Albion months after move from Arsenal
It's as the club shuffles sporting leadership structure
Brighton & Hove Albion has announced that sporting director Jason Ayto has left the club, just months after joining from Arsenal.
Ayto arrived at Brighton in September 2025, taking on the role of sporting director after spending over ten years at Arsenal in a range of technical and recruitment-focused positions.
Club chairman Tony Bloom paid tribute to Ayto’s contribution, saying: “I’d like to thank Jason for everything he has done for us, and to wish him well for the future.”
Chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber also acknowledged his impact during his time at the club.
He said: “Jason has been a valued team colleague on our strategic leadership group. I'd like to thank him for his contribution since he joined the club and wish him all the best going forward.”
Following his departure, Brighton confirmed an immediate internal restructuring of its sporting operations.
Technical director Mike Cave will step up to oversee all sporting departments, reporting directly to Paul Barber while continuing to work closely with the club’s senior leadership team.