Brighton and Hove Albion have confirmed that former Arsenal interim sporting director Jason Ayto has left the club, less than a year after joining.
Brighton and Hove Albion released a statement on Wednesday to confirm that Jason Ayto has left the club, nine months after joining them as their sporting director.
“I’d like to thank Jason for everything he has done for us, and to wish him well for the future,” Brighton chairman Tony Bloom said in a brief statement.
Brighton have effectively promoted existing technical director Mike Cave to take on Ayto’s responsibilities, working with the existing senior team.
Before joining Brighton, Ayto had also been in contention for the sporting director role at Newcastle United, but Ross Wilson (formerly of Nottingham Forest) ended up taking that job instead.
Ayto had previously worked at Arsenal as a scout, then chief scout, then the club’s assistant sporting director, before taking on the top job on an interim basis following Edu Gaspar’s departure.
The highlight of Ayto’s time in charge was the progress he made on a deal to sign Martin Zubimendi, though fans were disappointed by the lack of incomings for Arsenal in the 2025 January transfer window.
Ayto came close to getting the Arsenal sporting director job on a permanent basis, but the Gunners opted instead to bring in the more experienced Andrea Berta.
That change has been a successful one for Arsenal so far, with Berta doing impressive business over the 2025 summer window.
- Former Gunner receives 4-match Champions League banMatteo Guendouzi has received a four-match Champions League ban after insults and provocations during Fenerbahce’s recent game against Lyon, though two matches are suspended.
- Arsenal u19s learn UEFA Youth League draw & fixturesThe Arsenal u19s have learned their League Phase draw for the UEFA Youth League, including a tantalising final game at home to Real Madrid.
- 4 Arsenal players make Team of the Week for Chelsea winFour Arsenal players feature in the various Premier League Teams of the Week following the Gunners’ 2-1 win over Chelsea on Sunday.
- Former Gunner spotted in the stands during Arsenal-Chelsea clashFormer Gunner Leandro Trossard seemingly returned to the Emirates Stadium to watch Arsenal’s game against Chelsea, based on fan footage and pictures from Sunday’s match.
- Arteta gives injury update on Arsenal 22yoCristhian Mosquera missed Sunday’s game against Chelsea with a muscle injury, but Mikel Arteta is hopeful that it’s not serious.