Bobby Zamora makes De Zerbi admission that Brighton fans will absolutely love
Bobby Zamora would have "absolutely loved" to have played for Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi - as he backed his former side to continue their European odyssey.
The ex-England striker, 42, smashed in 90 goals for the Seagulls across the three spells on the south coast, most famously firing them to back-to-back promotions in 2001 and 2002. But Zamora admits those days cannot compare to Brighton’s current exploits, which have seen De Zerbi’s widely-admired side successfully navigate their way through a Europa League group with former European champions Marseille and Ajax after a sixth-place finish in the Premier League.
“They are absolutely flying high,” said Zamora. “I would have absolutely loved to play for the current side.
“Unfortunately those days are gone for me but I loved my time playing for Brighton. The European games have been amazing, hopefully a few more wins and they can continue the journey, travel a bit more of Europe and maybe get a bit of silverware.
“If 15-20 years ago you would have said that we would be playing European football, I think you would have been laughed at but it has been a slow progression year on year, which is why they are where they are.
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“It has been done gradually, it hasn’t been done like a Chelsea, by spending crazy money. It is steady progression and that is why so many clubs are looking at us now and want to change their formula to replicate Brighton’s.
“It is a lot of hard work and dedication, putting in the foundations and I know a lot of clubs are looking at Brighton now and trying to work out what they are doing.
“The owner has been amazing, the fanbase is fantastic, long may it continue.”
Zamora was back on the south coast to honour the work of a fellow Brighton legend, as the striker presented Brighton Table Tennis Club director Tim Holtam with The National Lottery Sport Award.
Holtam was selected for recognition out of almost 4,000 nominees thanks to his tireless work which sees 1,500 players come through the doors each week, with a particular focus on those with learning difficulties, children in care and others who may lack access to opportunities, such as asylum seekers.
Brighton Table Tennis Club is one of hundreds of sporting projects supported by The National Lottery, which has invested more than £4m over the past five years. And Zamora admits the award could not have had a better winner after seeing first-hand the inclusivity work done by the club.
Zamora was back on the south coast to honour the work of a fellow Brighton legend, as the striker presented Brighton Table Tennis Club director Tim Holtam with The National Lottery Sport AwardHe added: “The work Tim has done is amazing, helping so many people in the city. He is truly a remarkable man and the way he has gone about it is incredible. He has touched so many lives and made such a difference to so many people.
“It was great to be down there and see how much difference he has made. There are elderly people, there are asylum seekers, there are children and adults with disabilities, kids that are struggling in school; it is such a vast range of people that he is helping.
“Tim has done a remarkable job by setting this up. You can see that putting the dedication in and having the facilities where people can play and train, the opportunity is now here.
“Without that, those kids and people would never have the opportunity to achieve what they do.”
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