Hearn dreams of Football League for his local team

Barry Hearn (left) and Brentwood Town FC chairman Jez Dickinson are dreaming big for the club [Matchroom]British sports promoter Barry Hearn hopes his local football team will be in the English Football League within five years.

>Brentwood Town narrowly missed out on promotion to the National League South in the 2025-26 season, losing in the play-off final to rivals Billericay Town.

>Hearn announced a five-year sponsorship deal worth "hundreds of thousands" of pounds between his Matchroom company and the Essex club on Monday.

>"I'd like to think within five years of this deal that we're in the Football League. That would be a massive target," he told the BBC.

>Matchroom, which is based at its headquarters in Brentwood, first started sponsoring the Blues in 2023.

>"I watched Argentina play and I wouldn't charge money to watch that rubbish," Hearn said.

>"But when you come to Brentwood you've got people trying, it means a lot to them."

Previous investment by Matchroom helped to fund a new astro turf pitch [Tom Larsen-Wright/BBC]Hearn, a lifelong fan and former owner of Leyton Orient, hoped his investment would help to develop younger footballers.

>"I want to try and help us do well, enjoy it and put a smile on a few people's faces, because this is a horrible world we live in at the moment," he added.

>Brentwood finished fifth in the Isthmian League Premier Division during their latest campaign, but lost in the play-off final.

>They would need to be promoted three times to achieve Hearn's dream of reaching the Football League.

>Chairman Jez Dickinson said the money would help to bring the club's infrastructure up to scratch for higher leagues, as well as funding new players.

>"The kudos and the support and the advice [from Matchroom and Hearn] is priceless," said Dickinson.

>Do you have a story suggestion for Essex? Contact us below.

>Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

More on this story Tackle knife and drug crime, Hearn urges council • >Sports promoter Barry Hearn to receive civic honour • >Essex needs a new sporting arena, says Hearn Related internet links Brentwood Town FC