Albion chairman Tony Bloom says he is proud and humbled to be awarded the MBE in the King’s New Year Honours List.

He has been recognised for his record-breaking achievements with the club as well as his services to football and to the city of Brighton and Hove, where he has made considerable investments and donations for projects across the community.

Bloom has guided the Seagulls to a top-six Premier League finish and Europa League progress having financed the building of the Amex and their training complex in Lancing.

He said: “I’m incredibly proud and truly humbled to receive this recognition, and while I’m honoured personally, it would not have been possible without so many people who’ve helped us achieve what we have.

“I’d like to thank my fellow directors, our staff, coaches and players who have been vital to the progress we’ve made. It has been an historic year for the club and this is a wonderful way to cap off a truly unforgettable 12 months.”

Albion deputy chairman and chief executive Paul Barber described Bloom’s achievements with his hometown club as “the modern-day footballing success story”.

He added: “I have been in football a long time, and there are not many supporters who sing the chairman’s name with the same affection that our fans sing for Tony.

“That affection from the stands is very, very rare in football for a chairman, and it underlines the incredible job Tony has done.

“Perhaps job is not the right term, as for Tony it is a love for the club, one which was handed down to him from his grandfather Harry and father Ronnie.”

Bloom was voted the European Club President of the Year at the Golden Boy Awards earlier this month.