Andrew Crofts has left his position as assistant head coach at Brighton & Hove Albion to join Tottenham Hotspur.
Crofts’ exit has ended his seven-year spell at Brighton in which he initially was player coach then head coach of their Under-21s team, before he took interim charge in September 2022 after Graham Potter left for a ill-fated spell at Chelsea.
He subsequently became part of Roberto De Zerbi’s coaching staff until the Italian left in May 2024, and then was promoted to assistant head coach under Fabian Hurzeler, but has now reunited with De Zerbi at Tottenham after both clubs agreed a compensation package to greenlight his move to North London.
Addressing his decision to leave Brighton, Crofts told the club’s official website that he is proud to had been a coach at the club and credited owner, Tony Bloom plus Chief Executive, Paul Barber for their trust in him throughout his time at Brighton.
“I want to express my sincere thanks to everyone at Brighton & Hove Albion. This club will always hold a special place in my heart and the hearts of my family.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Tony Bloom and Paul Barber for the trust, faith and support they’ve shown in me throughout my time here.
“I want to give a special mention to Fabian, it’s been a privilege to work alongside him. My thanks also goes to all the players and staff I’ve shared this journey with, including the unforgettable achievements of the European qualifications we made possible together.
“Finally, thank you to the fans for their passion and support. Brighton will forever mean a great deal to me.”
Hurzeler added: “Crofty has been really important for me both on the training pitch and off it, given his strong connection to Brighton.
“The club has a well-known pathway for up-and-coming players, but he is a great example of the coaching pathway we have here too.
“It’s a credit to him that every time he has been presented with an opportunity he has taken it and I know that not only I, but also my coaching staff, have learnt a lot from him. I wish him good luck.”
Brighton’s Sporting Director, Mike Cave praised Crofts for his impact at the club across Under-21s and senior team and believes that Tottenham will provide him with a new challenge.
“Andrew has been a fantastic member of the coaching staff in both our men’s first team and the boys’ academy, adding a huge amount of value to every role he has undertaken.
“While we are disappointed to see him leave, we understand that this is a fresh opportunity for him to challenge himself in a new environment.
“He is a great example of the pathway at the club for both our players and staff. We wish him the best of luck for the future.”
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