Following Premier League approval we can announce that Brody Peart has signed for Brighton & Hove Albion FC.
Our young talented forward signed for The Seagulls last Friday at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre in front of his family, Dan Brownlie and Aaron Nicholson.
A common phrase synonymous with young players is ‘he’s one of our own’. Brody’s longstanding relationship with the club adds real meaning to that phrase. With his family woven into the fabric of our club, his Grandad our Kitman, his Nan on the Board, his Aunty being our fixtures secretary with more to add too that list – Brody has become immersed in Basingstoke Town Football Club life since a very young age.
As a young 16 year old – the Academy starlet made his first team debut on Jan 11 2022 in a Cup game and weeks later made his league debut versus Staines Town. His power and speed became a real talking point amongst the Basingstoke faithful and even then, a talk of a star emerging was on the lips of many! Following successful loan spells at Whitchurch and Tadley Calleva, Brody’s appearances in the first team became more and more. Despite some impressive performances, it wasn’t until November 19 when Brody finally got his long awaited opening goal against Tooting & Mitcham FC. That moment felt much more than a goal – and as Dan Brownlie explains, it became the point of no return:
“Something changed in him on that day. There was a lot of interest in Brody at that point. A snowball effect had gathered round his name and we were being contacted by clubs left, right and centre. I’ve seen that happen to young players before and they crumble. They start overthinking or become overly disappointed when something doesn’t materialise. Brody grew taller. The interest and belief he had from those within our dressing room alongside his families love and continued support created a monster. It was a bit of a light switch moment and he’s never looked back.”
“It’s hard to put into words just how proud we are of the kid. I remember Aaron [Nicholson] coming up to me a couple of years ago before a session saying ‘we’ve got one here’ – and my God, he was right. As a club, we’ve worked really hard with him to provide the best possible environment and opportunity that befitted his undoubted talent and seemingly endless potential. The love and respect Brody has for this club and the people within it is enormous. I’m not quite sure our fans will ever realise just how much he loved playing in our shirt. We’re so excited by his future and what he is yet to become.”
Aaron Nicholson noted: “I couldn’t be happier for the lad and his family. We knew of his dream to become a professional footballer and now he’s about to live it. We know there’s plenty more work to be done to continue his trajectory, but if you look at his development both on and off the pitch in the past 12 months alone – he’s a terrifying prospect. His teammates deserve a lot of credit for creating an environment in which he can flourish – both in the first team and the Academy. Sometimes you can allow a level of jealousy to sit in, but they’ve been brilliantly supportive and little things like that can make a huge difference. We can’t wait to see what’s next for him.”
Chairman Jack Miller added “We’re so proud of Brody and what he’s been able to achieve throughout his time with Basingstoke Town. I’ve personally know Brody from around the club since he was barely big enough to kick a ball and to have him come through the Basingstoke Town Academy and make this move – it’s what every young footballer dreams of. He’s a Basingstoke boy through-and-through with undoubted talent and has a great family behind him so I’m in no doubt that he’ll make a success of this deserved opportunity.”
Brody is currently in Marbella, Spain where he’s joined up with Brighton & Hove Albion U21’s for a training camp. We’re all looking forward to seeing Brody at a game in the not distant future.
Congratulations Brody. One of our own.