Aylesbury Grammar School was delighted to welcome Old Aylesburian Christian Purslow (Phillips ’83) back to AGS last week for a wide-ranging Q&A hosted by the Headmaster. The session offered Sixth Form students an exceptional opportunity to explore the business of football with one of the sport’s most experienced modern leaders.

Christian is a Cambridge and Harvard graduate, fluent in French and Spanish, and holds an honorary doctorate from Aston University. Before entering football, he built a highly successful career as a professional investor, specialising in buying, improving, and selling companies. Sixteen years ago, he transitioned into football leadership, bringing lessons from investment, strategy, and corporate management into senior roles at Liverpool, Chelsea, and Aston Villa, where he served as CEO and Managing Director.

Throughout the Q&A, Christian outlined the three pillars that guide his work as a football CEO: Strategy, People, and Capital. He emphasised that long-term thinking is vital in a world often dominated by weekly match results and short-term crises. Recruiting and retaining the best staff, he explained, is just as important in football as in any global business. Equally central is careful financial management, from budgets and investment to loans and sustainability.

Students were given rare insight into the complexities of running elite clubs. Christian discussed overseeing the sale of Liverpool FC in 2010, following the financial turmoil caused by the 2008 global crisis. He described the process of marketing the club, negotiating with qualified buyers, and ultimately securing a deal with Fenway Sports Group, who have since led Liverpool to renewed success.

He also explored the growing trend of multi club ownership, the advantages of global player development networks, and the misconception that such models automatically generate business efficiencies. On financial regulation, Christian expressed concerns that current FFP and profitability rules can be overly restrictive for new owners hoping to grow clubs, while stressing the importance of redistributing Premier League wealth to support English football’s wider ecosystem.

Students were particularly engaged by Christian’s explanation of the modern transfer market, including the rising use of escape clauses, the justification for top wages in a high revenue industry, and the challenges of managing player behaviour during contract disputes. He also shared views on VAR, suggesting that while its current impact is sometimes negative, future AI improvements may lead to a fairer and more efficient system.

Beyond the boardroom, Christian reflected on the delicate balance between commercial success and maintaining a strong, authentic connection with supporters. Ticket pricing, merchandise, and broadcasting revenues all require careful judgement to avoid alienating the fanbase that forms the heart of any club.

Throughout the session, one theme consistently emerged: the importance of integrity, respect, and long-term thinking. Whether in business or football, Christian argued, sustainable success relies on strong values, clear strategy, and effective leadership.

Students were captivated from start to finish, with many queuing afterwards to speak with Christian personally. We are extremely grateful to him for giving his time and sharing such deep and candid insights. His visit provided an inspiring and unforgettable learning experience, one that will stay with our students for years to come.

We are incredibly grateful to Christian for giving up his time, on behalf of all of us at AGS, thank you. If you would like to support our programme of talks and mentorship, we would love to hear from you. Please email development@ags.bucks.sch.uk to get in touch.