It’s about that time of the year when Brentford fans forget the trials and tribulations of last season, get out the rose-tinted glasses or moaning pills (whatever takes their fancy at the time) and make their predictions on how The Bees will fare in their forthcoming Championship campaign.
Liberal Nick (@NickCarthew)
Where do you stand/sit?
Ealing Road right side front (and hoping to move back on the terrace to admire Romaine’s through balls even better)
Last season’s highs
Visiting the Stadium of Light to watch my favourite, and second favourite, teams play. Great away weekend. Sunderland has got some decent pubs. Its just a shame another overseas owner has ruined a once great football team and that we may not return to Wearside any time soon
Last season’s lows
People STILL not understanding Brentford’s business model. And sadly there was some creeping in of racist and homophobic chanting at home games. Those responsible for it can f*** off
What are your thoughts for this season?
Ian Holloway makes a decent point – for once – on his interview on the Beesotted podcast. Despite what I say about people needing to understand our business model, it’s about time we hung on to one or two of our really decent players. Movements in and out so far this summer, and in the last transfer window have been fine but I would like it to stop now. Keep the current squad together and anything could happen.
Best moment of last season
Hearing the cheers from the away end after Maupay’s 94thminute equalizer as I left Craven Cottage early to catch a train. The noise was made even better because as I ran through Bishops Park, I passed a man telling his son that it was never in doubt Fulham were going to beat Brentford
Worst moment of last season
Leaving the Fulham game on the 90th minute to catch a train. You all know what happened next
Funniest moment of last season
Following via Beesotted tweets and Whatsapp messages the five goals going in v Birmingham at home, a game I couldn’t make (I know – LOYAL!). I had the Monkees “Daydream believer” on shuffle on Spotify the next day.
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
Living in Devon, all home games are aways so its good to sample a bit of London Pride every fortnight. Bristol City is always fun, as is any visit to the North East.
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
Genuinely don’t know. This year there really doesn’t seem to be a team that stands out head and shoulders over everyone else. Maybe Blackburn Rovers might surprise. Tony Mowbray is a decent manager.
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
Villa’s new owners seem to think all you need to win the League is a star manager with Thierry Henry now at the help and supposedly leading them to The Premier League. And I reckon West Brom could go straight through the Championship in to Div 1. They seem to have no plan. Will probably throw silly money at buying players in a panic come the January transfer window. Hopefully players (you know who you are!) will resist the urge to go
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
We have a cup run. League or FA Cup, I don’t care.
Atomic Kitten had the surprise hit of the World Cup – their song “Whole Again” adapted to “Football’s coming home again” was sung with gusto on the streets and terraces of Russia by England fans and their Russian chums. What cheesy pop record do you think Brentford should adopt this season and why?
It could only be The Only Way is Up by Yazz.
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season?
In my dreams I look forward to discussing transfer values after knowing the exact fee paid, and not have to to speculate or make informed guesses because the club tells us it’s an ‘undisclosed fee.’ In reality it will be enjoying (enduring?) the bullying behaviour of Billy the Bee as he tries to demolish my excellent theories.
What position will Brentford finish?
11th – because a good cup run will interfere with our league form.
NickBruzon (@NickBruzon)
Where do you stand/sit
Braemar Road paddock
Last season’s highs
The emergence of Chris Mepham
Romaine taking his game to the next level
Humping Aston Villa.
7 (seven) goals 6 points and 2 clean sheets against Birmingham.
Fulham away – ‘Maupay, in the last minute’ was just stunning. Utter mayhem. What a feeling. Take that Ian Moose
Last season’s lows
I can’t deny the triple transfer to Birmingham City wasn’t a punch to the gut, at the time. Not so much the sales but more the manner of how it happened. One,two, three players all to the same club at the eleventh hour.
Call me naive but I somehow thought Jota may stay put and help the promotion push. Oh well, his loss.
Dean’s post match interviews could have done with some work, too. If leagues were won on ‘deserving to win’ games, we’d have been Champions before Easter.
Peter Gilham’s Prostrate Cancer news
What are your thoughts for this season?
Top six. Absolutely nailed on. You can quote me on that. Dean’s team are ready to take that next step
Best moment of last season
“Cheer up Harlee Dean”. What a night. What a result. What a finish to the game. What a way to ram those words back down his throat. Ten times Better? At getting stuffed
Worst moment of last season
Time being called on Rasmus’ September 2015 fans forum prediction: “It is not an option to not be in the Premier League. It has to happen in the next three years…. At the moment there is no Plan B. We’ll be in the Premier League in three years.”
Sad, because I’d have loved it to happen for no more reason than he’d have been able to take some kudos. Whether justified or not, he’s very much come in for a lot of stick over the years . Imagine being able to turn around and say, “I DID tell you….”
Funniest moment of last season
“We’ve got quality in that squad. I’ve been in teams where we’ve finished fifth in this league and missed out on promotion by play offs. And this squad is ten times better than that. Its just about getting the balance right.” – Harlee Dean
Yeah – he actually said that !!
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
Stoke City – our magnificent brown and orange away shirt makes her league debut
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
Brentford, obviously. Season five in the Championship approaches and we’re still being ignored
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
Nottingham Forest . Proper club with a great history. They’ve spent big. Very big. That’s only going to end in tears
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
I’m very happy at present and don’t think we need genies. If really pushed, I suppose a regular goalscorer would be nice
Atomic Kitten had the surprise hit of the World Cup – their song “Whole Again” adapted to “Football’s coming home again” was sung with gusto on the streets and terraces of Russia by England fans and their Russian chums. What cheesy pop record do you think Brentford should adopt this season and why?
In the Shadows, by The Rasmus. Its where we lurk – unseen and un-noticed. Pretty sure there’s some other connection but it’ll take a better man than me to find it
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season?
Birmingham City’s relegation struggle. Brentford actually getting through to the fourth round of the FA Cup
What position will Brentford finish?
4th. We’ll have a wobble at some point but I think that if the squad can stay together past Christmas we’ve got every opportunity to really go for it.
Savvy Bee (@Sav_Kyriacou)
Where do you stand/sit?
Ealing Road
Last season’s highs
Romaine Sawyers. I’ve always liked him but he became absolute class by the end of the season. Those skills when he seemed to play a one-two with himself then split the opposition defence was the best bit of football I’ve seen at Griffin Park. Matching Jota’s destruction of Bidwell.
Last season’s lows
QPR’s comeback
What are your thoughts for this season?
One year’s more experience in a young squad. If Konsa/Sörenson are adequate replacements for Egan/Bjelland and Benrahma/Ogbene can cover the loss of Josefzoon then we can do better than last season. Of course we can still be weakened before the window slams shut.
Best moment of last season
Maupay in the last minute
Worst moment of last season
Two days after QPR’s comeback. I had to spend an evening with a QPR fan who was at the game [one of the few that stayed to the end]. Even after telling him we would finish above them [again], that all they did was draw at home and I felt sorry for him having to watch a Rory Delap tribute act [trademark Lord Loucan] week-in, week-out he was still being smug.
Funniest moment of last season
Daydream Believer at half time and full time of the Birmingham City thrashing.
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
Nottingham Forest. It’s on a Saturday and always a good day out. Also, an opportunity to catch up with a friend who lives up there.
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
A lot of pundits look at crowd size, tradition and money spent and decide the ‘big’ teams will fill up the top spots. Therefore it’s the Bees again!
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
I think the pundits might have given up on thinking Reading are any good. They will look at the cash splashed by Forest and go for them but I reckon they are not right behind the scenes.
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
Sawyers and Woods stay beyond the window and remain fit.
Atomic Kitten had the surprise hit of the World Cup – their song “Whole Again” adapted to “Football’s coming home again” was sung with gusto on the streets and terraces of Russia by England fans and their Russian chums. What cheesy pop record do you think Brentford should adopt this season and why?
Popcorn by Hot Butter – a 70s classic pop song. Great lyrics and an easy to remember tune. Ideal for turning into a memorable football song.
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season?
How much is X worth when we sell him to some club with parachute payments in January.
What position will Brentford finish? 5th
Martin The Dutchman (@BrentfordDutch)
Where do you stand/sit
Right side, Ealing Road
Last season’s highs
Birmingham home, what an atmosphere, proving everyone wrong again after our start. Mepham’s rise – turning down £10m plus offers
Last season’s lows
The first 8 games where we couldn’t buy a win despite the quality of performance, effectively writing off our chances
What are your thoughts for this season?
More of the same. Quality football. New signings gelling Canos coming good
Best moment of last season
Liberal Nick leaving after 90 minutes at Fulham – a full four minutes before before Maupay in the 94th minute
Worst moment of last season
QPR comeback at Loftus Road
Funniest moment of last season
Daydream Believer being sung with the words rejigged for Harlee Dean
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
Nottingham Forest, still never been, only ground in the league I haven’t done
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
Brentford and Birmingham
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
Stoke
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
Get promoted and have the last 4 months at Griffin Park in the Premiership !
Atomic Kitten had the surprise hit of the World Cup – their song “Whole Again” adapted to “Football’s coming home again” was sung with gusto on the streets and terraces of Russia by England fans and their Russian chums. What cheesy pop record do you think Brentford should adopt this season and why?
Deano, to the tune/chorus of Geno by Dexys Midnight Runners
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season?
QPR’s transfer embargo catching them out. International call-ups for Bees
What position will Brentford finish?
3rd
Ali Mulalley (@AliMulalley)
Where do you stand/sit
Finally persuaded the he family to abandon New Rd for Ealing Rd (hurrah!)
Last season’s highs
Maupay in the Last Minute at Fulham (and we got to keep the song!) Birmingham (h). Norwich (a)
Last season’s lows
QPR comeback. I still clearly remember saying “just a consolation, they don’t have time to get an equaliser” seconds before Woodsy forgot to just keep the bloody ball!! The first 10 (?) games. Freely admit to panicking! Selling half our team to Birmingham.
What are your thoughts for this season?
Ask me after August 9th!! If we hold onto our key players (Woods, Sawyers) we should be right up there
Best moment of last season
Birmingham at home – players, fans, club all as one that night.
Worst moment of last season
QPR’s equaliser
Funniest moment of last season
“Cheer up Harlee Dean” Daydream Believer by the Monkees on the tannoy after spanking Birmingham 5-0! DJ that night deserved an award.
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
West Brom. New ground.
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
Preston – consistently under-rated.
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
Villa
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
Maupay to knock in 20+ goals
Atomic Kitten had the surprise hit of the World Cup – their song “Whole Again” adapted to “Football’s coming home again” was sung with gusto on the streets and terraces of Russia by England fans and their Russian chums. What cheesy pop record do you think Brentford should adopt this season and why?
“Can you feel the Force?” by The Real Thing as Marcus Forss buries a few off the bench.
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season?
McEachren actually being outstanding for more than 1 game in 10, because “when he’s good, he’s very, very good and when he’s bad he’s horrid!” (Assuming we don’t sell him that is!)
What position will Brentford finish?
After my completely over-optimistic prediction of last season, I’m going to be conservative – 4th.
Billy Grant (@BillyTheBee99)
Where do you stand/sit
Ealing Road
Last season’s highs
Brentford actually turning down £10m plus for a player. Compare that to the £500k we agreed for DJ Campbell which railroaded our season back then
After years of jiggery pokery, finally getting our defensive conundrum sorted – with Bjelland and Mepham proving to be an ideal paring. As they say, it’ll never last
Giving that jab jab uppercut knockout blow to Birmingham City (Goals scored 7. Goals against nil) after they raided our coffers in August and laughed at us
The football we were playing. There was a feeling we would never play exciting attacking football again after the Warburton era. This season just proved it’s in our DNA and is ingrained right throughout the team.
Last season’s lows
Selling Jota to Birmingham
Only getting one point from a Derby team who were so poor at Griffin Park, they failed to even get the ball out their half in the 2ndperiod of the game
QPR scoring two goals in extra time to tie the game at Loftus Road
Going out of the FA Cup with a whimper
What are your thoughts for this season?
Maupay will have the experience to negotiate this division and will score ever more goals than last
I think we have a fab set of centre backs but am slightly nervous about the lack of experience. Last season we saw how valuable Bjelland was in the mix.
People have now finally started to take us seriously so we may find more teams coming down and parking the bus to stop us from doing our thing
We’ll be a pain in the arse for most teams all season but just miss out on a playoff spot once again
Best moment of last season
Beating Birmingham 2-0 at their place not even two months after they had raided our player cupboard. That to me was better than the 5-0 home match as it was so soon after they had taken our players with Blues fans calling us our feeder club. We had so much fun on the terraces letting them know that it did not affect us whilst thanking them for the £12m
Worst moment of last season
I’d say losing 3-1 at home to Cardiff . It was at that stage I realized we weren’t quite good enough to go up
Funniest moment of last season
Maupay in the 94thminutes just eclipses “Cheer up Harlee Dean” only because the look on the Fulham fans’ faces – knowing that they then had to face the gamble of the playoffs. And it was us who did it. OK they came up trumps in the end. But ask any Fulham fan at the time if they would fancy playoffs and the answer would have been no
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
Boro. I always look forward to an away day in Boro
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
Everyone had plumped Rotherham for relegation. I think they may surprise a few
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
They spend €15m on a player and suddenly everyone is backing Forest. We all know it takes a lot more than just spending money. It will be interesting to see if these players can acclimatise to the English game quickly – we know a lot about that.
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
That we convert ALL the chances we create. If that were to happen, we’d be 15 points clear by Christmas
Atomic Kitten had the surprise hit of the World Cup – their song “Whole Again” adapted to “Football’s coming home again” was sung with gusto on the streets and terraces of Russia by England fans and their Russian chums. What cheesy pop record do you think Brentford should adopt this season and why?
It’s pretty cheesy but “We’ve got Erzi Konza. So let’s all do the conga. La la la la”
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season?
Birmingham have offered Jota for sale for £1m plus his is prepared to return for massive pay cut. Do we move on? Or do we get him as a bench player
What position will Brentford finish?
8th
Matt Allard (@TheMattAllard)
Where do you stand/sit
New Roader
Last season’s highs
There are a couple of obvious games but I will try and give you a feeling instead. It was the build up in the week or so before Millwall away. It started to look like a push for the playoffs was on. And I was really looking forward to putting one over one of our playoff rivals.
Last season’s lows
For me after that game. Yeah the QPR two late goals was a killer and I felt sick immediately after that. But after the Millwall game I knew in my heart the season was done. And then Barnsley away which just confirmed what we already knew
What are your thoughts for this season?
More of the same to be honest. A sniff of the playoffs and then it just depends if we take the opportunities that I expect to be offered to us. Last year we didn’t
Best moment of last season
To pinpoint a moment I would say the second goal we scored against QPR, although the late equaliser against Fulham is in there too
Worst moment of last season
QPR’s second goal obviously
Funniest moment of last season
There is the obvious standout that I think most folks will put here, beating Birmingham 5-0 and the Daydream Believer singalong. On a personal note it was how many people got the name of the song and in some cases the song itself wrong in later posts on social media and in the pub. Funny, because I wasn’t confident to call anyone out without checking it myself.
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
Preston is on a bloody Tuesday which is thoroughly annoying. So in lieu of that I’ll go for Forest, on a Saturday, it’s been midweek a couple of times recently
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
I was going to say probably us, Millwall stole a bit of that thunder last year by finishing above us (they won’t this year) but I see the pundits have us finishing between 6th-8th, which is where I reckon we’ll be. So of the teams coming up, maybe Blackburn
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
I would say Villa again but even the pundits seem to be a bit over them this season. They’re giving Forest some big shouts aren’t they? Karanka does know what he’s doing though. I’ll still go with them I think especially if Dawson is their go to centre-back.
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
I still worry about the height throughout the team, so just to stretch a few of them out please.
Atomic Kitten had the surprise hit of the World Cup – their song “Whole Again” adapted to “Football’s coming home again” was sung with gusto on the streets and terraces of Russia by England fans and their Russian chums. What cheesy pop record do you think Brentford should adopt this season and why?
Oh dear. I’m terrible at this stuff. I love music but I can’t think I’ve ever come up with anything along these lines and it’s not for the want of trying. Errrr how about ‘Oh L’amour’ by Erasure and soon after Dollar. Is that cheesy enough? Someone else will have to figure the lyrics out though.
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season?
I went with this last year and I can’t see any reason to change it; “Dean Smith, when the team are sitting comfortably mid-table in October and people (Liberal Nick?) are calling for his sacking because they think we should be in the top two.”
What position will Brentford finish?
I’m thinking 6th but it’s always hard to say before the transfer window closes. Put me down for that though.
Ed The Head Langdon (@Head_Langdon)
Where do you stand/sit
Ealing Road
Last season’s highs
Another season of ‘same old Brentford taking the p***’
Last season’s lows
Transfer Deadline Day podcast when Dean, Jota and Colin went to Birmingham
What are your thoughts for this season?
Could do with some more leadership, after loosing Bjellend & Egan. However the current crop have got a few seasons under the belt now and are no mugs. I saw a lot of ‘lessons learned’ throughout last season and expect more this time around – which will reflect our final position.
Best moment of last season
Birmingham at home 5-0 and Harlee Dean “Daydream Believer”
Worst moment of last season
Barnsley Away
Funniest moment of last season
The secret pub brewery at Burton away
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
Looking forward to West Brom away as have a mate that way who have given it ‘the biggun’ about Brentford the past few years.
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
Norwich
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
Stoke
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
Woods to sign another 4 year deal
Atomic Kitten had the surprise hit of the World Cup – their song “Whole Again” adapted to “Football’s coming home again” was sung with gusto on the streets and terraces of Russia by England fans and their Russian chums. What cheesy pop record do you think Brentford should adopt this season and why?
I’m a Barbet girl. In a Barbet world
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season? Benrahama whipping balls around and Maupay scoring 15+
What position will Brentford finish?
5th
Jim Levack (@JImblee1)
Where do you stand/sit
Ealing Road
Last season’s highs
Maupay in the last minute and seeing my Bluenose next door neighbour behind glass in the VIP box just yards behind us at full time at St Andrews (I waved) – the return fixture at Griffin Oark was quite good too.
Last season’s lows
Wolves away where the gulf in class was very apparent, QPR away was a choker and Derby away as I had to endure my Rams fan wife’s smug silence when I got home.
Ignorant fans slating Woods and Sawyers also made my blood boil.
What are your thoughts for this season?
Very positive as long as we keep or improve on Woods and Sawyers. Still fear we need another option up top but I have faith in the way the club is being run and remain astonished and delighted in equal measure that other Championship fans can’t see it.
Best moment of last season
Easy. Maupay at the Cottage.
Worst moment of last season
Clappers at the Cottage
Funniest moment of last season
Would have to be in the curry pub pre-Brum when good friend and fellow Midland Bee Mike Ball declared that he “loved Jozefzoon because he’s like shit off a blanket”. Shovel surely unless you’re talking Trainspotting
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
Stoke – they usually start slow so it would be good to get some payback for Cardiff and silence a few Stokie mates.
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
Blackburn
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
Stoke obviously. Never seen such a delusional bunch of fans. They’ll be top 10 if they’re lucky.
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
Keep performing well/find a 25 goal a season striker
Atomic Kitten had the surprise hit of the World Cup – their song “Whole Again” adapted to “Football’s coming home again” was sung with gusto on the streets and terraces of Russia by England fans and their Russian chums. What cheesy pop record do you think Brentford should adopt this season and why?
Tears for Fears “Mad World” if and when Mad Bechs Sorensen starts
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season? I know it’s been covered but FFP and the lack of level playing field issue isn’t going away any time soon
What position will Brentford finish?
2nd
Greville Waterman (@GrevWaterman)
Where do you stand/sit
Braemar Road
Last season’s highs
Being Kings of West London once again
Last season’s lows
So near but so far. Like Sisyphus we got so close to the top of the hill before tumbling back down again.
What are your thoughts for this season?
Barring a last minute squad decimation we are in a good place to mount a serious playoff challenge
Best moment of last season Maupay in the 94th minute
Worst moment of last season
QPR in the 94th minute
Funniest moment of last season
Barbet’s penalty and the policeman on Brook Road against Norwich
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
All of them as I still do a double take at all the big name teams we come up against
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
Brentford or maybe Nottingham Forest of their plethora of new signings gell.
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
Leeds, Derby County
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
Win the damn league
Atomic Kitten had the surprise hit of the World Cup – their song “Whole Again” adapted to “Football’s coming home again” was sung with gusto on the streets and terraces of Russia by England fans and their Russian chums. What cheesy pop record do you think Brentford should adopt this season and why?
Looking at the size of our squad and how small and frail so many of them appear to be how about “Hi ho, hi ho it’s off to work we go…”
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season? How clubs and media alike are finally waking up to theBrentford revolution and realising just how good and innovative we really are
What position will Brentford finish?
5th
Robin Hood (@robinmcmichael)
Where do you stand/sit
Ealing Road
Last season’s highs
Cheer Up Harlee Dean
QPR away Cup game
Woods’ goal against Leeds
Last season’s lows
Injury time away at QPR
Transfer deadline day
Coach Home from Barnsley
What are your thoughts for this season?
I’m cautiously optimistic. There needs to be more of a drive to shoot when the opportunity arises. We don’t need to score the perfect goal every time. See out the transfer window with our best players still here and get off to a winning start. That first 8 games cost us big time last season.
Best moment of last season
Cheer up Harlee Dean
Worst moment of last season
QPR away injury time
Funniest moment of last season
Harlee Dean’s 10 Times Better’ comment. Full marks for audacity.
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
Stoke – big club with good reputation for ground atmosphere.
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
WBA – they’ll bounce straight back up, I reckon
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
Leeds – continually overratedIf we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
Judge to stay and return to his best.
Atomic Kitten had the surprise hit of the World Cup – their song “Whole Again” adapted to “Football’s coming home again” was sung with gusto on the streets and terraces of Russia by England fans and their Russian chums. What cheesy pop record do you think Brentford should adopt this season and why?
Don’t You, Forget About Bees (Simple Minds) as a follow up to the #TeamsLikeBrentford.
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season?
QPR’s struggle against relegation.
What position will Brentford finish?
6th
Gerry The Cabby (@Gerry0703)
Where do you stand/sit
Braemar Rd
Last season’s highs
Maupay last minute at Fulham, Sawyers proving his quality.
Last season’s lows
QPR away. And not reaching top 6 when the opportunities arose.
What are your thoughts for this season?
Getting off to a flier is needed and maybe due. If we can keep Woods and Sawyers, we have a big chance of finishing top four. Expecting Maupay, Watkins, Dalsgaard to step up another level. Hoping Canos gets back to showing how good he is on a consistent level
Best moment of last season
Maupay’s 94th minute Fulham leveller
Worst moment of last season
QPR AWAY
Funniest moment of last season
Harlee Dean’s look up to DJ box and Braemar Rd when Daydream Believer was belting out.
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
Boro, I’m 50 the following day!
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict? Blackburn
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
Derby
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
We convert at least 50% of the chances we create. If we do that I think the rest takes care of itself.
Atomic Kitten had the surprise hit of the World Cup – their song “Whole Again” adapted to “Football’s coming home again” was sung with gusto on the streets and terraces of Russia by England fans and their Russian chums. What cheesy pop record do you think Brentford should adopt this season and why?
Aqua – Barbie Song..”Come on Barbet lets go party ah ah ah yeah”!!!! Cheesy and sh!t.
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season?
Brentford breaking club record for most consecutive wins at start of season.
What position will Brentford finish?
If we still have both Woods And Sawyers on 10th August…3rd.
Ian Westbrook (@IanWestbrook)
Where do you stand/sit
Braemar Road Block B304 (formerly known as Block D)
Last season’s highs
Virtually all our home performances under the Griffin Park floodlights – I don’t know what it is, but we always seem to raise things a notch both on and off the pitch. The Birmingham game was the best for the obvious reasons, but for me personally it was a night when everything came together – sparkling performance and all my Bees-supporting friends and family there, instead of only some of them. A brilliant, brilliant night, Other great displays under the lights included the wins over Leeds and Villa, although occasionally it doesn’t work out, like in Cardiff’s visit.
Last season’s lows
Minutes 92-94 at Loftus Road tops my list – thinking about that game still gives me shudders now. Neal Maupay’s miss at Cardiff a couple of weeks earlier was another one to forget, but although I made around 30 games last season, I luckily missed some of the worst performances such as Derby and Wolves away. Losing at Hull on my birthday wasn’t great while my other low spot was sitting in the departure lounge at Genoa Airport waiting to come home from holiday on transfer deadline day as news seeped through about the Birmingham three.
What are your thoughts for this season?
If we can avoid losing any big names in the next couple of weeks then I am confident of another top ten finish. Whether we are good enough for the play-offs I am not sure. At our best we play sparkling football and have some superbly talented attacking players. However, we need to overcome last season’s poor ratio of goals scored to shots taken and cut out the mistakes at the back. The Watford friendly proved that we are still fallible there. We also need to find a left-footed replacement the management trust to play at left-back until Rico Henry is fit again. I am not sure they trust Tom Field, given that he went out on loan for half of last season and then couldn’t get back into the team when he returned. Yoann Barbet did OK there but I’m sure he will admit it’s not his best position.
Best moment of last season
Personally it was Neal Maupay’s equaliser at Fulham and the celebrations that followed – not just because it was Fulham for me, but the goal came at the end of a traumatic week personally and it all came out in the moments after the goal – one I won’t forget.
Worst moment of last season
See above – nothing worse than injury-time at Loftus Road.
Funniest moment of last season
Another personal one – my five-year-old nephew trying on a pair of shorts given to him by Yoann Barbet after the Hull home game. They literally went down to his feet but he was so proud and was determined to walk out of Griffin Park wearing them afterwards.
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
Stoke and Swansea – two new grounds for me. I saw Brentford play at both the Victoria Ground and the Vetch but it’s rare these days to get a new stadium to add to my list.
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
I think it might be Leeds – they seem to have appointed a very highly-rated manager in Marcelo Bielsa and if he gets them on a roll, they could take some stopping.
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
I think Derby. I have nothing against Frank Lampard – far from it. I have heard he is a really good guy and I enjoyed watching him play and listening to his views as a pundit. I just feel it is a huge gamble for someone to take on a high-profile Championship job as their first in management and I think that when they, as all clubs do, have their inevitable bad run, will he be able to pull them out of it?
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
To restore the stripes to the back of our home shirt. Saw it for the first time in the flesh against Watford and it just doesn’t look like watching Brentford to me – sorry.
Atomic Kitten had the surprise hit of the World Cup – their song “Whole Again” adapted to “Football’s coming home again” was sung with gusto on the streets and terraces of Russia by England fans and their Russian chums. What cheesy pop record do you think Brentford should adopt this season and why?
S-A-I-D Benarama to the tune of YMCA?
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season?
Woods, Mepham, Watkins, Bentley and Sawyers signing new long-term Brentford contracts!
What position will Brentford finish?
8th
Paul ‘Royal Oak Bee’ Grimes
Where do you stand/sit
Paddock
Last season’s highs
Video of Birmingham Home game torture of Harlee Dean
Last season’s lows
Barnsley away
What are your thoughts for this season?
At this juncture the DoF’s must be pulling out their hair because the agents of Josh McEachran, Alan Judge, Barbet, Lewis McLeod and Jack Bonham have not secured moves for the players we usually move on with one year left on their contract.
Two of those at least therefore I expect to sign a further year extension this week. If they dont they will be frozen out and that will be no good for the harmony of the squad. Other than Bonham I hope the other four stay.
Best moment of last season
Same answer as last seasons high
Worst moment of last season
Same answer as last seasons low
Funniest moment of last season
Harlee Dean again
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
Stoke City. Not sure I have seen the Bees play there and I am missing first two home games.
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
Ipswich – very good young Manager with a pocket full of cash for bargain basement signings.
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
QPR I suspect will have a very tough year.
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
A 19 year old Dean Holdsworth who can keep his dick in his pants and who has the single minded attitude of Roy Keane to go with his undoubted goalscoring prowess.
Atomic Kitten had the surprise hit of the World Cup – their song “Whole Again” adapted to “Football’s coming home again” was sung with gusto on the streets and terraces of Russia by England fans and their Russian chums. What cheesy pop record do you think Brentford should adopt this season and why?
“I want you back” by Take That sung for Steve Phillips, Andy McCullocjh, Gary Blissett, Dean Holdsworth, Andre Gray and Scott Hogan
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season?
The failure to lure John Terry to Griffin Park for one last West London swansong ahead of taking over from Dean Smith who has left to take over at West Brom who stuttered in the few 12 weeks costing Darren Moore his job.
What position will Brentford finish?
10th
I just feel of the 19 teams who wont be in a relegation dog fight that we might only be better than half of them over a long season.
We have a soft underbelly and we dont have a 20 goal a season striker or finisher.
The first requires us to sell Woods and maybe play Konsa or Dalsgaard in a DM position after the arrival of a left footed centre half and the second requires the stats guys to identify the striker who scores with the highest goals per chances created strike rate amongst the teams who are struggling or mid table and not creating that many chances.
I also feel that this transfer window and the loan window will see us ultimately with just 23 players on First Team contracts plying their trade with us and not out on loan where we might have as many as seven depending on how many of the one year lefts have been sold.
On the plus side I think we might be big players in the January window if we are in the top half of the table.
Sara Loewenthal (@Sarangipani)
Where do you stand/sit: What end?
Right side of Ealing Road
Last season’s highs
Birmingham, Leeds at home and Fulham and Villa at home and away.
Last season’s lows
The terrible start to the season although I had faith it wouldn’t last; QPR away; Millwall away which pretty much ended Bjelland’s World Cup dream and probably did for our playoff push even though we were still in with a slim chance; Wolves away and Sergi’s sending off at Derby. Though I wasn’t there, I was listening and it really upset me and he seemed tentative for a while after that.
What are your thoughts for this season?
As long as we can keep Sawyers, Woods, Watkins and Mepham, we have a good chance of making the playoffs. The new guys look like good signings and as I write we seem to have signed a good and experienced replacement for Bjelland. I’d love to think that the reunion of Benrahma and Maupay could lead to some exciting times up from. Is it too much to hope that Benrahma could feed Neal with service based on their knowledge of each other’s game and he’ll be our 20-goal hero this season? Maybe. Here’s hoping.
Best moment of last season
There are three which I find hard to beat
1) Woodsy’s goal v Leeds, so emotional;
2) beating Birmingham 5-0 and Cheer up Harlee Dean;
3) Maupay in the last minute.
If I had to choose then I guess it would have to be Maupay but only just.
Worst moment of last season
QPR away. Nothing more to be said.
Funniest moment of last season
I’m going for two. A Fulham fan video made in the Wendy House of our home game with them. I think Beesotted did a sort of “side by side” thing of it with their vid of the same match. The other one would be Barbet (literally) belittling Saiz at the Leeds match.
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
Probably Swansea as I feel we could do ok against them.
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
Not sure. Rotherham perhaps. They’ve been written off but I wonder if they could surprise people, avoid relegation and maybe finish in a respectable mid-table position.
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
Not sure. Derby or Stoke maybe.
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
That we are high up the table enough (preferably first or second) so no one will want to move on in January.
Atomic Kitten had the surprise hit of the World Cup – their song “Whole Again” adapted to “Football’s coming home again” was sung with gusto on the streets and terraces of Russia by England fans and their Russian chums. What cheesy pop record do you think Brentford should adopt this season and why?
I’d go for the decidedly non-cheesy “Can You Feel The Force” (with appropriately changed lyrics of course) by The Real Thing for our young “Flying Finn” Marcus Forss.
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season?
Matches won, great players, funny songs, drinking.
What position will Brentford finish?
I’m very superstitious so I can’t bring myself to go for an actual place. A playoff position would be great obviously and I think we’re capable of going at least one or two places better than last season, preferably at least three.
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