So next season will be our fifth season in the Premier League to look forward to, yes a fifth, saying it out loud just sounds crazy, and now in the distance there is the small glow of Europe, not the 80s rock band, or that film with Chevy Chase in, but real European football.
This fills me with excitement and worry in equal measure, I mean, yes it would be fantastic to see our club in a European competition, because for one it would be a fair reward and reflection of all the planing, dedication and hard work that the club and players have committed themselves to, over the last few years.
And secondly as Brentford fans, I honestly believe we deserve something to celebrate, after being constantly undermined and disrespected for our size as a club, and our faith in a system that by many is seen as a joke.
So this leads me to so many questions, at what point are we seen as a premier league main-stay instead of some type of gimmick? In fact what is the criteria to be an established Premier League team nowadays? What do we need to do or need to do better to be seen this way?
Do we have to accomplish something like Europe or a top 10 finish every season to be put in the conversation, or have we done enough already to give ourselves that title? Or is it as simple case of season survival?
There’s no doubt we have made a very good account of ourselves since we we’re promoted, and I would say apart from one injury-ravaged season we have really consistently competed at a high level.
It was mentioned by the pundits yesterday after the game that we really showed a maturity beating Forest. Now I believe they were referring to the players development and togetherness, but you could equally say they were referring to the club’s progress, on and off the pitch.
Yes all the buzz words had been used, and Brentford Bingo was in full affect, yes we lost “Ivan” and we are “Data driven”, and Wissa and Brian have got a “great friendship and understanding” and could be sold next season, and not forgetting the constant connection between Thomas and every available job known to man.
Are we really ready for this next step? Can you ever be ready? Obviously if given the opportunity I’m sure it’s something we will attack head on, but a club known for its planning and of course its patience, is this just a bit too soon? And if we do find ourselves in Europe, will this change the team and the clubs thinking moving forward?
All the talk of Brian leaving and possibly Wissa, would change right? Or do we hold on to our main assets for one more season… look this could all be toilet paper if we don’t qualify, but it definitely makes for an exciting end to the season nonetheless.
With or without Europe I feel we’ve had a great season, and you can really see the team flourishing, and there is something really tangible building here. If I was playing Devil’s advocate I would obviously be saying be careful what we wish for.
At the moment we are dining at the top table drinking the finest champagne and eating the best food, and savouring every small mouthful. Because as a fan base we have been use to fast food, for too long, bit we just need to make sure we don’t bite off more than we can chew.
I don’t really have any expectations and like many I’m just enjoying the experience, though I do have one small wish, which is to annihilate Fulham. So for the moment my passport and travel bag are tucked away. But who knows they might just get an airing sooner rather then later.
Jason Wills
