Fancy seeing Her Majesty The Queen play in a Brentford shirt? How about England striker Fran Kirby, Natalie Sawyer or Lady Gaga? What was your best moment? Jota leaving Bidwell on the floor? Sawyers goal at QPR? Dan Bentley’s penalty save at Fulham? How did Scott Hogan’s buttocks affect your season?
Billy Grant (@BillyTheBee99) caught up with a load of Brentford bloggers and guests to get their views on last season, their highs and lows of Brentford’s last campaign and their pre-season thoughts on how Brentford will fare in the Championship this time around.
Matt ‘The Allard’ Allard (@TheMattAllard)
Where do you stand/sit: What end ?
New Road, a bit towards Brook Rd. I’ve always been within a few yards of the current spot.
Last season’s highs:
The QPR games I suppose. And the games at home to Derby and Aston Villa were great. But also, and this is incredibly self-centered, being right when I suggested selling Hogan might get the team playing with more freedom and wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. It was a high because if it hadn’t of come off things could have got a bit dicey.
Last season’s lows:
The whinging and moaning when things weren’t going as well as the ridiculously high expectations people set this team at times.
What are your thoughts for this season?
As always difficult to really say. It sounds exciting, lots of new players with supposed attacking flair. But we’ve been here before and it didn’t quite work out. So far the core of the team seems like they will still be around with a few possible exceptions and that should be a plus. I’m excited, not because I am smelling promotion but the team that has been put together will surely be encouraged to play attacking football as they did at the end of last season and that should be a good watch. I think if everything aligns we could be somewhere around 5th-8th.
Best moment of last season
The KK ‘winner’ against Brighton.
Worst moment of last season
Their equaliser seconds later.
Funniest moment of last season
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
Well it was Preston but I am at one of those wedding things you can’t get out of. I am also out of the country for Sheffield Utd away. I missed Burton last year and everyone loved it so I will slide that in by default.
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
Some still seem to have a downer on Brentford so I guess I should go with us, especially if we sell Jota, in which case we might be tipped for relegation again on account of he’s pretty much the only player we’ve got on their radar.
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
Pundits or betting companies?
I’ve seen Aston Villa as the top tip from both so far and I can’t see them being top two. Yes, I know Steve Bruce knows this league like the back of his hand and seems to have money to burn. Is 5th or 6th ‘far worse than the pundits predict though’?
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
The genie that gets this play-off hoodoo off our backs. We just might need it.
We now have a female Doctor Who (hurrah). If the rules were changed that every football team had to have one female in the squad who had to play in every match, who would you choose to play for Brentford and why?
I’ll go with Janelle Monae. I think she’s still a bit under the radar (although I am an old bloke and a bit out of touch) like all good Brentford signings. Last year she turned her talents from music to acting, appearing in two films which were both nominated (with one winning) for best movie at the Oscars. That’s like being in the play-offs and the top two at the same time. Basically anything she touches turns to gold. And she’s just great.
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season?
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?
Probably 7th.
The Dutchman (@BrentfordDutch)
Where do you stand/sit: What end ?
Stand (unassisted) on the Ealing Road.
Last season’s highs:
Jota’s return. Martin Allen’s reception. Bidwell’s footballing lesson. Burton away
Last season’s lows:
Negativity from certain fans
What are your thoughts for this season?
Excited, but always am. Good signings to date, pottiness will go through the roof if we don’t lose anyone by 30 August.
Best moment of last season
Bentley penalty save at Foolham
Worst moment of last season
The Hogan transfer saga
Funniest moment of last season
Sergi Canos being serenaded by Bees fans at Burton station.
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
Villa. Couldn’t make last year due to illness. First time there for me
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
Brentford
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
Birmingham
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
Shorter queues for the toilets
We now have a female Doctor Who (hurrah). If the rules were changed that every football team had to have one female in the squad who had to play in every match, who would you choose to play for Brentford and why?
Jota’s wife – Jessica Bueno – to keep him happy and in West London. They could share Alice Bands.
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season?
Press incredulity at our flying start to the season
What position will Brentford finish?
6th
Dave Lane (@Beesotted100)
Where do you stand/sit:
Ealing Road
Last season’s highs
The January transfer window when Canos, FloJo and Jota arrived – with the departure of Scott Hogan allowing a more expansive style of play… Vibe came into his own and we saw some amazing football.
Last season’s lows
Norwich away. Without a doubt one of my own darkest days
What are your thoughts for this season?
Very excited that we have a genuine chance of improving on the last three seasons. On paper the recruitment has been excellent and preseason form so far backs that up. Need our defenders to excel though
Best moment of last season
The football Brentford played during the wins against Derby and Leeds United at home
Worst moment of last season
Walking out of Carrow Road
Funniest moment of last season
The non stop singing of Caravan of Love by the Housemartins on trip back from Norwich with a carriage full of Bees mates and strangers (helped by a bottle of Jack Daniels that was being passed around). Unforgettably funny as random strangers got on the train en route to Liverpool Street and just joined in…. “every woman every man, join the caravan….”
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
Burton. Was forced to miss it last year and know the pre and post-match enjoyment needs to be sampled.
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
Brentford
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
Wolves will realise (again) that big spending doesn’t guarantee anything at all. Some of these clubs will never learn, which is a good thing for us.
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
Some ‘clean sheet’ spray for our defenders to use, I think they’ll be needing it.
We now have a female Doctor Who (hurrah). If the rules were changed that every football team had to have one female in the squad who had to play in every match, who would you choose to play for Brentford and why?
The though of seeing ITV weather girl Lucy Verasamy running out in a Brentford top brings out the David Mellor in me.
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season?
Helping improving the atmosphere at Brentford matches in various ways.
What position will Brentford finish?
Fifth
Billy TheBee Grant (@BillyTheBee99)
Where do you stand/sit
Ealing Road lower
Last season’s highs
Winning at Loftus Road and getting out in one piece.
Having our own pre-match lock-in in Burton.
Yet another quality day out in unfashionable Preston and Huddersfield despite losing both matches.
Beating – no sorry smashing – Nottingham Forest 3-2 on a Tuesday night (it wasn’t actually as close as the scoreline makes out) at The City Ground .
The cheer when Jota came on for his return to Griffin Park against Eastleigh.
The return of Canos’ enthusiasm.
Jozefzoon coming from nowhere and surpassing expectations so far as a dangerous super-sub.
Lasse Vibe stepping up to the plate after initially looking like he had spent too much time on the beach in Rio.
The B-team. I’m genuinely excited about the B team – with a number of players flirting with the first team. I’ve even opted for seeing them play at Dulwich Hamlet in pre-season as opposed to watching the 1st team play Celta Vigo.
People finally getting off the backs of the Directors of Football, a number of our players and our ‘method of signing players’ after a number of successes in the transfer market and players bought a few seasons back coming to fruition. Everyone is entitled an opinion. Of course. But a poor player or exec is a poor player or exec full stop irrelevant where he (or she) comes from. Surely??
Getting our Beesotted pub social events off the ground with three hilarious events in great venues ranging from the Fullers Brewery to the Globe featuring a number of Brentford legends. More to come this season
Oh and last but not least …. getting our Beesotted videos recognised by a wider audience was pretty cool – doing a series of fan videos for the likes of Brentford FC and Kick It Out.
That’s quite a lot of highs innit?
Last season’s lows
Hogan leaving didn’t actually bother me at all. I said for a good few months before that January window that we could play better without him as all the play seems to go through him. It was a bit of an elephant in the room on the Pride Of West London podcast. However, his method of leaving peed me off. It wasn’t on a Tarkowski level. But it definitely disrupted our January. And it was very instrumental in Brentford having a no-show at Chelsea I reckon. You could feel there was a downturn in togetherness in the team in the run-up to that cup match.
The Blackburn & Norwich away games section of the season in late November/early December was pretty stinky. Blackburn is possibly the worst away-day of the season. Losing up there in the cold and snow after a long drive – via Shrewsbury – was too much to take. Then getting battered 5-0 by a Norwich team in freefall a few weeks later was like banging a hammer through the heart.
What are your thoughts for this season?
I’m trying to keep perspective with all the transfer activity but it’s hard not to get excited. We’ve definitely seemed to have learned from our mistakes of the past few years and have been on the front-foot in the transfer market – picking up a number of players who look very good at least on paper. And for a fraction of a price our rivals are spending. Again.
The key to how we start this season will be how long players like defensive midfielder Mokotjo, striker Watkins and forward Maupay take to acclimatise to Championship football. Judging from experience, it may take a bit of time. Even Andre Gray took a few months to get up and running and some fans were on his back from early days.
We have to be patient. It may be that we have to bed this team in and go for it next season as a proper unit who have played together for a while. The danger with that theory is someone will always come in and try and poach our better players so you will always be in ‘rebuild mode’ to a certain extent.
Saying that, look at the season we got to the playoffs and look back to last season to get an idea of where we are. Only Boro, Norwich and Bournemouth in the year we got to playoffs were possibly better than this side – if it reaches it’s potential – in my books. And I truly believe, only Newcastle and Brighton from last season are better.
This season, Boro and Norwich are the two best sides on paper. Norwich will be dangerous with Stuart Webber as Director of Football – they poached him from Huddersfield and was responsible for bringing in a lot of their playoff-winning team. Other than that, I reckon it’s game on. If we can keep our team together and remain injury free, we should make a foray on the top six.
Best moment of last season
Smashing Aston Villa off the park 3-0 at home after selling them our top striker a few hours earlier. There was a lot of confusion with the Villa fans in the pub. First of all trying to work out exactly where they were before the match. Brentford did not register on their sat nav. Then trying to find out exactly WHO we had sold them as they’d never heard of Scott Hogan. Then trying to fathom how they had lost so heavily to a so-called #PubTeam. It was a good evening
Worst moment of last season
Losing at home to Fulham. We were listless. I was gutted. And I don’t normally get gutted. The complete anthesis of our last two seasons’ matches against them. I guess all good things have to come to an end.
Funniest moment of last season
I thought ex Bees forwards Gary Roberts and Francis Joseph at the Beesotted Pride of West London End of Season Social were hilarious. The two of them should be on the stage.
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
I’ve already booked tickets for Boro away. The Baker Street bars are fantastic and the Boro crowd are A OK. We have to beat them some time too. Preston away is booked as well. Another great away day with another good crowd – the North End Soul crew.
Sunderland is the game everyone wants to go to. Unfortunately, I don’t think it will happen as it’s on FA Cup 5th round day so no one will take a risk on buying advance train tickets in November whereas three weeks before, when we know the match will be definitely on, they will then be too expensive. Shame.
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
Everyone is saying Brentford will do better than everyone thinks. So I will go for Norwich. OK they’re not the poor neighbours. No way. But everyone is touting Boro and Villa for automatic promotion and very few people are mentioning Norwich. I think they will be the team to watch out for.
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
Sunderland. They will come down to earth with a bump
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
We could have a stadium with standing room behind the goals and 12,000 well-educated (in Brentford-ness) home fans all absolutely potty for it who sing and make noise from the beginning to the end. Despite the results. A noisy stadium that sells out week in and week out when we are mid-table playing average football.
If we had that, it would add an extra 12 points to the total each season and it would make home matches sooooo much more enjoyable.
We now have a female Doctor Who (hurrah). If the rules were changed that every football team had to have one female in the squad who had to play in every match, who would you choose to play for Brentford and why?
Striker Alex Scott. She’s fab. Bags of experience. A great footballer with a fantastic attitude. OK she may be coming to the end of her playing career but she’ll be a great mentor for the B-team lads coming through
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season?
Who will start this week? Justin Shaibu or Ollie Watkins?
What position will Brentford finish?
Ooooh I really don’t want to get carried away now …..
… I can’t help myself
….. 4th – strictly based on last season’s Top 6. We’re potentially better than most of that lot (fighting talk).
Liberal Nick (@NickCarthew)
Where do you stand/sit:
Ealing Road
Last season’s highs
Finishing where we did in the league.
Last season’s lows
The very dodgy run of form we went on from October through to January. The bore no score v Norwich was a particular low light.
What are your thoughts for this season?
I’m trying to quell my pre season optimism, but if we can avoid any mid season dips I don’t see why we shouldn’t end up in a play-off spot at least. I can’t see there being any teams in the league that we can’t beat, and there are no run away favourites like in previous seasons.
Best moment of last season
Standing on the terrace at Burton Albion, belly full of some really decent local ales, watching Sergi Canos and Jota knocking in two beautiful goals which completely turned the game and result around. Ole!
Worst moment of last season
First 20 minutes of the game at Newcastle. Feared a cricket score. Why do our players – of any era – seem to ‘freeze” at the start of matches in front of 50,000+ crowds?
Funniest moment of last season
Watching some Bees fans attempting the climb to the very top of the stand at St James Park.
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
Burton. Proper club, performing above expectations in the Championship in a town full of pubs serving decent beer. Remind you of anywhere?
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
Millwall. I think Neil Harris is one of the best young managers in the English leagues. Knows how to motivate players and commands loyalty and respect. Mind you with my track record of predictions that means they will be down by Christmas
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
People think Wolves will do something having spent some money. Personally I just think the club and it’s supporters have been ripped off by one particular agent.
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
I’m sure others will say the same, but I wish that we can keep Jota for the entire season. His flair. combined with some of the exciting talent we now have up front could make watching the Bees a real delight this season.
We now have a female Doctor Who (hurrah). If the rules were changed that every football team had to have one female in the squad who had to play in every match, who would you choose to play for Brentford and why?
Her Majesty The Queen. Solid defender of the faith, consistent performer home and away, never complains or seeks out press attention and a team player. Whom could ask for more.
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season?
How Dean Smith manages to keep everyone happy , including good players who might not even make the bench, while keeping the club challenging for promotion. Either that, or is our philosophy of we will just score more goals than you, one that can really work?
What position will Brentford finish?
5th
Nick Bruzon (@NickBruzon)
Where do you stand/sit
Braemar Road Paddock
Last season’s highs
The return of Jota and Sergi. Tonking QPR at Griffin Park. Outclassing Derby and Leeds by a country mile. Daniel Bentley. And didn’t something happen in the second half at Burton?
Last season’s lows
What are your thoughts for this season?
I echo Dean Smith. With the side we have, top 6 has to be a genuine aspiration. It’s going to be really tough, again, but we have that experience and still continue to be underestimated
Best moment of last season
Jota’s goal against QPR.
Worst moment of last season
The 5-0 no show at Norwich City. All the worse for the dreadful run they’d been on prior to that
Funniest moment of last season
Can I pick two? The self-indulgent one (ie. myself) gatecrashing the Fulham programme. Thanks, Brian Guest. Otherwise, all round communications from Simon Chateley at Aston Villa
we draw or lose against this shower of shit pub side and we may as well pack it in and fold . #avfc
— simonhateley (@simonchateley) September 13, 2016
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
Sunderland is the obvious one whilst I’ve very fond memories of Bolton. Glad they’re back up and that’s one already pencilled in (subject to Mrs B not unpencilling it)
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
Brentford, obviously. The bookies currently have us to finish 11th or 12th. Once again, we’ll confound the pundits and sneak under that radar
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
Aston Villa. At the time of writing they are favourites for the Championship. Favourites. How is that? They massively underwhelmed last season and I expect more of the same
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
Don’t sell Jota. Although I fear it may need more than a genie by the time you publish
We now have a female Doctor Who (hurrah). If the rules were changed that every football team had to have one female in the squad who had to play in every match, who would you choose to play for Brentford and why?
Cameron Diaz. It’s the only way we’ll get her to Griffin Park
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season?
Our wonderful start to the season.
What position will Brentford finish?
5th
LordLouCan (@LordLouCan)
Where do you stand/sit: Curva Est (Ealing Road)
Last season’s highs:
Return of the Jota
Last season’s lows
Limp winter form writing off any play off hopes. Scott Hogan and Buttock-gate (when Hogan was ‘unable to play’ amidst the transfer speculation as he had a ‘twinge in his buttocks’).
What are your thoughts for this season?
Worried we’re expecting a tad too much of a team which is fast becoming the best stepping stone in the division. Expecting the Xmas transfer window to be busy with us fending off bids for our bright young squad.
As long as we keep playing good football and replacing players with better as we did last year then all good. Would love to see our glass midfielders find themselves all fit at the same time so that we can get an accurate view of our squad’s depth.
Best moment of last season:
Comprehensive double-slaying of Jake Bidwell’s QPR including that Jota goal at Griffin Park.
Worst moment of last season:
The thrashing at Norwich where we looked out of our depth on and off the pitch.
Funniest moment of last season:
Jake Bidwell’s performance at Griffin Park & the basketball match in Burton.
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
Burton away for the terraces & breweries, Sunderland for the doner kebab pasties and the Fulham for it’s neutrality and cucumber gin bar.
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
I have a feeling one of the promoted teams will have that inertia we had first time round whereas big spending Wolves & villa surely can’t be as crap this time around.
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
QPR (I’m assuming Holloway will be the pundit). Forest with their bridge burning new manager and it’s always nice to see mighty Leeds implode.
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
Some financial support for the owner & the club from someone who isn’t a total scumbag or for no one to go on strike mid season would be nice.
We now have a female Doctor Who (hurrah). If the rules were changed that every football team had to have one female in the squad who had to play in every match, who would you choose to play for Brentford and why?
Olympic Lyonaisse striker Ada Hegerberg. Fits our moneyball recruitment. Young. Bags of experience on the continent and from a 2nd world European footballing nation (Norway).
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season?
The sales of our London Irish away shirt. Who get’s dropped and Jota’s missus suddenly discovering in late August that she has a great aunt twice removed who is very poorly and lives in the Burnley area.
What position will Brentford finish?
8th
Paul RoyalOakBee Grimes (@GrimseyBFC)
Where do you stand/sit
Braemar Block B
Last season’s highs
Beating Rangers of course
Last season’s lows
Fulham’s rise
What are your thoughts for this season?
Pessimistic
Best moment of last season
Return of Jota
Worst moment of last season
Losing to Newcastle away.
Funniest moment of last season:
On the train to Newcastle from Leicester I noticed a few Fulham fans en route to Barnsley. Got chatting to one of them next to me and told him I thought the signing of Kevin McDonald would be the making of Tom Cairney. Then I asked him how he thought they would do at Barnsley who had started well. His reply made me laugh out loud. “We are a strange team. A bit inconsistent. But if we get it together I would not be surprised to score four goals today! We might let in a couple though so it will be end to end stuff”
Deranged Fulscum fool I thought as I got off at Sheffield for my connection and I chuckled all the way to Newcastle. At full time after a poor performance and a 3-1 drubbing I looked to console myself by looking the Fulham result.
Barnsley 2 Fulham 4
“It’s a funny ol’ game” as the great Jimmy Greaves used to say.
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
Sunderland
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
Barnsley
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
Reading
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
Two thirty-goals-a-season centre forwards in the mould of McCulloch and Phillips
We now have a female Doctor Who (hurrah). If the rules were changed that every football team had to have one female in the squad who had to play in every match, who would you choose to play for Brentford and why?
The barmaid at The Nelson with strawberry blonde hair and the Jessica Ranbit hour glass figure would be my choice, currently, if I were looking for a new signing that is, as I know she would wear out kit with a mixture of pride (London) and grace
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season?
Hoffman – I got rebuked by a scaffolder because I said that was all he was fit for and he said even they would not touch him with a 21 foot scaffold pole
Kerschbaumer – Show. Spin. Hide. Well now he can show us all what he can do in Bundesliga 2 – the equivalent of our League 2 – which is at best where he belongs
What position will Brentford finish?
11th.
There will be an unhappy camp at start with Dean and Vibe not in the starting line up and Colin, Woods and Jota set to leave.
Settling in period for new boys. Recovery in October and November. Mid season wobble. End of season recovery.
Jim Levack (@Jimblee1)
Where do you stand/sit
Press area
Last season’s highs
Rangers away, Birmingham away, Burton away (told you we’d win at half time)
Last season’s lows
Chelsea away – we didn’t perform and show what we could do. Birmingham at home
What are your thoughts for this season?
Keeping Jota or if not, replacing him well, will be important but fair play to the Directors of Football who appear to have assembled a decent squad and at last found the piece of the jigsaw in defensive midfield.
Best moment of last season
Seeing the scales fall from the eyes of the Romaine Sawyers non believers.
Worst moment of last season
Late in the day equalisers at home to Brighton. Can’t stand sloppiness.
Funniest moment of last season
Seeing Ian Hoilloway describing defeat to Brentford as the worst moment in his career… priceless.
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
Villa away on a Saturday will be quality. I might even have a drink or two with some old Villa-supporting Birmingham Mail pals
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
Burton. They’re always going to be the ‘experts’ relegation favourites, so anything they achieve is fantastic given their budget. There was a strong argument for making Nigel Clough Championship manager of the Year last time.
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
Sunderland
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
I think we’ve already unearthed it in Matthew Benham. I wouldn’t want to push my luck and like the way we’re sustainably run, so a sudden massive influx of cash could ruin everything
We now have a female Doctor Who (hurrah). If the rules were changed that every football team had to have one female in the squad who had to play in every match, who would you choose to play for Brentford and why?
Amy Crook, the Community Sports Trust’s Office Manager and Matchday Community Coordinator. She’s been a fixture at Griffin Park for years and from what I can see quietly goes about her job, loves the club and would give 100%.
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season?
None, I rarely get invited on any more… a fact that has caused me untold sleepless night and sodden pillows
What position will Brentford finish?
Heart says 2nd. Head says 4th
Alison Mullaley (@AliMullaley)
Where do you stand/sit
New Road
Last season’s highs
QPR away. Villa home. Second half of Burton away.
Last season’s lows
Wolves home. The no show at Chelsea. First half at Burton.
What are your thoughts for this season?
Hats off to the Directors Of Football and Andy Scott who have done some great business this window. We actually appear to have real strength in depth. New signings look quality and we still have Judge and McLeod to come back. Fingers crossed we can hold onto Jota, Colin and Dean.
Best moment of last season
When Jota made his second debut off the bench. The roof all but came off! It really was enough to send shivers down your spine. Bentley’s penalty save at Fulham was also right up there.
Worst moment of last season
Not a moment, but the whole Scott Hogan saga. Without that distraction we might have made the play-offs. Closely followed by poor old Lewis McLeod’s injury at QPR.
Funniest moment of last season
Jota leaving Bidwell (literally) on the floor clutching at thin air.
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
Got to be Burton again. What a ground! Fabulous to be able to stand in an away end. Hopefully another performance like the second half last season.
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
Brentford.
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
Sunderland or Reading
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
Jota to stay and sign a 10 year contract!!
We now have a female Doctor Who (hurrah). If the rules were changed that every football team had to have one female in the squad who had to play in every match, who would you choose to play for Brentford and why?
Chelsea and England striker Fran Kirby. She has real guts.
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season?
The atmosphere or lack thereof!! Bring back Hate Corner, I say.
What position will Brentford finish?
Going to really stick my neck on the line.
2nd.
Alex Cole (@AlexRCole)
Where do you stand/sit
What end ? Braemar Road
Last season’s highs
Burton Away, was incredible, my mate and I considered leaving at halftime but having remembered our brand new Jota flag was still flying in the ground. We got pies and went back in. The second half was a footballing lesson by The Bees and we could have scored many more than the 5 goals.
Jota’s return against Eastleigh was an amazing moment too. The excitement was really building in Ealing road as he warmed up to come on and the noise was incredible when he eventually came on. Some how I’ve ended up with the match ball from that game too!
Last season’s lows
Drawing with Brighton at home having been so far ahead was a real sickener. We out played them but you could see Brighton coming back as they limped around looking for free kicks and capitalising from set pieces. Says a lot about our second half of the season form that a top side like them had to resort to ‘Big Sam’ style tactics to draw with us.
What are your thoughts for this season?
The most positive pre-season I’ve ever been about Brentford’s chances of promotion. As I write this, we haven’t lost a single player and brought in what seem to be brilliant additions to the first team squad. I’m not sure I can ever remember such depth in a Brentford team.
The Directors Of Football continue to build the sort of confidence that makes you feel that they could replace anyone, even maybe King Jota? I really hope he doesn’t go as he’s up there with my fav ever Bees players and aside from his incredible talent he provides a big boost in energy for the players and excitement for the fans.
Expecting a top 6 finish (maybe higher)
Best moment of last season
Sawyers goal at QPR was fairly good for a couple of reasons. Firstly he really hit back at his critics (which there were many at the time) scoring and absolute screamer. Secondly it meant that we’d beaten our less fortunate neighbours, meaning that I could have a beer in my local in Shepherds Bush, wearing my Brentford scarf with pride.
Bentley’s penalty save at Fulham away was amazing. We watched it over the fence from the beer queue as we’d left for half time a few minutes early – absolute limbs.
Worst moment of last season
I can’t remember many, I must have blocked them out… We were very sh!te around Christmas so any number of games that we lost against crap opposition?
Funniest moment of last season
I wasn’t there unfortunately but watching Bidwell get his trousers pulled down by Jota made me crack up.
Ripping into a Fulham fan walking through the park on route to Craven Cottage. After giving it to Brentford fans about being tinpot and the rest. He was remorselessly laid into for dressing like Jack sparrow and having wispy facial hair. Real humorous, brutal piss-taking.
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
I loved going to Villa last year and it’s the first trip that I’ve booked this year. Villa Park is a brilliant old ground and I think we could go there this year as favourites, not underdogs like last time.
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
Brentford. Already being touted as mid-table fodder, regardless of quality, form etc.
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
Sunderland, I hope. I love watching the bigger teams coming down and struggling, having bought players unwisely and mismanaged their finances. I could see QPR going down too but I’m not sure Ian Holloway would agree!
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
Same as everyone, Jota signs a 5 year contract and becomes a close personal friend.
We now have a female Doctor Who (hurrah). If the rules were changed that every football team had to have one female in the squad who had to play in every match, who would you choose to play for Brentford and why?
Embarrassingly, I have literally no knowledge of women’s football, so I couldn’t name a single player for our team!
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season?
If I’m invited back (after dropping the F-bomb 10 seconds into my debut) I look forward to discussing Brentford’s brilliant new signings, the new ground development and debating the pros and cons of promotion to the Prem.
What position will Brentford finish?
Heart says 2nd. Head says 8th.
Jon Restall (@TheCondorman)
Where do you stand/sit
What end ? I am a member of the Ealing Road Mavericks. A terrifying gang of middle aged men who enjoy weak jokes and being pedantic
Last season’s highs
The football we played with attacking wingers post Hogan. Vibe’s form post Hogan. Taking six points off the RaRas. Thumping Reading and Preston a few days apart. Paying £2.19 for an IPA at the Weatherspoons in Putney. Seeing some B teamers break through. But above all else, Jota’s majestic return (and “that” goal against QPHa. Poor Bidwell)
Last season’s lows
Turning up at Chelsea with an appalling formation and mindset like lambs to the slaughter. The Bentley air kick at Reading which meant nil points when we battered them. Vibe sometimes not kicking the ball into the net when it really looked the easiest option. Having to explain to my 4 year old son that we hadn’t actually beaten Brighton despite our 94th minute goal
What are your thoughts for this season?
I’m excited to see some new heroes breaking through and us being continually underestimated by “bigger teams” (e.g. Forest, Leeds). Again.
Best moment of last season
I particularly enjoyed the win at Loftus Road. It laid to rest another demon and was a noisy and brilliant evening.
Worst moment of last season
I’m still cross than we lost to Newcastle despite utterly dominating them after Dwight Gayle went off injured. Wigan away was pretty unpleasant viewing too.
Funniest moment of last season
I’m incredibly childish so really enjoyed the baiting of Holloway throughout QPR’s loss at Griffin Park. And his sheer rage in his press conference after the game.
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
Burton. I couldn’t make it last year and it sounded like a brilliant day out.
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
Burton will be expected to have a difficult second season but appear to be well managed so hopefully will stay in the division again whilst others around them fail.
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
Sunderland and Hull
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
I’d like to see a John Terry own goal in the 96th minute handing us the points. I’d also like to see us demolish Birmingham so that Harry’s sad old face heads back to the dole queue
We now have a female Doctor Who (hurrah). If the rules were changed that every football team had to have one female in the squad who had to play in every match, who would you choose to play for Brentford and why?
Lady Gaga. An unpredictable potential genius very much in the Stan Bowles mould. Her meat dress would noticeably decay by the second half of a match meaning that opponents would be reluctant to pick her up at corners.
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season?
Leeds sacking their fifth manager of the season. Kamo Mokotjo’s fifty yard winning goal at Craven Cottage. A fit and well Peter Gilham leading the carol singing at Christmas
What position will Brentford finish?
I got this spot on last year….
This year I’m saying 8th
(The Amazing) Gemma Teale (@TheAmazingGem)
Where do you stand/sit: What end?
Ealing Road Terrace, usually behind the goal somewhere
Last season’s highs
Burton away, every single bit of it.
Last season’s lows
Norwich away with a stinking hangover. Also trying to park at Bristol City.
What are your thoughts for this season?
It’s still really early in terms of this team, but I think if we can keep the core of the team, the new signings look like between them they can add a lot, provided Smith can work out how to use them properly. But for me the most important thing is not too much change too fast, as a lot of this team are very young and they need to be able to settle. That said I’m feeling quite optimistic (for me) that we will be able to do well, particularly as I don’t see runaway winners of the division this year somehow.
Best moment of last season
The away end at Loftus Road as the second goal went in.
Worst moment of last season
Turning up at Chelsea to find the team hadn’t.
Funniest moment of last season
Our good friend Brian Guest making it into the Fulham programme (see Nick Bruzon’s piece).
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
This is tough as my normal favourites I either can’t make or are on Tuesday nights to ruin the vibe. So Sunderland for the newness, or else Milwall for the breweries.
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
Hopefully still us, by running away with the league against all odds! But I think maybe Milwall or Burton.
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
Aston Villa – I don’t think they’ve quite learned their lesson yet.
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
To go up via the playoffs.
We now have a female Doctor Who (hurrah). If the rules were changed that every football team had to have one female in the squad who had to play in every match, who would you choose to play for Brentford and why?
Steph Houghton to replace Harlee Dean if he’s off…. if not then me in central midfield as a replacement for Alan Mc!
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season?
My performance in central midfield and a lot of will-we-won’t-we nerves about potential playoffs and so on.
What position will Brentford finish?
I’m going to be wildly optimistic and say 3rd place.
Perfectly set up….
Ian Westbrook (@IanWestbrook)
Where do you stand/sit:
Braemar Road Block B304 (formerly known as Block D)
Last season’s highs
Quite simply – lots.
Some of the home performances were the best for years – Reading, Villa, Brighton (even though we didn’t win) Leeds, Derby and QPR spring to mind.
Seeing us play at Villa Park and St James’ Park and winning at Brighton and Loftus Road were also special occasions as was the second half at Burton, while the return of Jota and the performances of Lasse Vibe, once he was playing as the solo striker, were a joy.
Above all those though, was our club finishing in the top 10 of the Championship for a third straight season and once again us not spending even a single day in the bottom three.
Great times.
Last season’s lows
The performances in almost every away game north of Derby, especially at St James’ Park, both matches against Norwich, the first half at Burton and the Chelsea cup tie from 3pm onwards.
What are your thoughts for this season?
I have already become too excited at our prospects and, although I hate tempting fate, think we have a good chance of the play-offs! On paper at least, we seem to have made six impressive signings, giving an indication that we are really going for promotion this season.
My first friendly was the Southampton game and it appears that we are going to have no problem playing slick, attacking football and scoring goals – I do worry, though, about the silly goals we seem to keep giving away, both in that game and from what I’ve seen of other friendlies online.
I also fear, however, that with all the incomings, there will have to be an outgoing to balance up things. If Jota or another key player is going to leave, let’s hope it is soon and not on August 31.
Best moment of last season:
Easy to say doing the double over QPR but actually for me, it was the Villa home game.
So many things were perfect about that night – seeing Sergi Canos on the pitch beforehand knowing he was finally our player and then a simply superb performance against a team I’d never seen at Griffin Park, coupled with the irony that at that moment Scott Hogan was in the Midlands signing for them, maybe looking at the score and wondering if he had done the right thing.
On a personal note, being chosen as the 888 fan of the week for the Cardiff game on Boxing Day and presenting the ball to the referee as the teams came out, as well as being allowed to have my son alongside me for the pre-match photo with the captains in the centre circle.
Worst moment of last season Two moments – the Norwich games.
The away game was simply awful. We had nothing about us and Norwich could have beaten us by seven, eight or even more than the five they did. Added to that was the atmosphere in the away end with fans arguing with each other and then also disagreements with players who came over at full-time. Given that it was our fourth successive defeat, it was a worrying day.
It was bad enough that the home game was at 5.30pm on New Year’s Eve to suit Sky – both teams played like they also didn’t want to be there in one of the dullest goalless draws I have ever seen.
Funniest moment of last season
Martin Allen saying the Eastleigh FA Cup tie was not about him – and then waiting until both teams, the Bees staff and his own staff had come out on to the pitch, so he could come out on his own and be applauded by all four sides of Griffin Park.
A great moment for him though, and wonderful to see an ex-manager so warmly welcomed back.
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
Sunderland is the obvious one – I saw us play at Roker Park but have never been to the Stadium of Light. On a personal note, Hull which is on my birthday – that is if I can persuade my wife to spend a December weekend in the City of Culture!
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
Nottingham Forest. I fancy Warbs to show once again that he knows what is required to do well in the Championship
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict? Sunderland. They remind me of Villa 12 months ago, getting relegated in disarray and after several near-misses and seeming to have lots of off-field problems. While Simon Grayson knows the Championship, I think it will take him at least half a season to sort out things.
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
For none of our matches to be moved to a Friday night or to 12.30 or 5.30 on a Saturday.
We now have a female Doctor Who (hurrah). If the rules were changed that every football team had to have one female in the squad who had to play in every match, who would you choose to play for Brentford and why?
My daughter – a box-to-box midfielder for her university team. That would give us two Westbrook(e)s in the Bees side, although spelled differently!
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season?
Dean Smith’s team selection. This season is the one that will make or break him. He has the tools for us to have a very good campaign with two players for every position – but his team selections and tactics are going to decide how we do.
How, for example, do we fit 10 midfielders into five slots or three strikers into one place? The club has played with one up front for a good few years now so to accommodate two on a matchday, one has to play out of position as Ollie Watkins did in his brief appearance against Southampton.
How Dean manages those decisions as well as keeping happy those players who are not starting or even involved on matchday will be crucial.
What position will Brentford finish?
As I said at the start I am feeling optimistic
… so 6th.
‘Crumble’ Chris (@crumblechris)
Where do you stand/sit: What end ?
Ealing road, left side
Last season’s highs
Aston Villa away. Jota coming back. Harlee Dean playing so well and so consistently.
Last season’s lows
Losing at home to Fulham. Initial disappointment in selling Hogan but that soon dissipated.
What are your thoughts for this season?
Quietly optimistic. We have a great squad, have signed two exciting forwards, a right back and a midfield bastard – the three positions everyone agreed we needed to focus on at the end of last season. McEachran and McLeod are coming back into fitness and Judgey should be ready before long – he will be so hungry for success. Why not us?
Best moment of last season
Egan’s equaliser at Villa.
Worst moment of last season
Wolves at home. We all knew we were going to lose that game. And we did.
Funniest moment of last season
‘Just a pub team’ Brentford dismantling Villa at home.
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
Fulham is always eventful, Burton for the beer and Villa.
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
Everyone expects Sunderland to sink like a stone – Grayson will make them hard to beat.
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
Wolves – their giant pockets won’t buy them a cohesive team.
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
I’d politely (MANNERS) ask the Genie to brew a beer that didn’t make you want to go the toilet after 10 minutes of the match and again at half time and ensure the awful queues in the Ealing Road.
We now have a female Doctor Who (hurrah). If the rules were changed that every football team had to have one female in the squad who had to play in every match, who would you choose to play for Brentford and why?
Holly Willougby…because.
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season?
Would like to discuss how fans and the club are going to work together on plans for the new ground, how to protect our heritage as we move, keep/improve the atmosphere, ensure some Brentford touches remain.
What position will Brentford finish?
5th
Billy Taylor (@BillyTBeesBlog)
Where do you stand/sit
Ealing Road or New road
Last season’s highs
QPR (both). Burton Albion away. Aston Villa Away. The return of our Spaniards (Jota and Canos)
Last season’s lows
November
What are your thoughts for this season?
I am overwhelmed with the business Brentford have done this year and full credit to everyone involved in doing so. If we manage to keep the squad in a similar shape by the end of August I fully expect a season full of goals and a real good go at the play offs
Best moment of last season
Lasse Vibe sliding home to put Brentford 4-3 up at Burton Albion and completing a remarkable comeback. Never before have I experienced scenes like that on away day. I still get goosebumps now.
Worst moment of last season
Norwich 5-0 Brentford. Not only was the result and performance embarrassing for all involved, it created a real toxic feel between some players and fans as well as amongst the fan-base itself. Luckily things did get better not too long after.
Funniest moment of last season
QPR at home. Brentford have just been pegged back to 2-1 by West London rivals when the king that is Jota leaves traitor Jake Bidwell on his back side red-faced while smashing in a great goal in front of Ealing Road.
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
It may seem that I am not looking very far ahead but the genuine excitement for the beginning of this season is something I haven’t felt with any other and with the big kick off coming at Bramall Lane, Sheffield United is the away day I’m looking forward to most.
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
Despite the temptation to say Brentford, I will steer away from my bias. I’m keen to say that Milwall have built a real team that has a lot of togetherness and no sides will enjoy a visit to the Den this season. A side that by many will be predicted to struggle I think will be closer to the middle of the table than the bottom.
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
Leeds United. Being a “big” club and having had a good season last time out for the the most part, I expect many pundits to predict a playoff/promotion push for Leeds. However I don’t feel that they have the greatest squad and that the way the club is run still has its problems.
Monk is gone and he was the key to success last season so not much better than mid-table for the Yorkshiremen.
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
Promotion on the last day of the season through a Sergi Canos last minute winner. (Going to need a good genie)
We now have a female Doctor Who (hurrah). If the rules were changed that every football team had to have one female in the squad who had to play in every match, who would you choose to play for Brentford and why?
Natalie Sawyer. There is nothing like one of your own.
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season?
Final podcast of the season – the Promotion of the mighty Bees and simultaneous relegation of QPHAHA.
What position will Brentford finish?
6th
Greville Waterman (@grevwaterman)
Where do you stand/sit:
Braemar Road & the odd bit of second half glory hunting when I can blag my way past the stewards guarding the entrance to Ealing Road
Last season’s highs
February – May
The two demolitions of QPR
Fighting back at Fulham
The second half at Burton
Jota’s return
Watching our midgets run rings round the land of the giants week after week
Mullering Leeds and Derby
Deciding not to go to Norwich
Showing ignorant fans of so called bigger clubs what a pub team could do
Last season’s lows
Not bothering at Chelsea
Surrendering to Fulham at Griffin Park
Setting up for a 0-0 draw against Norwich
The mindless booing of Sawyers
Wolves at home
What are your thoughts for this season?
You just don’t know until September 1 just how badly we will be ravaged by richer clubs but we could be this season’s Huddersfield Town. We are good enough to mount a serious challenge and as I write these words we have the strength in depth you need.
Best moment of last season
Canos returning
Worst moment of last season
Realising just how serious and career changing if not threatening Alan Judge’s injury is
Funniest moment of last season
Ian Holloway desperately trying to backtrack and deny he’d said we’d go down
What away day are you looking forward to most and why?
QPR. It just means so much to me that we have finally overtaken them and I want to grind them into the dust. Yes, I do bear grudges!
Who will win the Ian Holloway Trophy – awarded to the team that does far better than the pundits predict?
Brentford
What team will do far worse than the pundits predict?
Everyone will be predicting Hull, Sunderland, Fulham and Sheffield Wednesday for promotion but I reckon they will all struggle to make the top six.
If we unearthed a genie that gave you one wish for Brentford this season, what would that be?
Promotion to the EFL as we now have to call it
We now have a female Dr Who (hurrah). If the rules were changed that every football team had to have one female in the squad who had to play in every match, who would you choose to play for Brentford and why?
Sarah Taylor the England women’s’ team wicket keeper- such prehensile grace
What topic do you most look forward to discussing on the Pride of West London podcast this season?
How we can adapt Griffin Park for the EPL
What position will Brentford finish?
Top (yes that’s 1st)
Interviewed and complied by Billy Grant – @BillyTheBee99
