That’s it. Brentford are officially playing in the Premier League next season. Last night’s 3-0 trashing administered to Leeds United by Chelsea – a game which saw yet another red card for the Elland Road outfit – means the last of the clubs who can technically catch the Bees have spurned the opportunity. With Everton pulling further clear following their 0-0 at Watford, the contrasts between Thomas Frank and Jesse Marsch’s teams couldn’t be greater.
Mind the f*&king gap indeed. Those final two games are going to be immense.
For Brentford, the top half of the table is still very much the target. Four points the difference between us and a Brighton team currently sitting 9th. To survive in the top flight is an achievement that has already surpassed the expectations of just about every critic and pundit prior to the season kicking off. Genuinely, as anyone who reads these pages will know, I’ve always been confident in our ability. In where we’ll end. In how we’ll go. Even in that patchy period during the winter when wining a game seemed as likely as yours truly being invited to sit in the director’s box.
Instead, we were given yet another reminder that a season lasts 38 games. Not 7(seven) or 8. The David Raya / green jacket / Christian Eriksen inspired run (delete as applicable) that we’ve enjoyed in the last few months, perfectly supplementing that wonderful start which even saw Brentford go top of the Premier League table after our opening fixture. Fact.
None of this should be underplayed. A squad of predominantly Championship players not only holding their own but even administering more than a fair share of bloody noses. Liverpool. Chelsea. Arsenal. West Ham (twice) amongst those having the rug pulled from under their feet when it wasn’t expected. The crowd playing their part, too, with Lionel Road and the travelling support seeing the roof more than raised game in, game out. Thomas Frank, staying a tactical step ahead of everyone as the season has moved towards a most exciting conclusion.
Now, there are two games left. We start at an Everton team who will be desperate for another three points to boost their own survival hopes. An Everton team who have rediscovered the path to victory in recent weeks after sliding down the table faster than the BBC viewing figures when Mrs. Brown’s Boys are drafted in to replace Match Of The Day on a snow day.
That won’t be easy. Of course Brentford want to win. Of course we are pushing for that top ten finish. Equally, if Thomas Frank wants to use the game to preserve some tired legs. To give a run out to those returning from injury. To perhaps blood a few of the B team then so be it. This is all about the longer term. About next Sunday. About ensuring the squad are in peak shape for the game with Leeds United…
For the simple reasons that we all want to finish the season as we started it. With a win. Should that win come and it have any additional consequences then all well and good. You reap what you sow and one game shouldn’t be seen as the defining point in a campaign. If it is the game that sees us in the right place at the right time then all the better for it.
Of course the combination of Burnley, who have a game in hand, and Neal Maupay may have already determined Leeds’ fate. Brighton are the next visitors to Elland Road. They’ll be looking for the win to lock up their own position in the upper half of the table. There’ll be as many eyes on that one as there are at Goodison Park.
Whatever happens, happens. Personally speaking I’m loving the fact that the Premier League battle has gone all the way. At both ends. Brentford are now in a situation where we have nothing to lose and everything to gain. By which I mean our own league position of course. Whatever happens to anybody else is of their own making. Oh, to be the ones swinging the axe though….
I can’t wait for any of this. See you there. And then in the Premier League next season, too.
Nick Bruzon
BrentfordFC 
many congratulations to the 🐝
I have some friends who support Leeds but can’t help wanting to see the Bees relegate them for their lack of class when getting promoted. Leeds are poor losers and even worse winners. I’m wearing a Bees shirt all the time where I live which leans heavily to Leeds. Should they go down I won’t be rubbing anyone’s nose in it though I doubt the same courtesy would have been extended to me. I shall be singing from start to finish on 22nd May and we all know what the songs will be!
Reap what you sow. That cunt TF started all the shit off and I hate playing for such a small team like Brentford with such shit fans
Classy as ever. There aren’t the words to describe just how wonderful it will be if Brentford deal the fatal blow. See you next Sunday
And for the record, it was Leeds fans who started it all. When you were in League One
Up the BEES!🐝🐝🐝
Now let’s prove the the doubters wrong next season when we “record the tricky second album”!
Some season defining moments mean a second season is now possible. Courtesy of a signing, a shrinking injury list ….. and some tactical tweaks😉😊
Raise a full half glass to Brentford Football Club for getting things right most of the time on and off the pitch.
We didn’t win the Premiership this year or qualify for Europe ….. but for me we did win best club in the world award!
Still miss the Ealing Road terrace, portaloos and getting lashed on by the rain though 😉🤣
COYB’s ….forever!
Mines a pint Tim and its now brimming over Tim.
👍😉😊
As an aside Ivan Toney should have responded to the Leeds fans bollocks with ….
Mind the Crap!
And as another aside I wonder if my 36-38 points would see you safe comment come up a little bit short?
All the best.
I’d happily take a loss at Everton if it meant sending Leeds down! 🤣🤣🤣
Can’t help but feel you aren’t alone