Whilst Newcastle United v Sunderland could well be one of the big derbies in next season’s Championship (unlikely though it seems look at the table – it doesn’t lie), 2015/16 draws to a close with what is one of the most hotly contested local rivalries that our division currently has to offer. It’s only Brentford v Fulham !
Our final game of the campaign at Griffin Park sees a visit from a Fulham side who have only picked up 1 point out of a possible 9 against Brentford since our paths have crossed once more. And even that was only thanks to a wayward linesman denying Jota a late winner that was subsequently proven to have been onside when we played away in December.
Jota WAS onside at Fulham (thanks, Channel 5)
The Bees have found the back of the net 8 times in those three games and so couldn’t have picked a better time to welcome back Lasse Vibe and Scott Hogan. This, after the pair were both rested for the trip to Hull City (move along, nothing to see here) in midweek.
Indeed, at one point it seems as though this might even have been the ultimate survival battle for both teams. However, a resurgent Brentford have stormed up to 10th whilst ongoing ineptitude from MK Dons, Charlton and Bolton mean that Fulham have had the hard work done for them.
Regardless, it still promises to be a more than spicy encounter. Derby games always are and the Cottagers will not doubt be finally hoping to get one over us. Make no mistake though, Dean Smith will know exactly what this means in TW8 and will be looking to sign off in front of the home fans with nothing but three points.
On a personal note, it’s the final ‘kit obsessive’ article of the season in the match day programme. The feature won’t be back next campaign for the simple reason that we’ve already ‘done’ most of our opponents. That’s not to say there won’t be a few one off specials on those newcomers to the Championship.
Without wanting to give too much away about tomorrow’s feature, I did stumble across something interesting whilst looking into the Fulham back catalogue. Were those black collars and white shirt the unlikely inspiration for John Travolta, whose ’Saturday Night Fever’ came out just after the Cottagers had reached the 1975 FA Cup final….
Love those collars..
The other reason to mention Newcastle United and Sunderland at the top of the article was, specifically, because FourFourTwo magazine are currently running an online article featuring the 50 biggest derbies in world football. This North-East rivalry is included although, with only the top ten to go and London already featured with Arsenal v Tottenham, there is no sign of the Bees. Yet.
Could we still feature? Having already gone through some huge names I’d suggest it unlikely, although I still live in hope. Still, if that’s a disappointment , one other positive is that the part on Southampton v Portsmouth (which ranked higher than both the Tottenham and Newcastle encounters) does not include a picture of John Westwood.
It’s wonderful that they’ve not bowed to the almost contractual obligation of having to accompany any feature on the South Coast club with a picture of the fright wig, stove pipe hat, engraved teeth and bell of self-appointed ‘Mr Portsmouth’. I’m sure he’s a ‘character’ but he’s one I’ve no desire to see, hear or smell any more of than we’ve already been exposed to over the years.
And finally, it’s our last look at Kitman Bob and his BBGiveaway. Who knows what he’s going to test us with tomorrow but with a huge roll over prize on offer, including the incredible one-of-a-kind signed shirt, I can only hope it is something special.
Tuesday night saw supporters given the wonderful challenge of having a selfie taken with Peter Gilham. How can that be topped? Knowing Bob, very easily 🙂
Keep an eye on his Twitter feed today and tomorrow to find out. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – Bob has been an absolute legend this season and such a credit to Brentford football club.
Thanks, Bob ! I can’t wait to see what you have up your sleeve….
This stunning prize is still up for grabs, c/o Kitman Bob
Nick Bruzon
BrentfordFC 