KFC or KC? Could ‘that hashtag’ come out of cold storage?

Brentford visit Hull City AFC tonight, hoping to continue a great run of form that sees the Bees unbeaten this month and, with 5 wins out of 6, closing in on Birmingham City in 9th position. Whilst I don’t want to overly dwell on the ghost of hashtags past, could 2014’s much maligned #Novemberkings raise it’s head once more?

Looking back over this campaign and the previous two seasons, the Bees have only lost  3 times out of 19 in April. 2013/14 saw us go down 1-0 at Swindon Town and then 4-1 to Colchester United after promotion had been assured. Last season saw a solitary defeat  with the Bees losing 0-1 at Sheffield Wednesday as we closed in on the play-offs.

That’s 16 games unbeaten. Earning point(s) tonight would take our record to 17 wins or draws out of 20 over the last three Aprils. With it, a possible manager of the month for Dean Smith and could there be a new hashtag for Brentford ‘official’ on twitter? Might there be a new contender for #Novemberkings crown as one out three most awful pieces of social media. (actually, as a general rule of thumb see any piece of ‘comedy’ social media for awful).

Well, as ever, there’s only two places to follow the action ‘live’. For those hardy enough to make the trip to the North East on a school night, the KC stadium and undiscovered delights of Hull Marina await. Hats off to those travelling. Seriously. Any thoughts about a trip to this new stadium were crushed pretty much as soon as the fixture computer dealt us a midweek hand. Shame.

Hull Marina

For those staying at home, its Bees Player. Mark Burridge is our man at the helm, I believe assisted by Ciaran Brett and match day programme editor Mark Chapman.

Our commentator par-excellence (Burridge) was the butt of many jokes about his own ‘jinx’ factor recently. The April run began the moment he, temporarily, hung up his mic for a three game absence owing to his own time at the Augusta Masters golf (watching rather than competing).

Thankfully, his return to the commentary hot seat has seen the Bees continue their upward surge. Mark has had the pleasure of guiding us through 2 wins and a draw. What better man to have at the helm with the Bees aiming to make it 7(seven) unbeaten.

That said, if not Mark then there has to be some other factor involved in our current run. Beyond Dean and the players, I mean.

Well, let’s just say that a supporter who we’ll simply call ‘Dan’ to protect his anonymity (too obvious. How about Mr. S?) has been taking a well timed April break in Korea. And as ‘Dan’ has been out of the UK, the Bees have climbed the table.

Nothing to do with Lasse and his goals. Nothing to do with the team being rejigged. Nothing to do with Dean pulling it all together or Scott Hogan’s return . We all know football is jinx driven… 🙂

‘Dan’ you may not be able to enjoy the Bees in action but your sacrifice is appreciated. You stick to the KFC Tabasco chicken and we’ll stick to keeping things going at the KC.

Korean deliciousness coinciding with the Bees unbeaten run

Nick Bruzon

Is this a sign of the impending apocalypse?

Whilst this column is, primarily, about Brentford (and there’ll be more about the Norwich City game over the weekend) we aren’t afraid to look at other ‘issues’ in the world of football. And with Aston Villa due to entertain our Championship rivals Bournemouth in the FA Cup on Sunday, they don’t come much bigger than what could play out at Villa Park.

The regular reader will know of my interest in football jinxes.

To read the rest of this article, season 2014/15 is now available to download onto Kindle (and other electronic reading device) in full. Containing additional material and even some (poor) editing, you can get it here for less than the cost of a Griffin Park matchday programme or Balti Pie.

Thanks for reading and all your comments over the course of the season. For now, I need to make more space on the site for any follow up. However, ‘close season’ will continue in full, further on.

The apocalypse approaches… possibly

The top ten moments of season 2013-14

How do you shrink a season where Brentford achieved a club record points, celebrated like we’d won the FA Cup at Leyton Orient, and been promoted alongside Wolves into one article? Quite simply, turn it into the top ten moments of 2013-14.

This is my opinion and I’m sure yours will differ but, as we approach the final game of the season against Stevenage on Saturday, I can’t help reflect on what an incredible campaign it has been for The Bees

10: Sam’s freekick v Swindon Town . I still don’t know if this was a genuine accident or just the worst bit of acting since the good people at ‘Just for Men’ decided that Luis Figo was their marketing lifeline.

However, after my usual terrace muttering of “And this is Saunders territory” , the perma-tanned demi-God then fell flat on his face as he approached the ball. Take two and the result was spectacular. Wes Foderingham was left rooted to the spot as Sammy found the top corner. Some would say beaten by the strike, others, still shocked by the audacity of even trying that routine

 

To read the rest of this article, season 2013/14 is now available to download onto Kindle, in full. Containing previously unseen content, you can do so here for less than the cost of one matchday programme.

 Thanks for reading over the course of the campaign. For now I need to make space on this page for any follow up.  The ‘close season’ / World Cup columns continue in full, further on in this site.

4-1 defeat? Move along, nothing to see here.

Have you bothered to watch the highlights (and I use the phrase in the loosest sense) this morning of Brentford succumbing 4-1 to Colchester United? Whether it was simply a case of an already promoted team having mentally ‘switched off’ (indeed, Wolves also conceded a late o.g. to be held at Coventry, in Northampton) or the Bees being outplayed by a team staring down the barrel of relegation, Warbs was making no excuses afterwards.

It was, what he later told the BBC, our “Worst performance of the season….by a long shot”.

To read the rest of this article, season 2013/14 is now available to download onto Kindle, in full. Containing previously unseen content, you can do so here for less than the cost of one matchday programme.

 Thanks for reading over the course of the campaign. For now I need to make space on this page for any follow up.  The ‘close season’ / World Cup columns continue in full, further on in this site.

Bees in search of that magical 97 (with one aiming for 500)

Brentford travel to Colchester United on Saturday with only a week remaining of our season. And what a season it has been with promotion from League One already assured and, but for the phenomenal points total achieved by Wolves, we’d have likely been Champions, too.

I was saying last night to my friend Colin Campbell, whom I name check as a cheap excuse to drag out his file photograph (below) what a relentless force the Bees have been this campaign. To already be 7 points ahead of last season’s winners is a stunning performance. And moreso given that we did have a slower than anticipated start.

Campbell – needs a new file photo

To read the rest of this article, season 2013/14 is now available to download onto Kindle, in full. Containing previously unseen content, you can do so here for less than the cost of one matchday programme.

 Thanks for reading over the course of the campaign. For now I need to make space on this page for any follow up.  The ‘close season’ / World Cup columns continue in full, further on in this site.

Wolves may have a title but King Kev wears the crown

In the end Wolves swept aside Leyton Orient and with Brentford not quite able to hold onto the lead at MK Dons (Izale McLeod must have really wanted that half price pizza) the title has gone to Molineux. And so before this column goes any further, I must start by offering my congratulations to Kenny Jackett, his team and their supporters.

The table doesn’t lie and having 99 points with two games left shows they are worthy champions. This aside, I’d love to think that Brentford have more than given them an unforeseen run for their money and kept the pressure on all the way.

Our own total of 91 is already a club record, with the chance available to push this to 97. Just to put this into real perspective, last season’s eventual winners Doncaster Rovers did it with a ‘mere’ 84.

To read the rest of this article, season 2013/14 is now available to download onto Kindle, in full. Containing previously unseen content, you can do so here for less than the cost of one matchday programme.

 Thanks for reading over the course of the campaign. For now I need to make space on this page for any follow up.  The ‘close season’ / World Cup columns continue in full, further on in this site.

Guess who’s back? Wanted: 32 Bees (preferably with balls)

Brentford players get around a bit. From Ipswich Town to Norwich City ; Colchester United to Oxford and beyond. The circle of former Brentford players is a vast one and that’s just those who are still playing.

It was a circle I dipped back into last night as plans began for the (now) annual end of season ‘Bees Legends’ game at Griffin Park. Due to take place on May 18th – watch out for the official announcement soon – it is currently shaping up as battle of Bee versus Bee.

I say battle. Anybody who was present for last season’s encounter at the Skyex Community Day, a Nathan Elder and BBB inspired 6-4 win for the Legends, would have seen their heroes roll back the years in a stunning display of pass and move, played in a great atmosphere. But that was against the ‘Showbiz’ XI.

BBB and Paul Abrahams look on as Gareth Graham strikes last season

 

This year, the plan is for the Bees face off against each other for the ultimate in bragging rights. As before, Paul Gibbs is the architect of the game and has dusted off his little black book to start putting the squads together (along with Nick Hester, Simon Cox, yours truly and the real legend that is Peter Gilham).

To say it is already looking like an exciting line up would be putting this mildly but, equally, two teams make up a lot of players. 32, to be precise (or 33 if we have to factor in the inevitable hamstring injury to Gibbo).

As such, I need to make a direct request to our reader. If you are a former Brentford player reading this (it’s possible) or, more likely, you know an ex-Bee (still playing or otherwise) then please get in touch. Either through Peter at the club, the Legend’s facebook page (www.facebook.com/BeesLegends) or myself, erm, here or on Twitter (@nickbruzon).

And as for the balls? Well, last year’s game almost didn’t take place. It was only when the players were changed, the fans were in the stadium and the opposition had arrived that the referee asked to inspect the match ball….

Note to self: When arranging a football match, the ball is the most important piece of equipment to bring. Cue one made dash around TW8, even the club didn’t have one available, until the necessary was found.

Consider that a lesson learned !

The Legends, 2013. Who will make up the 2014 team(s)?

INDEX – Brentford FC, our season so far

We’ve had an exciting 2013-14 League One campaign to date. Here is the Last Word’s summary on what has happened to Brentford since pre-season kicked off in anger, back in July.

JULY

22^ND  Some people are on the pitch. Quite a few, actually. Fall out from the Celtic pre-season friendly

28^TH When Harry met Sammy. Simon Moore rumours and Family fun day

30^TH Ambassador. With these goalkeepers you are really spoiling us. Simon Moore leaves ; David Button joins.

AUGUST

2^ND Sixteen into eleven won’t go. Cardiff pre-season friendly, One Direction and Buzzette

5^TH It is, quite literally, a cup competition. Port Vale league opener, my top-ten cup performances and a caption competition

9^TH The maddest game of football that ever existed. Sheffield United preview, Dagenham cup review & caption comp results

11^TH When is a woman not a woman? When she’s an adult. A win against Sheffield United and Adidas women’s kit (or lack of)

16^TH Always a legend despite the suspect hammy. The Last Word catches up with Paul Gibbs

18^TH Pies, points and padlocks. Loyalty points, Gillingham (a) and Soccer AM

22^ND Natalie Sawyer. Brentford FC. Jane Fonda Bluebird. What is the first XI, Walsall preview & internet search terms

25^TH A life without risks is no life at all.  Conor McAleny injury and a win against Walsall 

28^TH Nobody wants to see that. The drubbing at Derby

30^TH I’d love to blame the ref but I just can’t (entirely). Goal free against Carlisle with some odd refereeing

SEPTEMBER

2^ND And on that bombshell. Marcello Trotta returns

4^TH Sheer Bliss for Philadelphia. The Last Word catches up with Gary Blissett

7^TH Coming soon to Griffin Park – the chamber of horrors. My top ten worst kits of the season

8^TH Now that, Alanis, is ironic. Another red card and another drubbing – Bradford City

10^TH What do you get when you add 92+1 ? A preview of Simon Cox’s charity marathon

11^TH On Tuesday my mind really was in the gutter. ‘Pay what you can’, a double loan swoop and the hedgehog gutter brush

15^TH Brentford have their very own Tourjansky moment. Tranmere away, James Bond’s finest and Beesplayer

17^TH Is it time to give Adi, das boot up der backside? More on this season’s shirt and my top ten of all time

21^ST The A-Z of the season so far. Erm, is an A-Z. Of the season so far

24^TH Brentford can’t end Orient’s record but I wish they’d change ours. Defeat to Leyton Orient and the horror of Guaglione

25^TH Will Grigg. A fair decision? The tribunal names the price for Will Grigg

28^TH Ever get the feeling you’ve been cheated? Will Grigg reaction and Coventry (a) preview

OCTOBER

1^ST It was Colonel Mustard. In the press box. With the PG Tips. Loan updates, victory at Coventry, Richard Lee and ‘Teagate’

3^RD Dear Andy Ansah. If you aren’t going to the World Cup… Football filming at Griffin Park. And the best film about the beautiful game. Ever

6^TH Ten games in, TW8 faces its own Chernobyl. The GPG approaches meltdown as Brentford lose at home to Rotherham

8^TH Martin Taylor extends loan but who are Brentford’s greatest signings? My personal view of Brentford’s top ten best ever signings

10^TH Jay Tabb. Tractor Boy, Top Man. The Last Word catches up with Jay Tabb

11^TH Brentford supporter’s marathon trek begins today. Simon Cox starts his charity trek

13^TH Another Lamex Lament. Uwe has a post match ‘chat with the boys’ as the Bees lose at Stevenage

15^TH England fans, Poles apart. Rod Hull 1 Bernie Clifton 0 THAT band wind me up. Give me Rod Hull over Bernie Clifton

17^TH Robert Taylor. A legend in our lunchtime. Flashback to my interview with Robert Taylor, ahead of his return to Griffin Park

18^TH Colchester United, we’re coming for you. The dust has settled after Stevenage as Colchester await

19^TH Insomniacs click here. Old footballers and old records. On this day in history – from Happy Days to Panini stickers

20^TH At home a loan (or three) help Bees return to form. Colchester put to the sword (eventually)

21^ST Still paying the penalty. Is it time to move on? Flares in the crowd and lay off Marcello Trotta

22^ND The things you miss for Brentford. Thanks, Beesplayer. Another win. Bristol City away and Uwe’s reaction to the home crowd

24^TH Exclusive interview – Richard Lee talks back. Richard Lee updates the Last Word on those false rumours and his season so far

25^TH Lets hope Uwe has the last word on Saturday. Putting Uwe’s comments into perspective and Shrewsbury preview

27^TH Three is the magic number for Uwe (and Leroy). The Bees beat Shrewsbury in front of a big crowd. Leroy has kind words, too

27^TH Football’s greatest cup competition. And also the FA Cup. FA Cup draw preview and another caption competition

29^TH Don’t forget about Buzzette. A reminder of the caption competition

31^ST The A-Z of Brentford. October 2013. The month in 26 lines

NOVEMBER

2^ND Buses, books and balls – it must be Brentford. Brentford bus, Uwe’s book and orange balls

3^RD The case for 7(seven). A win against Crawley, forthcoming games and brackets (seven)

6^TH Marcus Gayle. It’s like going home to see your Auntie and Uncle. Marcus Gayle revisited and FA Cup preview

7^TH Be careful what you wish for. Balls.

8^TH Is this the oddest kit ever and the Buzzette prizewinner is named. Some bizarre kits as Natalie Sawyer reveals her captionwinner

10^TH Brentford clean up Staines with massive win. 5-0 FA Cup win

12^TH From Bees and books to BT. Champions League deal, ‘BT flatmate rage’ and ITV. Plus more on Uwe’s book

14^TH And you thought the red back was a controversial shirt. The Brentford shirt has nothing on some of those to be worn at the World Cup

15^TH Why curry, Crewe and Brentford beat Monsieur Wenger every time. League One website round up. Martin Allen’s moment of genius

16^TH Bees on the Beeb. This article will self destruct in nine hours. Ahead of the Crewe game, you can catch up with Brentford on TV and radio

17^TH Bring on Wolves. Bees skittle Crewe to make it six in a row. Brentford steamroller Crewe. Next up, Wolves

18^TH From Brentford to Al-Wakrah. Wolves to the Wankdorf. A stadium round up sees Wolves fans get very angry about a very weak pun

19^TH ‘That band’ play second fiddle to Team 54. Gibraltar and Brentford share a link whilst I apologise to Wolves (kind of)

23^RD The irresistible force meets the immovable object. Wolves preview

24^TH Wolves can’t blow Brentford’s house down. Brentford excellent as they hold Wolves

26^TH Brentford magnificent as Peterborough look for their cajones An electric atmosphere at Griffin Park as Brentford show their class against Posh

 

Since ‘that chat’ after Stevenage, Brentford’s form has accelerated somewhat. Uwe discusses this with Billy

Brentford clean up Staines with ‘massive’ win

What do you say about that?

It was less cup ‘romance’ and more  ‘sexy football’ of the sort not seen at Griffin Park for some time. Listening to Billy Reeves last week, he had praised the footballing ability of this team as ‘the best in the division’ when up against opponents who also tried to play rather than park the proverbial bus. And that’s what both sides did yesterday as Brentford ended up putting five goals past Marcus Gayle’s Staines Town in the FA Cup first round.

It was a cracking cup-tie played in a great atmosphere but the socreline only tells half the story. Before the game had even kicked off, chants of “Marcus, Marcus give us a wave” echoed around the Ealing Road terrace. “Just not with that”, quipped one terrace wag.

To read the rest of this article, season 2013/14 is now available to download onto Kindle, in full. Containing previously unseen content, you can do so here for less than the cost of one matchday programme.

 Thanks for reading over the course of the campaign. For now I need to make space on this page for any follow up.  The ‘close season’ / World Cup columns continue in full, further on in this site.

Lets hope Uwe has the last word on Saturday

I’ve got a lot of time for Brentford manager Uwe Rösler. Despite, if I’m being honest, not always understanding his formation (I get the impression that sometimes he thinks that centre forwards – or birds – are the only things which should use wings) you can’t deny what he has done with the team.

To read the rest of this article, season 2013/14 is now available to download onto Kindle, in full. Containing previously unseen content, you can do so here for less than the cost of one matchday programme.

 Thanks for reading over the course of the campaign. For now I need to make space on this page for any follow up.  The ‘close season’ / World Cup columns continue in full, further on in this site.