Well, that was an odd day for Brentford fans. With the Rangers / Jota story now changing tack in the Scottish press to suggest that former Bees boss Mark Warburton has flown to Spain to speak directly to the popular midfielder, South of the border those reports have been roundly, erm, scotched.
For one reason, I can’t believe this has happened purely because it would represent a totally illegal approach to a player still contracted to Brentford. Rangers wouldn’t break the rules in this fashion, would they ?
Warbs only ever came across as nothing but an honourable man at Griffin Park. Who could forget his performance on Sky Sports News after the Village-gate story about his eventual departure from Griffin Park broke. He was nothing but the consummate gentleman and professional defending both the club and Mr. Benham as he looked to rally his troops and supporters.
Warbs , Jota and the team on the day of village-gate
Ok . Let’s say for argument’s sake that Mark had taken a quick Spanish holiday where he happened to bump into Jota. Are we really expected to believe he’s then gone telling the local media? As ever, the ’stories’ are supported by nothing more authoritative than that coverall phrase “Record Sport understands” (something as concrete as : “a source close to the club”) to describe a “secret trip at some point in the last seven days”.
One can only assume the Rangers manager is speaking to his lawyers at the moment or contacting the paper to retract this article. The position it now places him in would seem one at odds with the rules of how football is governed and transfer business is carried out.
Thankfully, West London’s Premier Journalist Tom Moore was on hand to save the day and dampen the hopes of the Ibrox faithful.
Jota isn’t going to Rangers – Tom has it on the nose
His article – which is well worth a look just for the video shot in a live office environment where Tom is, at times, drowned out by the woman who deals with the competitions on line – pours cold water on any such rumours.
Catching up with Dean Smith, Tom quotes the Brentford head coach as saying : “I know we’ve had no contact from Rangers. He’s our player and they’d have to come through us first..….I’m sure that’s just speculation. I’m not sure Mark would go out there to speak to one of our players. They would have to contact us to speak to one of our players for sure.”
Perhaps Rangers are best focussing on an equally bizarre story – their Twitter spat (is there a finer phrase in cyberspace?) with Little Mix over the Christmas Number One – rather than pursuing a player they have no authority over. If, indeed, they are actually doing so. Hmm. A rumour gone wild? Who’d have thought it?
The aforementioned video also includes Tom’s take on the Scott Hogan speculation, our current form ( “Good enough to survive in the division but not good enough at this stage to reach the top six in the league”) and who he sees as our standout player. Take a look. It’s a good one….
The other video to catch the eye yesterday was one which appeared on Twitter. Whilst we’ve probably all seen this, it is one so good it deserves another look. Take a bow, Tom Field.
Surely a full 90 minutes are next on the agenda. Not only are we yet to concede a league goal when he is on the pitch but now he’s only goner and pulled this out of the hat….
Nick Bruzon
BrentfordFC 