Another Saturday, another game. For most teams. With Brentford travelling to Rotherham United today and looking to the top of the table, Manchester United, Southampton and Sky have already disrupted things for supporters with the return of Friday night football to our TV screens. More on that later but first, the Rotherham game.
Like Wolves, The Millers are a team that Brentford have gone neck and neck with over the last few seasons. Coming up with the Bees from League One, albeit via something called a play-off victory (I read the words, but I fail to truly grasp the concept) the Millers also begin their third successive season of Championship life.
Likewise any sales from the previous titles – Celebrating like they’d won the FA Cup (2013/14), Tales from the football village (2014/15) and Ready. Steady. Go Again. (2015/16) – are also now going to the BFCCST.
Containing the least bad of the blogs from May 16 to May 17, you can pick it up, here. Its all for a great cause and,hey, you may even enjoy it…..
Steve Evans – much missed. For now.
View from the Braemar : Alan Judge did it all against Rotherham last season
The new look Chuckle Brothers line up was very short lived
Another home, game another clean sheet and another three points. Brentford moved up to 6th place in the fledgling Championship table with a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest coming hot on the heels of Saturday’s 2-0 scoreline when Ipswich Town were the visitors.
It was a tense game, second half especially, and a demonstration that once again stats count for little when it comes to match analysis. Forest ended the game with 57% possession, 5 shots on target to our 4 and double the amount of corners. Yet Brentford bagged the most important one – balls in the back of the net.
Likewise any sales from the previous titles – Celebrating like they’d won the FA Cup (2013/14), Tales from the football village (2014/15) and Ready. Steady. Go Again. (2015/16) – are also now going to the BFCCST.
Containing the least bad of the blogs from May 16 to May 17, you can pick it up, here. Its all for a great cause and,hey, you may even enjoy it…..
View from The Braemar – holding on to the ball was our best option at times
Marcus Gayle entertained Beesplayer listeners
Fair play to Marcus, too, for donning our wonderful new home shirt.
Brentford travel to Exeter City in the first round of the League Cup tonight, no doubt anxious to make up for last season’s humiliation at this stage when Oxford United were given the freedom of Griffin Park. Elsewhere, those of us with half an ear to the wider football grapevine can breath a huge sigh of relief at the news that the Paul Pogba to Manchester United saga is finally over. And Olympic fever is slowly taking hold in the Bruzon household.
First up, as ever, Brentford. The trip to Exeter City marks a chance for the Bees to start another attempt at a cup run after a somewhat disappointing last couple of seasons. Capitulation in the FA cup against Brighton in 2014/15 was followed by last season’s no show at home to Walsall. As for the League Cup, who needs any reminder of the tie with League Two Oxford United?
Well, all of us do – just to make sure it never happens again. Dean, if you are reading (you aren’t) I realise this wasn’t your fault but….
Likewise any sales from the previous titles – Celebrating like they’d won the FA Cup (2013/14), Tales from the football village (2014/15) and Ready. Steady. Go Again. (2015/16) – are also now going to the BFCCST.
Containing the least bad of the blogs from May 16 to May 17, you can pick it up, here. Its all for a great cause and,hey, you may even enjoy it…..
“Lorks”. Not my words but amongst those uttered by BBC Billy Reeves upon hearing the news that Brentford striker Lasse Vibe has been selected to represent Denmark in the forthcoming Rio Olympic games. Elsewhere, with all the gossip suggesting David Button could be on the move to Fulham (please, no) the Bees already know we could be lining up against a former goalkeeper this season. And there’s a further update on the new kit (those of a sensitive disposition may want to look away).
First up, Lasse Vibe. Wow. What an honour. The Olympics. Surely, selection for the games is at the very pinnacle of sporting achievement? The ultimate reward for dedication to a lifetime of training, clean living and hard work. Unless you are from Russia.
Seriously though, when the news broke today – published by Lasse on twitter and Instantgram – my first reaction was, like Billy, just one of immense pride and congratulations. Equally, one of torn emotions.
Of course, the head will be hoping that the team of Great Britain & Northern Ireland (plus Channel Islands and other crown dependencies) sweep aside all before them but the thought of an Olympic gold medal at Griffin Park does have a certain resonance. And besides, Great Britain & NI won’t be participating in football this time around so Denmark can happily have that one.
The downside of this wonderful news is, of course, it means that Lasse will miss the start of the domestic season. With the Olympic final not taking place until 20 August, that could potentially rule him out of our first four Championship games. Who will support Scott Hogan up top? Would Scott and Lasse have started together anyway? Could this leave us short?
Whilst I’m sure Dean Smith will be thinking, “Lasse, come home” it would take the most churlish of supporters to wish him anything but the best and hope he returns with a gold medal in the back pocket.
And should Lasse make the final then it will take place on the same day Brentford travel to Rotherham (Rio or Rotherham, hmmmm). There, we could get the chance to test our shooting boots against none other than Lewis Price. The BBC report that he has signed a two year deal with the Millers. Here’s hoping that’s the last we hear about former Griffin Park goalkeepers being on the move.
The other news is that of our new kit. Specifically, and I apologise for flagrant self-promotion (which does feel a tad narcissistic ), given yours truly’s role in today’s latest ‘teaser campaign’.
Whilst most of us have seen various shots / perceived recreations of the new shirt doing the rounds of social media, I was fortunate enough to recently spend a morning at Griffin Park where, amongst other things, several supporters were given an early look at our new kit. And, I have to say, I love it.
Far be it from me to ruin any further launch surprise, beyond saying this : In my opinion, for what it’s worth, its our best home shirt in years – bold, distinct and with a bit of a retro vibe. I will be buying one. And, to be clear, I’m not on commission or the payroll.
Being equally honest, I can fully understand people’s reticence not to pre-order based on the teaser shots and the words of this kit nerd. Let’s just hope that when we finally get to see it in full, people like it as much as (personally) I think it deserves.
One fan’s ‘best ever’ is another’s ‘nightmare’. Who could forget the ‘prototype’ with the smudgy stripes that got booed all the way around Griffin park at the end of one season back in the 90s.
If we all liked the same things then life would be a very boring indeed? This time around though, I think we may end up very happy.
Whilst, of course, Buzz and Buzzette at Brentford would never stoop to such levels, I love a bit of ‘when mascots go wrong’. From Wolves to Bristol City; Dunfermline to Swansea and Millwall, you still can see the column (and, more importantly, the videos) on the best of mascots getting ‘carried away’ earlier on this site.
But putting the odd bit of bad behaviour to one side, my other favourite piece of mascot related action is their Grand National. This annual race between the mascots of our football clubs, along the final furlong of Huntingdon (and more recently, Kempton Park) race course has been up and ‘running’ since 1999.
But what was, initially, a fun event for charity when it started has met with controversy in recent years.
2001 saw winner Freddie the Fox disqualified when it transpired that beneath the suit was hurdler Matthew Douglas – a semi-finalist at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. In 2010 many clubs boycotted this after more ringers had made appearances and the field become opened up to ‘mascot’s from any walk of life. There have been streakers and even athletes in running spikes rather than the novelty oversized football boots so beloved of our anthropomorphic friends.
The 2005 event included Buzz (aswell as some non football mascots)
These days, there seem to be numerous variants of the mascot race. A quick search of the interweb reveals the Mascot Grand National (open field) still takes place with this years event due to be at Kempton Park . The Sue Ryder charity also hold a ‘Gold Cup’ but, again, this is an open field.
Thankfully, the ‘football only’ mascot race has made a resurgence. Again, for charity, with an event held in 2012 raising funds in the fight against prostate cancer. However, even that ended in controversy when Chaddy the Owl of Oldham Athletic (initially third) and Mr Magpie in fourth had to have a rematch after Sky cameras produced sufficient evidence to call the initially declared podium places into doubt.
Even worse, as the footage of this event shows, neither Buzz or Buzzette seemed to be involved in the action
So today I’m appealing on two fronts:
Firstly, to the Football League. Despite the 2012 event clearly taking place , I can’t see any evidence of a 2013 or 2014 race. Hopefully this is just down to my poor interweb skills rather than the event being officially terminated. Regardless, please announce a date and get this back in the public eye.
Secondly, to Brentford. Should the event reappear on the calendar then please can we ensure Buzz and Buzzette are involved. Even if it needs an on-pitch qualifier at Griffin Park to see who will go forward to represent the club.
Forget the tedium of sponsored walks. Who wouldn’t give funds to a good cause to see Buzz or Buzzette and the rest of our football league friends going head to head at Aintree?
Buzzette may not, currently, race but she still makes time for fans – of all ages
Brentford face Crawley tomorrow (in theory) although supporters have already been warned to check the official site in case the elements interfere.
I, for one, hope the game goes ahead. The phrase ‘points in the bag are better than games in hand’ is one I’ve held dear for years. That’s not to say we are guaranteed any points – quite the opposite, I’ve been guarding against complacency for months.
However, I have to assume that our rivals will win (Wolves travel to bottom club Stevenage whilst Leyton Orient take on an out-of-sorts Peterborough) and, as such, I’d much rather there was no added pressure from having to play ‘catch up’. Likewise, nobody needs fixture congestion with postponed games having to be crammed in toward the denouement of the season.
I am sure these are sentiments being shared by the club and one employee in particular. I’ll spare any blushes by keeping their identity secret – suffice to say that I hope we don’t have a repeat of the Michael Fish, ‘hurricane’ incident.
Could Michael Fish have a protégé at Griffin Park?
So, if the worst does happen and the game is canned then what will you do between now and our next football fix on Wednesday?
Well, the winter Olympics start today so you could sit in front of the TV to see how the ever tolerant Russians uphold the Olympic charter, which includes the line: “. Every individual must have the possibility of practicing sport, without discrimination of any kind “
Given the well-documented comments on homosexuality, Sochi seems like something out of the eighteenth century at times. Moreso, given as football clubs all over England are now supporting the FvH campaign and, indeed, Brentford are due to do so on Saturday.
Personally, I’ll be giving the Winter Olympics a skip. This is nothing to do with Mr Putin’s attitude to human rights but simply because they are very much the poor relation compared to their summer cousin. The fact that they need inclement weather just to take place already puts them on the back foot.
So what else can we do? Well, how about signing the Lionel Road petition? I was unable to attend the fan’s forum last night but I gather we were told that the decision would not be made by this Tuesday (thanks to @Beesotted for their excellent twitter updates). You can do that, here.
Or, there is always eBay. Specifically, for football shirts. If anybody reads this before 1.55pm on Friday morning then there is still time to bid on a stunning Brentford shirt.
Sky Sports presenter Charlie Webster (@CharlieCW on twitter) has just run 250 miles, visiting 40 football clubs, over a mere 7 days (do the maths – ouch !!). The challenge was undertaken on behalf of the Womens Aid Federation of England and, at the time of writing, Charlie was almost half way towards her £100,000 target.
Brentford haven’t even faced this Friday’s trial by TV against Gillingham yet already our next ‘on air’ encounter has been announced.
Not surprisingly the visit to, current, League One top dogs Leyton Orient has been brought forward to accommodate our friends at Sky. Thankfully, from some respects (the boat crew may not agree), rather than a shift to Friday night it remains on March 15th but is now a lunchtime kickoff.
Realistically, this was always going to happen. Brentford and Leyton Orient are the top two sides in League One and so this could end up being a real six-pointer (along with a chance for Sky to crank out all those East meets West type lines).
To me, it makes no difference. The number of travelling supporters will, one would imagine, remain largely the same regardless of 12.15 or 3.00. It’s too big a game – it can’t be too often you say that about Leyton Orient v Brentford!
Interestingly, chief executive Mark Devlin took to twitter immediately after the announcement to discuss ticketing and canvass opinion. It seems we have a choice between an allocation of 1600 or 3700. The former figure, surely too low, but is the top whack optimistic?
In my opinion, no. It’s a table-topping clash and Leyton Orient IS an easy away ground to get too. If you aren’t taking the boat trip then its simply a case of jumping on the Central line at Ealing Broadway and putting your feet up for an hour – not literally, keep those seats clean please.
The other TV news yesterday was one which, being honest, upsets me somewhat. The BBC have announced that David Beckham is to appear in a one-off return of Only Fools and Horses.
I loved this show when it was originally shown – although I think we’ve all seen the clip of Del Boy in the bar perhaps once too often (spoiler alert – he falls over). However, it’s not been on for over a decade and for good reason – it ended on a high whilst the cast are, to be polite, getting on a bit. It’s going to be impossible to resist a trip down memory lane and take a look but I fear a car crash. Moreso, when you then add Mr Beckham into the mix.
The BBC have announced the return of Del Boy and…David Beckham
The man who singlehandedly secured the 2012 Olympics for Great Britain loves doing his public bit and, with this in aid of Sport Relief, it’s natural he’ll be involved. But a good cause doesn’t necessarily justify resuscitating the long dead corpse of one of the nation’s favourite programmes.
Equally, everybody knows – footballers can’t act.
We’ve all seen Figo doing his ‘Just for men’, the classic ‘Escape to Victory’ (“We can win this”), Eric Cantona is currently masquerading as a French farmer but the king acting stinker is, of course, Vinnie Jones.
To be fair, the former Wimbledon man set the bar high with his surprise debut in ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’, but its been downhill since there. Very much a case of the law of diminishing returns, he was single handedly responsible for destroying X-Men: The Last Stand whilst has also flexed his acting muscles in a range of films that includes ‘Swordfish’ and ‘Garfield: A Tail of two Kitties’.
Hey, I’ve no problem with a wooden, bad, actor. Just look at Jason Statham – a 21st century Steven Seagal. He does what he does, and does it very well. But, with footballers, it just stretches the bounds of entertainment that bit too far.
Sadly, things seem too late for Beckham and ‘Only Fools…’, judging by the publicity stills already published. I can only cross my fingers and hope we don’t have another Vinnie – ‘Gone in 60 seconds’ moment….
BrentfordFC 
Could this be the ultimate Championship Sprint?
11 SepWhilst, of course, Buzz and Buzzette at Brentford would never stoop to such levels, I love a bit of ‘when mascots go wrong’. From Wolves to Bristol City; Dunfermline to Swansea and Millwall, you still can see the column (and, more importantly, the videos) on the best of mascots getting ‘carried away’ earlier on this site.
But putting the odd bit of bad behaviour to one side, my other favourite piece of mascot related action is their Grand National. This annual race between the mascots of our football clubs, along the final furlong of Huntingdon (and more recently, Kempton Park) race course has been up and ‘running’ since 1999.
But what was, initially, a fun event for charity when it started has met with controversy in recent years.
2001 saw winner Freddie the Fox disqualified when it transpired that beneath the suit was hurdler Matthew Douglas – a semi-finalist at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. In 2010 many clubs boycotted this after more ringers had made appearances and the field become opened up to ‘mascot’s from any walk of life. There have been streakers and even athletes in running spikes rather than the novelty oversized football boots so beloved of our anthropomorphic friends.
The 2005 event included Buzz (aswell as some non football mascots)
These days, there seem to be numerous variants of the mascot race. A quick search of the interweb reveals the Mascot Grand National (open field) still takes place with this years event due to be at Kempton Park . The Sue Ryder charity also hold a ‘Gold Cup’ but, again, this is an open field.
Thankfully, the ‘football only’ mascot race has made a resurgence. Again, for charity, with an event held in 2012 raising funds in the fight against prostate cancer. However, even that ended in controversy when Chaddy the Owl of Oldham Athletic (initially third) and Mr Magpie in fourth had to have a rematch after Sky cameras produced sufficient evidence to call the initially declared podium places into doubt.
Even worse, as the footage of this event shows, neither Buzz or Buzzette seemed to be involved in the action
So today I’m appealing on two fronts:
Firstly, to the Football League. Despite the 2012 event clearly taking place , I can’t see any evidence of a 2013 or 2014 race. Hopefully this is just down to my poor interweb skills rather than the event being officially terminated. Regardless, please announce a date and get this back in the public eye.
Secondly, to Brentford. Should the event reappear on the calendar then please can we ensure Buzz and Buzzette are involved. Even if it needs an on-pitch qualifier at Griffin Park to see who will go forward to represent the club.
Forget the tedium of sponsored walks. Who wouldn’t give funds to a good cause to see Buzz or Buzzette and the rest of our football league friends going head to head at Aintree?
Buzzette may not, currently, race but she still makes time for fans – of all ages
Tags: 2013/14, Adam Forshaw, Alan Judge, Alex Pritchard, Bees, Beesotted, blog, book, Brentford, Brentford FC, Bristol City, celebrated, Celebrating like they'd won the FA Cup, Chaddy Owl, Championship, comments, controversy, Cyril, david button, diary, FA Cup, football, fox, Freddie, Freddie the fox, Gold Cup, Grand National, Griffin Park, Harlee Dean, Huntingdon, hurdler, Jake Reeves, James Tarkowski, Jon Toral, Jonathan Douglas, José Ignacio Peleteiro Ramallo, Jota, just don’t mention that penalty, Kempton Park, kindle, Leicester City, lion, Marcello Trotta, Marcos Tébar Ramiro, Mark Warburton, mascot, Matthew Benham, Matthew Douglas, Millwall, Moses Odubajo, Natalie Sawyer, Nick Bruzon, Oldham Athletic, Olympics, penalty, pigs, race, Russell Slade, Sam Saunders, Sky bet Championship, Stuart Dallas, Sue Ryder, swan, Swansea, Toumani, Trotta, Warbs, Wolfsburg, Wolves, Zampa