Manchester City 1 Brentford 2. Not a typo – it really did happen. Ivan Toney very much the man of the moment – just as he had been on Thursday when Gareth Southgate chose to overlook him for England and the World Cup. A decision seen as farcical at the time and one made all the more ridiculous as our man did his talking on the pitch against a team of Qatar bound players. Against the strongest club side in Europe.
Ivan, Ben et al did their talking on the pitch
Yet this game, this performance, was up there with the very best, ever, from Brentford. Of all time. It was simply sublime. It was a world away from all the frustrations of the last week as it is possible to get. Forget Forest in the 90th. Forget Gillingham. Forget England. This was all about beating Manchester City. Not a typo.
As ever at this juncture, we need to pick a star player. To find the top five Brentford performers. Always a tough task and one made even harder this time around considering not only where we were but also just how fine we played. And as ever at this juncture, you can find the answers here in the post match debrief and player ratings review. ENJOY !!!!!
We’re back. Brentford host league leaders Chelsea this weekend with another international break done and the chance to see if we can build on the quite wonderful performances at home to Liverpool and then, last time out, away at West Ham. Final thoughts on those are in the forthcoming edition of the matchday programme (along with other nonsense, subject to editorial discretion, including one covid related tale of woe). Alternatively, the previous columns from these pages are here (Liverpool) or here (West Ham) for those wanting one more look back at what happened as the games unfolded and the aftermath was very much enjoyed. It all seems a lifetime ago already. There’s been a trip to Gibraltar for the World Cup qualifier with Montenegro in between and now, of course, we have the prospect of a visit from the European Champions.
West Ham away – wonderful. Especially the 94th minute
“We’re coming for you. We’re coming for you. Champions of Europe. We’re coming for you.” Thus went ‘that’ song. Ad-nauseam it felt at the time, as the Bees prepared for a 2013 FA Cup tie against the Stamford Bridge outfit. A strong opposition were held 2-2 at Griffin Park, with a late equaliser from Fernando Torres sparing Chelsea from copious amounts of egg on face.
For me, Clive, of course it was an exciting build but oh that song went on. And on. Much like Oldham’s. Focus on f’ing promotion rather than singing to opposition that weren’t even there, listening or gave a monkey about what was happening in League One.
Chelsea were almost given the elbow at Griffin Park in 2013
That was then. This is now. Better form in the FA cup, several seasons in the Championship and our own reaching the Premier League mean that as it stands games like this are the norm rather than ad-hoc flashes in the pan demanding their own song. A blistering start to top flight life means we’re currently sitting 7th (seventh) in the table. A win would put Brentford just one point behind the leaders and whilst, in theory, that sounds about as far fetched an aspiration as they come, the season has already been packed with more drama and wonderful performances than an episode of Dream Team. Get warmed up, lads.
Much missed. Especially former Bee Andy Ansah
Arsenal. Beaten. Liverpool. Held in that epic 3-3. West Ham. Crying. Wolves. Humped. Raya. Gloves needed changing. Only one defeat and that in the final minute of Brighton’s gamesmanship masterclass. The new signings bedding straight in, Kris Ajer especially, whilst Yoanne Wissa is already well en-route to becoming a cult hero. Come for the late goals. Stay for the celebration.
It has been quite the incredible start to a season that has seen this little bus stop in Hounslow punching above the weight and expectation levels of just about everybody outside TW8. Those inside the circle knowing what we can do and what to expect, even if at times it does seem against the realms of probability. That Liverpool game being the quintessential example of our never say die attitude and desire to attack until the death. The one time we’ve played super cagey, the last quarter of Brighton’s visit, our undoing had an almost Bees like inevitability about it. It’s Brentford, innit.
Wiiissssaaaaaaa. As calm as Peter Gilham isn’t
That’s not to say we’ll turn up and beat Chelsea. Cripes, if the fixtures so far have been tough then this is next level. A quick check on my Fantasy Football squad this morning is a bleak reminder of the strength they have in depth, let alone the starting XI. Whichever one they opt to go with.
For Brentford, subject to injury – Shandon Baptiste’s shoulder being the primary concern – its a safe bet who will start this one. As ever. Thomas Frank has enjoyed the luxury of his preferred starting XI playing to such a level that the only real selection decision has been who to bring on and when. Thomas Tuchel could probably chuck the car keys in a bowl and still come up with a team that the bookies would fancy to romp home.
Indeed, the Bees are this morning priced at 26/5 to take all three points. As ever, nobody gives us a real chance. No surprise. Our opponents are as strong as they come. Their record and consistency over the last twenty years speaks for itself. If we’ve hit the ground running then they’re next level. Romelu Lukaku looks like he’s never been away whilst only Manchester City have taken a win off them. So far.
Which is what makes football just the exciting thing it is. Nobody gave us a hope against Liverpool. There was similar from the other 6 games. We know what we’ve done and what we can achieve when all guns are firing. The funnest season ever is now cranking up even more, reaching previously unimaginable levels. That final moment at West Ham was about as good as things got. Now to see if we can pick up where we left off.
Of course it’s going to be tough. Some might say nigh on impossible. But if that’s the approach then why bother turning up? Genuinely, I’m convinced we will do this. As we’ve been saying all season, forget the calibre and reputation of the opposition. Play the moment. Play the game. Play as we’ve played so far. Of course we HAVE to be aware of who we are up against but there’s a distinct difference between being respectful and being in awe.
I can’t wait for this one. Quelle surprise. Even that game at the Victoria Stadium to see Gibraltar go down 3-0 to Montenegro now feels second fiddle. Fun though it was. The home side weren’t given a prayer in that one, either, but I’ve got a rock solid belief we’re going to pull a few more pants down on Saturday evening.
If nothing else, this is a West London derby. THE West London derby. Move over Fulham. See you later Loftus Road. Brentford and Chelsea are currently the two best placed clubs, not only in this quarter but the entire capital. Bring it on and see you there.
International football provided relief in the absence of Premier League action
Did somebody say a ’The World Cup of….’? No, not you Osman. We’ve got news of a very special Brentford related event that started to play out on Twitter last night as well as a follow up to the previous article, about ‘that’ shirt. Elsewhere the club have announced the latest guests for the now regular Saturday afternoon GPG live chat webcasts. Something which, if you’ve not got on board with as yet, are definitely well worth participating in. What else are you going to do when not watching Bees v Preston this Saturday?
First up, the World Cup of….Brentford Shirts. Consisting of the very best of modern-era shirts, this tournament will be playing out on Twitter over the coming days. Hosted by Brentford In Colour(@beesincolour ) it starts tonight, Thursday, at 8pm. However, pre-qualifying has already begun and if you want to include some bygone classics or even ensure that the much sought after Adidas efforts make the group stages then the vote is already live.
The new home shirt is already flying off the shelves at the Club Shop
Could any of these make the final?
I’m really looking forward to this a heck of a lot. If there was any justice, the brown/orange away shirt would win this hands down but life doesn’t work like that.Having been given a sneak preview of the runners and riders, I’m honestly torn as to which way I’d ever vote if it came down to a one kit selection for the all time favourite. Chad? Hummel? Spall? The Funky Bee? Castle badge? Osca half and half? Pink pinstripes? The teabag back?
This promises to be a fantastic event so please get involved.As TV’s Our Graham (or is that Marco?) once said, “The choice is yours….”
World Cup of #BrentfordFC shirts Qualifying Group C (images of the shirts in the reply below ⬇️) #WorldCupBRE
Pre-qualifying is now live – this, just one of the groups…
The other piece of kit related news comes c/o none other than Michael Dobson. You may recall the last piece which looked at the infamous ‘black spray paint prototype’ that was booed out of Griffin Park when it revealed to unsuspecting fans. Supporters came together to share their memories of the event and now the GPG have been in direct contact with Dobbo himself to get his take on what happened on that fateful day. And this is what he had to say:
“Yes, I remember it well. The kit didn’t go down well and we had objects thrown at us and even spat at. Not pleasant for two youth team players at the time”….
And on the question of whether there was one or two members of the youth team modelling this and if they went in different directions, he confirms it was definitely the later :
“Yes I think we did, then joined each other for part of the lap. It didn’t bother us too much, we laughed it off. It was crazy that some people wanted to show their disgust but didn’t think about the ones actually wearing the shirt when hurling coins at us”.
Absolute madness. Abuse and spitting had already been mentioned but now coins have been chucked into the mix. No pun intended. Not anybody’s finest hour in retrospect , from marketing to some fans, but at least Michael comes over as quite philosophical about it. Certainly more than I probably would have been !Rest assured, this one has not made the final cut for The World Cup.
Finally, have you got any plans for Saturday afternoon? I know, I know. Given our game with Preston has been P-P for some reason, I had thought about going to the cinema or watching a band. But why do that when there’s another GPG webcast.
You will need to do this in order to attend the session, something that takes about ten seconds, and is only in place to deter the idiots who attempted to gate crash the opening few minutes of Phil’s interview. Just make sure you have ‘Zoom’ installed on your device of choice.
Take Care. Stay safe. Get Zoom and get on to Twitter. Football may be on hiatus but there is plenty more out there to keep us involved. Stay healthy and don’t forget that you can always enjoy a variety of snacks – from chocolate to orange – as you contemplate your World Cup vote.
Mmmm. Chocolate and orange. Chocolate and orange….
I think it’s fair to say we’ve all done the weekend now. Brentford pick up point in horrific weather conditions as guy wearing a green jacket stacks it ; big time. It’s here if you want the unabridged version. Yet the other story grabbing the football headlines was playing out on the internet where the Bees had the toughest of draws in the World Cup of Programmes semi-final. Standing in the way of an epic show down with Albion Rovers, none other than the combined powers of Roger Mellie, Tracey, Sandra and Viz comic. This, on the occasion of their early 90’s Blyth Spartans cover crossover. Could our own ‘4000 v Barnsley’ cause the mother of all upsets?
The results are now in and have ended in an unprecedented dead heat. A 50-50 draw meaning that the organisers have had no choice but to go to a replay. A replay that is playing out as we speak and will conclude just after 8pm this evening.
A similar level of neck and neck voting is expected once more. The tournament delivering shock after shock with, perhaps, the failure of Blyth to progress the biggest of them all so far.
Instead, Brentford have stood up to the A-list names offered up in the last four clash and remain to fight another day. Supporter Benn Summers’ hand drawn creation taking on the ever popular ‘man on telly’.
Can we do it? Does the winner have a hope in hell against Albion? There’s only one way to find out and that’s to start voting. Which you can do below….
Time for the last knockings of the weekend. The residual fall out from a fine win for Brentford as our 3-2 defeat of Middlesbrough saw the Bees end the day smiling. With West Bromwich Albion beating Millwall at a windswept Millwall on Sunday lunchtime, The Baggies are starting to break clear at the top. They now sit four points clear of second placed Joy Division and six ahead of ourselves but has this win heaped further pressure on the Championship’s most emotionally fragile team ?
The man of the moment as we ended the day smiling
We’ll get there in a bit but first, Brentford. BBC Radio London were in attendance on Saturday , kind of, as they looked to kick off the first in a regular series of ‘fans perspective’ pieces on match day at our London clubs. The Bees got things going, yours truly was entrusted with camera duties and the results are now on line – you can see the film from the Middlesbrough game below.
Bringing you A Fan’s Perspective!
Yesterday’s came from the Brentford v Middlesbrough game⚽️
If BBC London were bigging us up, their Welsh counterparts are being left with egg on face after this video emerged. Kudos to Josh on Twitter for putting this up – 10 out of 10 for effort. 11 out of 10 on the tinpotometer.
Whilst I’ve probably numbed you all into submission talking about #BeeTheAnnouncer, let’s not forget the hashtag that started them all– #BeeTheDJ. I have no idea who was driving on Saturday but hats off for playing Killers by Iron Maiden. More, please. Let’s consider it a lucky omen.
Next up, The World Cup of Programme Covers.Having edged past the Tranmere Rovers stripper, Brentford 4000 is now up in as tough a tie as they come. We now face the awesome Donnie Gillies of Bristol City. Featured having made a brief detour via the costume shop en-route to Ashton Gate.
Bristol City will provide formidable opposition
I can only see the neutral vote heading towards the West Country rather than West London ( I would ) but if you want to see us live to fight another day then you know what to do and can vote for Brentford here (I have).
So game 56 of the 2020 World Cup of Programme Covers
Finally, West Bromwich Albion. Having beaten Millwall at lunchtime, has this now cranked up the pressure on Leeds even further? Rather than them being able to fight for either of the two ‘automatic’ spots available, is it now a foregone conclusion that West Brom will go up and only a single spot left open?
We all know how Leeds go under the slightest of psychological pressure, so whilst my preference would have been to see the Lions roar today, there may be an unexpected bonus in West Brom picking up the points. Roll on Tuesday when we find out….
Brentford 4000 have beaten the Tranmere stripper and will now face the awesome stylings of Bristol City defender Donnie Gillies in the World Cup of Programme Covers third round. Elsewhere, some Leeds United fans went to Old Trafford to watch their U-18s play Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup. Well done there. Well done everyone.
First up, as ever, Brentford. In the most heavily fought tie of the round a Bees resurgence saw Tranmere Rovers slowly reeled in over the course of the day before we eventually overcame our match-day magazine rivals 52%-48%. Who said you win nothing with stats?
Through to the next round
The tie, described by compere Miles McClagan (@TheSkyStrikers) as “a social media turf war” was the most heavily voted for in the round as many peoples’ favourite suffered what could be described as a shock exit. With Brentford also featuring in the first round match with the highest turnout, could our name be on the cup? Or are we just good at using Twitter?
Whatever the reason, there’s no doubting things are going to be even tougher in the following round(s). Bristol City are next and it’s one of those where, frankly, words fail to do a cover justice. One just has to sit back and drink it all in.
Bristol City will provide formidable opposition
The winner of that one will then face Ipswich Town or Morton in the quarters. Honestly, the thought of Donnie lining up against B.A. Robertson, John Wark (in full warm-up kit, of course) and a briefcase full of cash is one that has me salivating. It’s like an early 80s ‘Cold War Steve’, right down to the sponsorship. Just think Danepak rather than Fray Bentos.
When worlds collide…..
I don’t for one second think either the Bees or Morton will just roll over to allow this Titanic sartorial match up to take place. Certainly, we’ll give it our all. The only thing you can be sure of is that as the tournament progresses, we’re going to have a lot of fun in finding out whose name is on the cup.
Elsewhere, Leeds United official were getting very excited because 1400 fans went to Manchester United to watch an FA Youth Cup match.
🤣 Are you sure this is an away game? 1,400 #LUFC fans have taken over! What a support for our U18s! pic.twitter.com/l2kI0bGqGF
And? What am I missing here?Genuine question, given the fuss being made on social media. Under achieving club and huge fan base with long memories about once being ‘any good’ take short trip down the road for a night out to famous club. Fans go to a game and cheer on their team. That seems to be the gist of it.
They’ve not played their rivals since 2011 so it must have been exciting for them. An ad-hoc chance to go back to the Mancunian library and try to upset their young hosts. Sing a song about Ed Woodward. Lovely stuff.
I guess what this does do though is prove what incredible support they have. What a huge club Leeds United are. A side that has a divine right to play top flight football rather than being one who have sat in the Championship, or further beyond, since 2007. Administration will do that to you though.
Frankly, if there was any justice the EFL would stop subjecting Leeds to the annual torture of their falling apart (again) and just promote them automatically to the deserved home in the Premier League. Who needs tinpot pub teams and bus stops like Brentford trying to play their way up when we could, no should, have a top flight dominated by those grand old names of the past?
Oh, what’s the point. It was their cup final so I’m glad they enjoyed themselves. There are infinitely more important things to focus on in the coming days. We face Boro’ and Leeds go to play-off rivals Nottingham Forest. Then there’s the small matter of their trip to Griffin Park.
See you on Tuesday, Leeds United. I can’t wait for this one !!
Brentford may be out of the FA Cup after being beaten by high flying Leicester City but we’re still fighting a battle on two fronts. Sure, there’s the Championship promotion race where the action continues on Saturday with the visit of Middlesbrough but there’s also the World Cup. Of programme covers, that is. And your help is needed as a titanic second round struggle is now ensuing.
We’ve covered this before but let’s cut to the chase. We’re in action. Now. Live, on Wednesday. The edition produced to mark the occasion of our 4000th game being drawn against the somewhat random nature of the infamous stripper featuring as cover art. Ahh, the 80s.
Being blunt, we’re losing. As it stands. Your vote, every vote, IS needed. The ‘stripper’ was last season’s hot favourite before being beaten in the semis by eventual winner Boro’ and their iconic Ayresome Park artwork. Truly a thing of beauty and a worthy winner in a competition that, last time out, was devoid of the Bees.
Now, Rovers are many pundits’ choice to go one better this time around. But Brentford can cause what may be deemed the mother of all upsets before the vote closes just after 8pm GMT.
With the Middlesbrough goalie already knocked out after a shock first round defeat, the field is slightly wider open. The link is below. With your help, we can do this…..
So the final game of Round 2 of the World Cup of Programme Covers
Come on. Why are you still reading? I mean, thanks but some things are more important. Get voting. Please. What a way to start Life at Lionel Road with a World Cup Winners ‘star’ adorning the programme cover.
Competition is going to be tough for whoever gets through. Could it be us? Somebody has to take the prize from now departed Middlesbrough – why not Brentford?
Just when cup football couldn’t get any more incredible, it does. Brentford are out but by no means down. Tranmere Rovers ended Sunday on the wrong end of an almost bracketing as Manchester United were unable to find the additional goal that would have turned 0-6 to to 0-7(seven). Shrewsbury grabbed all the headlines holding Liverpool 2-2 in a gripping cup tie that even the arrival of Mo Salah was unable to rescue. Yet waking up this morning and checking the overnight updates, the real headline is being created as we speak where Brentford 4000 will play the Tranmere Stripper in round 2.
Not words that are used lightly. And words that, being honest, can only be used in what is shaping up to be a quite pulsating World Cup of Programme Covers. The first round results are now in withThe Bees having trounced Denis Waterman and Wolves after earning close to 75% of the vote. Meanwhile the stripper, last season’s semi-finalist ( losing to eventual winner, Middlesbrough’s comic art) brought some respite for Tranmere fans reeling from Manchester United going ballistic. One of the most talked about covers from last time out (see also: Frank McAvennie and West Ham putting the right wing in to their Christmas party fancy dress) made light work of Slough Town as they cruised into the second round.
Tranmere Rovers will provide just about as tough an opponent as is possible. Yet Brentford have proven, time and again, that class and reputation doesn’t phase us. Whilst one may question just how much class there is about the imagery used to support the Associate Members Cup semi final(Northern Zone) semi final v Burnley, it is very much a fascinating product of the time. Whilst it’s highly unlikely anybody would risk the wrath of social media / public scrutiny or have the lack of sense to go there these days (see also: Frank McAvennie and West Ham), back then all filters were seemingly set to ‘off’.
I’m not here to pass moral judgement on anybody or anything. Personally, I love the unusual. Anything that strays away from the norm. Historical curios. Which is what just about every piece of artwork in the World Cup sets out to show. There are some incredible contenders still alive and gunning for glory. Noreen form Birmingham City. Elton John’s giant key. Paul Parker’s hot air ballon trip. The bizarre styling on show at Albion Rovers. Swindon Town and their Fat Striker.
As ever, @TheSkyStrikers on Twitter is the place to follow the tournament. Your host Miles McClagan adding a fair bit of deadpan wit to his own commentary as the tournament unfolds. The likes of Leicester City, Liverpool, and Manchester United may have grabbed the headlines this weekend. At least for on-field activity. Yet off-pitch, Brentford and Tranmere are shaping up for the mother of all battles in social media. The timing of our second round clash has yet to be announced but keep those eyes open and keep voting.
In the meantime, here are a few more of the runners and riders…
Salvador Dali had a short stint at Albion Rovers
Noreen – ten times better than the rest. Probably.
Swindon Town – there’s hope for us all
Cripes – this was actual 1990. Come on West Ham. WTF…??
This is short and sweet today. Brentford may have lost to Leicester City in the FA Cup on Saturday. Well played, Foxes. If you want to read thoughts on that one they are here. At least we can concentrate on The League and Nottingham Forest this Tuesday.
Yet we are still alive in the cup. Sort of. Anybody who had the (mis)fortune to see my programme column yesterday would have, hopefully, seen the piece about the World Cup of Programme Covers. A thankfully Osman free environment to celebrate the best and the bizarre of artwork from the history of British football’s matchday magazines.
And Brentford have qualified for the knock out stages. We’re up against Wolves. Specifically Denis Waterman adorning the cover whilst holding a beer. As you do. For The Bees, the hand drawn cover by competion winner Ben Summers to celebrate our 4000th game, against Barnsley. (That in itself, worth a reminder of what happened…)
So the vote is live. The vote is here. You know what to do….
The Festive calendar is well and truly upon us. Brentford start a run of five games over the next eighteen days with a visit from Cardiff City. It is a run that also includes a local derby at home to Fulham on Saturday, followed by games with title chasing West Bromwich Albion, Swansea City and then Millwall. All this squeezed into what remains of December. Good luck finding time to get that Christmas shopping done.
Tonight looks as though it is going to be about as tough as it gets. At least, on form. Neil Harris has Cardiff firing and, as it stands, theysit one place above us in the Championship table. Three wins on the bounce and unbeaten since the ex Millwall man took over suggests that the Bluebirds are very much a force to be reckoned with.
I’m not going to be pretend to have an overly impressive insight into our visitors. Anybody coming to these pages should, one hopes, know what they are going to get by this stage. Inciteful analysis probably more reserved to the likes of Beesotted or other reputable sources. Besides, Neil Warnock’s side weren’t exactly renowned for their attractive football. You knew what you were going to get and to anybody outside of the Welsh capital it didn’t really warrant too much scrutiny. Generally effective.
Yet now a change of manager has seen a change in fortune. The results are coming in. Then again, the same could have been said forMark Bowen’s Reading and we stoped them dead in their tracks the other week. We’ve a team that, on it’s day, is a match for anybody in the division. The goals have been flying in and the defence looking solid. As a general rule. The BBC report we are likely to be blessed by the return of both Henrik Dalsgaard and Pontus Jansson tonight. Both missed the 2-1 defeat at Sheffield Wednesday over the weekend. Both are amongst our biggest, best and most experienced. International players with their own unique skillsets.
View from the Braemar – Pontus and Henrik have been imperious
Jansson the marquee signing over the summer. The captain of Sweden. Leather lungs, rock solid and afraid of nothing or no-one. Woe betide anybody who lets their captain down. The smile on his face enormous when we win. The pain on his face should results not go our way, etched deep in waves of torment and despair. As for Dalsgaard, he is one of the most under rated players in the team. Whilst the likes of Said, Ollie, Rico, Pontus, Josh and David (amongst others) so often grab the headlines – and deservedly so – Henrik just does his thing. A titan at the back yet one with the ability to push up higher than Simon Cowell’s waistband. Apparently he represented Denmark at The World Cup whilst a Brentford player – if only somebody had mentioned it at the time.
Captain Pontus – key to the spine of the team
So yes, tonight could be hard. But as much for Cardiff City as Brentford. The table sees a mere point separating the teams with everything to gain and nothing to lose. Apart from three points. I expect The Bees to go for it. Whether the Bluebirds opt for strangling the game and catching us on the break or going for broke themselves is a mystery yet to be unravelled . Roll on 7.45pm when we can find out.
And if there was any more incentive needed, last night saw Fulham warm up for Saturday’s game by losing. Again. The weekend saw them beaten at home by Bristol City. Tuesday was the turn of Preston to take the points. The gap to Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion at the top growing ever bigger. With the added bonus of defender Denis Odoi being sent off, meaning he’ll miss the game at Griffin Park. Boo-hoo. What a shame. A win tonight will put us within touching distance of the Cottagers going in to that one.
Whilst we shouldn’t get too far ahead of ourselves – every game as it comes and all that – what a wonderful extra that would be if we do get the win tonight. For me, Clive, I’m going into this one bursting full of confidence despite the opposition and despite Sheffield Wednesday. We’re just too strong at home. Ask Luton Town. Griffin Park under the lights has seen some special nights and with these now very much finite commodity, expect it to be raucous tonight. I can’t wait.
See you there.
Brentford celebrated 7 (seven) times last time at Griffin Park.
BrentfordFC 