The 20Questions - Brentford FC (h)
Last updated : 13 April 2006 By Bigrich.....
Who are you, where are you from and how long have you supported your club?
Ben Small, from York currently living in South West London, I've become a bees fan ever since I moved down there two years ago
What was your first game?
I saw Brentford play a long time ago in the old division two against York City, it was a dreadful game and I think it ended in a 0-0 draw.
Describe the most memorable and the worst game you have seen and why?
I've not got a great history of Brentford games but this most memorable was definately the 2-2 draw at Southampton last season, coming back from 2-0 to a premiership club was an excellent day out and well worth the journey. Worst could be any number of the frustrating 1-0s we've had this season Port Vale, Doncaster etc... We deserved to win the games on chances but failed to put the ball in the net.
Who are your current local rivals and why?
We havent got any local rivals as such in our league, hopefully we'll be able to include QPR next season as we might be playing against them, other than that we've got chelsea and fulham but the rivalry is purely west london not cos of any hatred
Who are the best and worst players you have seen?
Sam Sodje has been a rock for us this season, he commands from the back and is an arial threat in attacking situations. Worst is a tough call they've all had some pretty bad performances, we had a spell of dodgy keepers for a while and sometimes centre back Michael Turner can be a bit of a liability.
How did you fare last season?
Superbly! Finishing fourth after being nearly relegated last year was a result. Sadly we got taken apart by Sheffield Wednesday in the playoffs.
Where do you think you'll finish up this season?
If Brentford were a TV personality, who would it be and why?
Great question, led by an energetic and enthusiastic manager but not always backed by the most intelligent or sucessful team i'd have to go for father ted (with some of our players occasionally behaving a bit too much like Dougal!)
Which team do you want to beat this season the most and why?
It's always nice to beat those who come down from the Championship but so far I think we've failed to do the double over any of them.
So what do you think of The Millers?
I'll be honest and say that I dont have a great deal of knowledge about Rotherham. I know they've been struggling fincnaiclly recently and thats not something I'd wish on any club, i hope some money is found to save them soon.
Which current or former Millers player has impressed you the most?
Believe it or not I used to play alongside Johnathon Forte when he was at Sheffield United (though he probably doesnt remember me), he was quick and had a great shot on him, not sure how well he's been performing for you guys. I also like the look of Otsemobor, I saw him play for liverpool a few times and he looked pretty handy.
You've just had a battle with Ron Noades for the club, what went off and whats your current position?
Currently the fans own the club, just like Rotherham theres been a bit of financial haggle. Noades wanted someone to buy him out so the supporters collected all the money together to take the club off his hands for a decent price, we've still got a financial situation but it seems a little more settled than before at least.
Are you happy with your chairman and board members?
The current board are excellent, after Greg Dyke was installed he's helped clear our debts and tried to get us some more PR so people get to know us. At the current time this is exactly what the club needs.
With just a few games left, whats your overall view on this season?
As far as Brentford have gone this season, it's been amazing. I didnt expect the club to be challenging at the top again, hopefully we can keep it going and finally get a crack at the championship. W've altered our style a lot this year and its become much better to watch, Allen is a complete hero and long may he reign as king Bee.
What sort of line up can we expect from you?
Usually Allen lines up with a standard 4-4-2, we dont have too many injuries at the moment and with the team doing so well it's pretty much the same week in week out, prehaps a couple of changes up front as Allen looks to go on the offensive.
Who's your strongest/weakest link?
Sodje is definately our strongest link, he leads from the back and likes to bring the ball out. Sometimes out attack can be the weakest link, depending on what kind of day they have supporters behind the goal had better beware of being hit with wildly struck shots!
What's your predicted score?
Its a tough game to call and with both sides needing a win I can see it being a fairly scruffy affair, i'd take a point away from home so i'll say 2-2.
Who's going up?
Southend as champions, hopefully us in second but behind that it's a tough call. Forest are on a bit of a break but Colchester and Swansea have been there all year, if the swans can get themselves back into form they're my bet for the playoffs.
Who's going down?
So as to not upset too many people i'll sit on the fence a little. I think MK Dons will go,probably joined by Swindon, Walsall and for the final place you'll have to get back to me after the weekends results!
And finally….Meat and tatty, Beef n Onion or Balti?
Meat and tatty everytime for me I think, being northern obviously plenty of gravy has to be involved!
