Midfielder Alex Pritchard joined Brentford on Thursday and acknowledged he has a battle to earn a place in Manager Mark Warburton’s starting line-up for the opening game against Charlton Athletic on August 9.
The 21-year-old, who has arrived from Tottenham Hotspur on a season long loan, took part in his first training session on Friday and spoke exclusively to Bees Player about how the loan deal came about.
“I heard about the move, and obviously knew Brentford had gone up to the Championship,” said Alex.
“I played against them last year and thought it would be a good move for me – the next chapter to play some football.
“[We will be] playing in the Championship against some great teams and I can’t wait to start.”
Alex turned down other Championship clubs to join, and revealed it wasn’t the London location that made his mind up.
“[It was] the way they played last year,” said Alex.
“I enjoyed watching them; it’s what I wanted to do.”
Alex, who spent last year with Swindon Town, which threw up two feisty encounters on the pitch between the two sides.
“That’s just football at the end of the day,” said Alex.
“When you’re on the pitch you’ve got no friends.
“We’ve had a bit of banter already in the changing room and I’m going to get a bit more.
“I’m looking forward to it and getting to know the lads.”
The self-penned description of his playing style was concise.
“I get on the ball and try and make things happen, create assists and score a few goals,” said Alex.
The two matches revealed a fiery side to Alex but admitted a desire to learn from last season’s campaign with the Wiltshire club.
“As soon as you go over the white line, you’re fired up,” said Alex.
“But I’ve learned a lot and want to carry it on.”
“First of all, get the shirt,” said Alex.
“I need to work hard, impress in the last couple of weeks we’ve got and see where it takes me.”
View the Bees Player Interview in full.