Despite only playing four games in goal for Brentford Women, Tatiana Saunders' time in west London led her to remain a part of the Bees' family from New York City.

With Carly Williams' side low on options in goal through injuries, women’s football consultant Lois Fidler called in a favour from retired keeper Saunders.

“Lois was actually my England Under-17s coach and was instrumental in my growth as a youth player,” explained Saunders.

“She reached out to me and told me about the Brentford mission and asked to see if I would be interested in playing.

“I retired at the end of January. And, in July, we just talked about the club's ambitions.

"I was transitioning from my career as a footballer, but I loved the club's mission, and I wanted to be involved in any way I could, so we kept in touch.

“Everyone was super understanding of my situation and very accommodating. I immediately discovered that it’s a great club. I loved its ethos and culture.

“I had been told that Brentford is a special place. That is 100 per cent right. I played in one game and then kept coming back every week.”

Saunders began her professional career in Iceland, before playing in England in the Women’s Championship for Lewes and Durham.

Despite her stint in west London being at the end of her career and by her own admission “short but sweet”, the Bees had a lasting impact.

“I've been fortunate that I've played at football clubs that I loved,” she remembered fondly.

“Brentford is one of the clubs that goes above and beyond in many respects. It's not just a football club - you are valued as a person, not just a player.

“When I spoke to Lois, we talked a lot about investing in the girls off the pitch.

“Where the women's game is, it’s a million times better than when I started my career, and that’s a million times better than the generation before, but you still have to plan for what's next.

“One thing Lois and I discussed was helping girls gain work experience to add to their CVs. This was another example of where this club really cares about the individual.

“When you have that culture, it starts from the top; all the staff were professional and caring, and the girls were genuine and looked out for one another.

“Little things like the squad being allocated tickets for the men’s games. It helps to keep both the men's and women's teams connected and build the brand.

"We're on very different schedules so it’s quite difficult, but the club has done a really good job of it.”

Having moved back to New York City where she grew up, Saunders aspires to join the NYC Bees Fan Club, who meet up to watch Brentford games from across the Atlantic.

“My weekends have been so full of studying, since I got back, I’ve had no social life!” she joked.

“I played in a futsal game last week, and one of the guys there was a massive Brentford fan.

“He was part of the group and said it was a great group of people.

“I’m looking to get more involved in the New Year. I had said to Carly and Lois before I left that I would like to keep the connection.

“I wasn't with the squad for a long period of time, but I feel like we created a strong bond.

“I wish I had better words to articulate the feeling; it’s about values as well as winning, and everyone’s really nice. That is so hard to find today."