DJ Campbell said that his time at Brentford still remains special to him as he returned to Griffin Park on Tuesday night to see The Bees in action against Middlesbrough. DJ was plucked from non-league side Hayes and Yeading in June 2005 by Martin Allen and enjoyed a meteoric rise, scoring 12 goals in 18 starts, culminating when he joined Premier League side Birmingham City six months later. His most memorable day in a Brentford shirt came as his brace knocked Premier League side Sunderland out of the FA Cup ten years ago this month.

Speaking to Bees Player at half-time during Brentford’s 1-0 Sky Bet Championship defeat to Middlesbrough DJ said he still has great memories of his time at Brentford and of that match against The Black Cats in particular.

“It was a great night and it was like a fairytale really,” said DJ. “I had signed for Brentford from the non-league just before that and to play against a Premier League club, let alone to score two goals, was a marvellous memory for me. I remember scoring the two goals and the fans running on the pitch, it was amazing. I still watch the game sometimes and get goosebumps. It was a great night for us. That was the start of my career and Brentford will always be in my heart for giving me the chance.”

DJ had been playing semi-professionally at Hayes and Yeading, combining his football with a job as a delivery driver, before joining Brentford. The 34-year-old said that Brentford was a special club to join and one that did so much to help him make his career in football.

“I was bought for £5,000 and to come in and train with the likes of Marcus Gayle was great for me,” said DJ. “I was playing and working with Martin Allen and Adrian Whitbread. This has always been a lovely family club and you can feel the love from the fans. This is different from other clubs.”

The striker enjoyed spells in the Premier League with Blackpool and Queens Park Rangers after leaving Birmingham City in 2007 but is now enjoying spending time with his family away from football.

“I am just enjoying life at the moment,” said DJ. “I am enjoying time with my family and doing family, father duties. I have been up north a lot and the family was down here so I have been enjoying doing stuff with the family.”