Brentford FC Owner Matthew Benham said he was “delighted” after watching his side clinch promotion to The Championship.

Matthew, pictured with Kevin O'Connor, took full ownership of the Club in the summer of 2012.

He had first come on board as an investor in 2006, steadily increasing his involvement and financial contribution.

Matthew said Brentford deserved promotion but said they did so last year when they finished third in League One and lost the Play-Off Final.

He praised the Brentford managerial staff – including Sporting Director Frank McParland, Manager Mark Warburton, Assistant Manager David Weir, Head of Medical Neil Greig and Head of Performance Analysis Neil McIlhargey – for their work.

“I am delighted, really happy,” said Matthew.

“Relief is the overriding emotion.

“We deserve it but we deserved it last year and got very unlucky.

“I am very happy, relived and proud of all the boys.

“I am happy for the coaching staff, Warbs, David and Frank, Neil Grieg, Neil McIlhargey.

“They have all done a brilliant job.”

Matthew appointed Mark Warburton as Brentford Manager in December after Uwe Rösler left to take charge of Wigan Athletic.

“It was a reasonably straightforward decision,” he said.

“I was comfortable at the time but I guess this has vindicated it.

“The team is good enough and I believed we could get here.

“It is fantastic and we have nothing to fear in The Championship.

“It almost makes what happened last year worth it.

“It is even better this year.”

A range of reaction from Matthew Benham and a selection of Brentford players is available here for Bees Player subscribers.