Richard Lee, who has now retired from professional football, spoke to Bees Player about his summer plans, and it will be the first time in his adult life that he is free to do as he chooses. The 33-year-old hasn’t noticed too many changes yet but he expects that to change come the start of the new campaign.

“There’s little things that are kicking in,” said Richard. “I think it will be more August-time when people are back playing but for now it’s a case of very much looking forward to the summer break and go from there.

“One of the things Roycey [Simon Royce, Brentford’s Goalkeeping Coach] said to me ‘when am I seeing you again?’ and I can play golf now, I haven’t got a physio I can’t play it. It’s going to be unusual; I suppose you are so structured in football, which is a good thing, you’re always got something to look forward to and live a certain way because of that.

“Hopefully I’ll keep a lot of that, and I’m sure I will but that knowledge I won’t have to be ready for pre-season or another game – even putting on a pair of gloves again – it’s a quite strange feeling.”

Richard reflected on five seasons of service at Griffin Park and spoke of his pride of playing for the Club and the reception he’s received from Brentford fans.

“It’s been an incredible five years,” said Richard. ”I look back, and although I was at Watford for a longer period, I think I’ve had my best memories here. Certainly the first year or two, some of the games I was involved in will live long in the memory. Even now, people still talk to me about Everton game, the Charlton game, and others that I’ve played in.”

“I was so fortunate that the fans soon took to me and they’ve been great ever since. I’m really looking forward to coming back as a fan, which I’ll do for several games next season.”