Brentford’s longest serving player Sam Saunders spoke to Brentford's matchday programme - Bees Review - for its Boxing Day edition with Brighton and Hove Albion. The last two Boxing Day fixtures at Griffin Park have been rather eventful for Sam. Fans will remember his two late goals against Ipswich Town last season; however it is the year before that Sam has the fondest memories.

“That was the year when I scored that goal,” Sam tells Bees Review, recounting his aborted attempt against Swindon Town to take a free-kick before scoring at the second in front of the visiting support.  “Lots of people remember that goal, and celebration. I suppose it is one of my favourites because after falling I had to score. The Swindon fans were giving me so much stick so my celebration was to give them something back. It was an entertaining moment and I try to have a good time, as this is a game to be enjoyed.”

After overcoming two serious injuries over the past 18 months, Sam is determined to get back a place in the starting eleven.

“In the 2013/14 season I was voted Player of the Month for December and then got injured the next day,” said Sam. “When I returned from injury I came back to a side doing well in the Championship and didn’t want to make too many changes so it was tough,” said Sam.  “I went out on loan to Wycombe Wanderers, which I didn’t really want to do but I missed the three o’clock buzz. Then I got injured during the Play-Off final at Wembley. Two bad injuries in 18 months are tough to take but you have to get yourself going again.”

You can read more of the interview with Sam in Brentford’s official matchday programme – Bees Review – available on Boxing Day.

Consisting of 84 pages and costing £3, additional highlights of the festive edition include:

And much more! The official matchday programme will be available from programme sellers at Griffin Park.