Tommy Smith said that last season’s frustrations have only made him more determined to prove himself in the upcoming Sky Bet Championship campaign.
The 34-year-old joined The Bees from Cardiff on a one-year deal this week following a successful extended trial.
The experienced forward was limited to just three cup appearances in South Wales last season as The Bluebirds dropped out of the Premier League.
Speaking to Bees Player after signing his contract Tommy admitted it was a tough campaign last time out.
However, the former Watford man said last season is in the past now and he is solely concentrating on being involved in Brentford’s opening game of the new season at home to Charlton Athletic on Saturday.
“It is frustrating and tough sitting in the stands watching game after game,” said Tommy.
“It is tough training when you have got no end product on Saturday.
“If anything it makes you more hungry to get out there and play and prove yourself.
“That was the case for me last season.
“It was a long season last season and I couldn’t wait for it to end and this one couldn’t start quick enough.
“I can’t wait to get back involved.
“It seems like it has been a bit of time and it will be really exciting to be part of the match day again.
“Hopefully I will be involved, get on the pitch and try and affect the game.”
Tommy signed for Brentford following an extended trial at Griffin Park which began in the middle of last month.
The former Watford, Sunderland, Derby County, Portsmouth, QPR and Cardiff City said that trial was a great chance for the management staff at Brentford to assess him and for him to decide if Brentford was the right club for him.
As well as training Tommy was involved in the pre-season friendlies against Barnet and Crystal Palace.
Tommy said it didn’t take him long to realise that Brentford was a club that he wanted to be at and he is delighted that Brentford’s management staff were similarly keen on him.
“I am delighted to finally sign on the dotted line,” said Tommy.
“It’s been two or three weeks of training and getting fit and a chance for both me and the club to look at each other.
“On my part I am delighted to be here and hopefully I can add something to the squad.
“I didn’t play much last year so my options were limited during the season.
“I tried to get out on loan but that didn’t materialise.
“I just wanted to find a club and I knew the manager Mark Warburton a bit through my Watford connections.
“I spoke to Mark and he was happy to have me here to come and train.
“Being a North-West London boy it was ideal for me location wise as well.
“Everything I’ve heard about the club from the outside is true; they are very hungry for success.
“The owner is the right man, he is putting a lot of money into the club, and he’s hungry as well.
“We’ve got a great young squad.
“I saw quite a few games last season and it was very impressive.
“I am just delighted to be here and to be part of everything.”
Tommy brings a wealth of Sky Bet Championship and Premier League experience with him to Griffin Park.
In a 15-year career in the top two divisions Tommy has made 491 league appearances scoring 94 goals and has won promotion to the Premier League four times in his career.
There are only a handful of players in The Bees’ squad who have Championship experience but Tommy thinks that there is a good blend in the squad.
He thinks his experience, added to that of Tony Craig, Jonathan Douglas and Alan McCormack, mixes perfectly with the young talent of players such as James Tarkowski, Jake Bidwell, Harlee Dean, Andre Gray and Moses Odubajo.
“There is a lot of bright young talent amongst the squad and a few experienced players in there as well,” said Tommy.
“It was a great season last season and there is a lot of confidence which you can see throughout the squad.
“That’s something that needs to be taken straight into the season to get a good start, which I am sure they will do.
“The early signs that I have seen are impressive.
“There are a lot of unproven players at this level but from what I saw last season it is not a huge step up from League One to Championship football.
“I am sure the players that we have got here will cope comfortably with that.
“I think Championship experience is one of the elements that I can bring to the squad.
“It is always nice to have some old heads with some young fresh legs.
“You want to have that blend and hopefully I can add to that.
“There are a few experienced boys here and hopefully we can all blend in together.”