Brentford News
The first incoming transfers of the close season took place in the past seven days with Brentford B adding two players to their ranks. The Bees have signed Iceland Under-21 international midfield player Kolbeinn Birgir Finnsson and goalkeeper Patrik Sigurður Gunnarsson. Look out for a some exclusive behind the scenes video from the signing in the coming days.
A pre-season friendly with Sky Bet League One Shrewsbury Town was confirmed and the Club announced focus groups to look at certain aspects of our new stadium. Club Membership for 2018/19 was also put on sale, more information can be seen here. Don't forget, Season Tickets are also on sale and full details can be seen here.
Away from West London there was international action for some of Brentford's stars young and old. Henrik Dalsgaard set up one of Denmark's goals in a 2-0 win over Mexico on Saturday. That was Denmark's last game before the World Cup, which starts this week.
David Titov played twice for Latvia Under-19 as they won the Baltic Cup. Latvia one all three games in the Undrer-19 competition. There was also success for Ellery Balcombe. The Brentford B goalkeeper was training with England Under-21 squad at the Toulon Tournament. England beat Mexico in the Final on Saturday.
Sky Bet Championship News
There is now only one club in the second tier without a manager. Graham Potter was officially appointed as Swansea City boss yesterday which leaves Leeds United as the only club without a man at the helm. In other managerial news, Jody Morris has left Chelsea to join Derby County as assistant to Frank Lampard.
Club are now starting to shape their squads for 2018/19 with players moving in and out. One of the highest-profile deals saw Leicester City sign Jonny Evans from West Bromwich Albion while Norwich City have signed Getafe forward Emi Buendia. Reading signed Republic of Ireland internationals David Meyler and John O'Shea.
Football News
The eyes of the football world are now on Russia as the 2018 FIFA World Cup kicks-off on Thursday. The hosts face Saudi Arabia in the opening games while other early fixtures include Spain v Portugal and Germany v Mexico. England start against Tunisia next Monday.
The Three Lions warmed up for the tournament with a 2-0 win over Costa Rica last Thursday. Marcus Rashford and Danny Welbeck got the goals in the match, played at Elland Road. Other recent friendlies included France drawing with United States of America, Brazil beating Austria and a 4-1 win for Belgium over Costa Rica.
The annual EFL Conference was held last week. The decisions taken included removing extra time and seeding from the Carabao Cup and there was the start of a discussion about how funds will be distributed from next season. There was also the announcement of a new mid-season break, which will start in the 2019/20 season.
As well as the World Cup, eyes are also on the release of fixtures for 2018/19. Premier League fixtures will be revealed on Thursday with the EFL games following a week later. On Friday, the draw for the First Round of the Carabao Cup will take place.