Dean Smith made himself front runner for Sky Bet Championship April manager of the month after a first half performance blew local rivals Fulham away to claim his side’s sixth win in the last eight games.
“We were very good and started the game like a house on fire,” said Dean. “That was a young team out there as well. We’ve had a few injuries this week and started the game really well. To go two goals up inside the first eight minutes gave everyone a massive lift.
“I thought we had pace and power about us and some good football at times. There was a period in the first half when we had to sit back behind the ball and let them have it a bit and force the mistake.
Scott Hogan’s first start in a Brentford shirt led to another brace, bringing his tally to five goals from six games after his comeback from a serious knee injury.
“I’m so pleased for Scotty Hogan,” said Dean. “He’s come back and showed what he can do in the last month.”
Development Squad left back Tom Field was given his First Team debut and put in an accomplished performance until he was withdrawn due to injury early in the second half.
“He did really well until he pulled his calf muscle,” said Dean. “When Jake Bidwell was injured I thought long and hard about it. We had a couple of options; we could have put Yoann or Jack in at left back or young [Josh] Clarkey over there.
“I’ve liked what I’ve seen with Tom. Whenever I’ve seen him in the Development Squad he looks like he’s got a level head on young shoulders and he gives us more balance.”
You can view the entire interview with Dean on Bees PlayerHD now.