Adam Forshaw described Brentford’s pre-season training camp in Florida as “really good”.
The Bees have just returned from more than a week at the IMG Academy, in Bradenton, and will begin their pre-season match programme on Thursday, July 17, when they face Boreham Wood.
Adam, who spoke to Bees Player towards the end of the camp, said his time in Florida had been slightly different to everyone else as he had ankle surgery in April and is not yet in full training
But he was happy with how his rehabilitation was progressing and very happy with his time in America.
“It has been really good,” said Adam.
“You have hard work and down time, which has been really good.
“The facilities, hotel has been great.
“The lads have got everything they have worked for.”
The midfield player had struggled with an ankle problem for many months before undergoing surgery.
He said he worked with the medical staff to get through the 2013/14 season – a year that saw Brentford win promotion and Adam win a series of awards, including Sky Bet League One Player of the Year.
Adam admitted his time in Florida had been a bit frustrating but he was pleased with it overall.
“It has been different for me than the rest of the lads,” he said.
“It has been frustrating at times, watching them training and knowing I can’t do that yet.
“I have been put through my paces in the pool, on the pitch and on the bike.
“I am pleased and I think he physios are pleased.
“We achieved what we aimed for and more this week.
“To train this week has been promising.
“I knew I needed the operation.
“I worked with the medical staff to get through it.
“As soon as we got promoted I knew the time was right.”
Brentford start their Sky Bet Championship on Saturday August 9 when Charlton Athletic come to Griffin Park.
Adam said everyone at Brentford believed they could do well after moving up a division.
“We will be an unknown quantity at the start of the season, which will play in to our hands,” he said.
“We are quietly confident we can do something special this year.
“You only have to speak to the management and the Owner to see we are pulling in the right direction.
“We believe we can do well.”
Adam said once he was back to full training he would be “as happy as you can be”.
“The only thing making me unhappy is that I am not training,” said the midfield player.
“Being a Brentford player is ten out of ten otherwise.
“As soon as I get myself out there I will be as happy as you can be.
“I can’t wait for the season to start, playing at some of those grounds and bringing those teams to Griffin Park, trying to make it a fortress again.
“It was a great accolade to win promotion but we haven’t spoken about it.
“We have to remember what made us good last year but this is a new challenge, playing in a different league.
“We want to get a good start and build from there.”
Adam added he was looking forward to playing for Brentford in a West London derby.
“I want to play at Fulham,” he said.
“I know how much it means to the fans and everyone involved at the Club.
“They are a big club and it will be a good game.
“I am looking forward to the home games; we want to make it a fortress.”
Bees Player subscribers can see a full video interview with Adam Forshaw here.