Jack O’Connell said he was “over the moon” to have joined Brentford from Blackburn Rovers.
The 20-year-old defender signed for The Bees yesterday, Monday February 2, and agreed a contract until the summer of 2018.
After completing the transfer, for an undisclosed fee, Jack spoke to Bees Player.
The tall defender, who can play at left back or centre half, came through the youth ranks at Blackburn but only played one game for Rovers.
He turned professional in the summer of 2012 and had loan spells at Rotherham United and York City during the 2012/13 season before spending the last campaign and the first half of this one on loan at Rochdale.
Jack said he had spoken to Brentford Manager Mark Warburton, Assistant Manager David Weir and Sporting Director Frank McParland before agreeing the switch.
He said Brentford, currently fifth in the Sky Bet Championship, were a club that was “flying” and he wanted to be part of it.
“I am over the moon to sign,” said Jack.
“I spoke to the gaffer and I spoke to David Weir and when they told me about the place I wanted to come straight away.
“This has been on the cards for a few weeks.
“Brentford told me they were interested and as I am not playing, I thought this would be the best move for my career.
“I was made up when I heard Brentford wanted me, this club is flying at the minute.
“Frank and David Weir told me about the place and the vibe.
“There are a good bunch of lads here and I hope it will be a good move for me.”
Jack has moved up through the divisions during his loans.
He was part of the Rochdale team – along with Brentford striker Scott Hogan – that won promotion from League Two last season and he has played 17 League One games this term.
“I wasn’t playing at Blackburn, I have spent the majority of my career out on loan,” said Jack.
“It wasn’t that hard a decision to leave.
“It was a big step for me at first, in to League One, but I have grown as a person and as a player.
“Hopefully I can get a few games for Brentford and challenge myself in the Championship.”
Jack said he might go back out on loan to get more experience before returning to West London for pre-season.
The defender, who can play at left back or centre half, said he liked to play out from defence and thought Brentford was a good fit for him.
“I think the first thought is for me to go back to Rochdale, or another League One club, and play more games,” said Jack.
“Then I will come back in pre-season and fight for a place.
“I love playing, like any player, I just want to play.
“I play out from the back, which is why I think Brentford is a good move for me.
“I am a defender, I can play and I can defend, which is why I think Brentford will be a good move for me.
“I have played left back before and at centre back.”
Jack said Brentford were a club moving forward and that was the main reason he signed.
“Brentford are flying,” he said.
“This is a club that is going forward and that is what they said to me.
“That is one of the biggest reasons why I have signed.
“I want to hit the ground running in pre-season, if I go out on loan, and then get a spot in the team.”
A full video interview with Jack O’Connell is available here for Bees Player subscribers.