Jon De Souza said Brentford offered second professional contracts to four Development Squad players as they felt they could make the step up to the First Team.
The Club announced earlier this month that Charlie Adams, Antonio German, Luke Norris and Aaron Pierre had all been offered new Development Squad contracts.
Antonio German has subsequently turned down his new deal.
The Bees finished fourth in the Under-21 Professional Development League Two South table, four points behind the top two, Charlton Athletic and Cardiff City, and two behind Brighton and Hove Albion.
But Development Squad Manager Jon said it was not a desire to keep that team together that prompted new contract offers but the belief those four players could make a First Team impact.
“I feel all the players we have offered contracts to have a chance of playing in the First Team,” said Jon, speaking to Bees Player last week.
“As good as the season has been in terms of results and performances, we are here to produce players for the First Team.
“I haven’t signed players for the Development Squad; I have signed them because I think they can play for the First Team.
“As did the Academy Director, as did the First Team Manager.
“It is important we keep hold of players who can make it to the First Team.”
Sam Griffiths and Leon Redwood, who were part of the same group, have not been offered new terms and Jon said he hoped they would prove Brentford wrong.
“When we make decisions on Development Squad players we speak to the First Team staff,” explained the Development Squad boss.
“Regardless of what I think and what a player can do for the Development Squad, if they won’t get in the First Team picture they shouldn’t be offered a new contract.
“The Manager felt Sam and Leon were a little short of what was required in some areas.
“I tell any player that leaves that I would love them to prove me wrong.
“I would love to see them playing professional football this time next year.”
First professional deals were offered to Josh Clarke and Tyrell Miller-Rodney, who completed their two-year scholarships with the Club this summer, and Jack Uttridge, who arrived on a short-term academy contract from Histon.
Josh and Tyrell both joined the Club in 2011 but were too old to play for the Youth Team this season so played in the Development Squad games.
Jon spoke about each player.
“Josh excites me,” he said.
“He has only been playing for three years.
“He has all the raw attributes but has big improvements to make tactically and technically.
“He has real pace and trickery, which is ideal for a wide player.
“Sometimes you get a player who has been at a club for ten years and you wonder how much development is left.
“If you get a player who hasn’t played football and has a chance, you feel you can kick them on further.”
He continued: “Tyrell’s desire and application is brilliant.
“He works hard, he wins tackles, he competes really well.
“We are pleased with him out of possession, we believe he is good with the ball but needs to improve a little bit.
“Hopefully he will then kick on.
“It has been hard for players like Tyrell – when First Team players like Jake Reeves have played Development Squad games, his route has been blocked.
“The rule changes meant he couldn’t play in the Youth Team.”
Jon added: “Jack is a left sided defender.
“He is very professional in what he does and did well for the Youth Team.
“He talks well and can pass and, most importantly, he can defend.
“He is someone we think has a bright future.”
None of the young players who completed their two-year Youth Team scholarships were offered professional terms.
“Unfortunately for those released, I didn’t feel the qualities they possessed would allow them to develop at this Football Club,” said Jon.
“I am hoping they can progress elsewhere.”
Jon said Brentford’s Under-21 squad will return to pre-season earlier than the First Team group.
He said there was a chance for them to make the step up to the First Team group during the summer months if they were ready.
He added the coaching team will take the Under-21 group away for a residential camp during pre-season, as they did last season.
“We want to get the Development Squad players in, ready and fit by the time the First Team players return,” said Jon.
“We will be back earlier.
“We will have four or four and half weeks off.
“We will encourage them to have two weeks off completely and then build back up.
“The best time to get in to the First Team is pre-season.
“There is an opportunity for our players to come back fitter than the First Team players and try to force their way in.
“The Manager has always said there is a chance.
“We have to make sure they are ready.
“We will take the group away in July.
“That is useful; we can get to know them.”
Jon, who arrived at Griffin Park in the summer of 2011, said he is enjoying his time at Brentford and believed the Club was close to meeting its aspirations
“We want to be recognised as one of the top ten Academies in the country,” he said.
“We know to do that we have to make a lot of improvements.
“What we do is good but we have to add to that.
“We won’t rest until we do it.
“I enjoy it here.
“I was told of the aspirations to be a top Academy and a Championship club when I arrive.
“I feel that is still on track.
“In the next couple of years we will achieve both and hopefully kick on from there.”
An end-of-season interview with Jon De Souza was broadcast in three parts – Bees Player subscribers can see it here, here and here.