Club Captain Kevin O’Connor described his excitement at signing a new one-year contract on Thursday, which will take him into his 16th season as a professional footballer.
The new deal will also see him involved in coaching at levels throughout the Club.
Speaking to Bees Player on Thursday, Kevin was delighted to be a chance to be in the First Team squad for 2014/2015.
“Especially when you get to my age, it’s nice to be offered another deal, and to stay at a club that’s going places, I’m really excited by it,” said Kevin.
“Everyone knows I wanted to stay here, and the Club have been good to me over the years and it’s worked really well, so it was an easy decision.
“The squad is absolutely fantastic, the best that I’ve been involved in since I’ve been at the club,” said Kevin.
“You’ve got to just try and be the best you can be; to work hard every day, enjoy it, work for your team mates and realise it’s about the team, not about the individual and if the team does well, accolades will come your way.”
Kevin was also confident that by the end of the season, he and his team mates had enough talent to secure promotion to the Championship.
“I’m not one to shout it from the roof tops but we’re all set up and ready for the run-in,” said Kevin.
“So as long as we apply ourselves correctly, as I’m sure we will, then we’ve got every single chance.”
The new contract has been structured so that Kevin can begin coaching alongside his current playing role.
“The manager has offered me this role, which will involve Academy up to the First Team, working off Mark and David Weir,” said Kevin.
“It’s exciting for me; we’re going to structure it so if I’m playing it will be less coaching, and if I’m not, then I get more involved.
“I’ve always had an interest, and tried to take the positives from each manager, and I’ve had quite a few over the years.
“It’s always been in the back of my mind, but the last four or five years I’ve taken an interest in it, and started to do my [coaching] badges as well.
“It’s a natural progression as I get older and see the younger lads come through.
“I enjoy watching them improve, and try to give them advice if I can.”
Kevin admitted that opportunities could have taken him elsewhere but his first choice was always Brentford.
“I possibly could have gone to another club for one or two years, but I want to stay here – my roots are here,” said Kevin.
“I love this club, it’s been great for me and there are some really good people I can learn a lot off and see where that takes me in the future.”
See the full Bees Player interview with Kevin O’Connor.