Lee Carsley’s final game as Brentford Head Coach ended in a draw as Neil Danns second-half goal cancelled out John Swift’s fine early strike.
With Dean Smith confirmed as the new Bees boss ahead of kick-off Swift gave Carsley the perfect start with a fine curling effort after just ten minutes but Danns struck midway through the half to deny The Bees the three points.
Speaking to Bees Player after the match Lee said there were plenty of positives to take from a physical night at The Macron Stadium.
“It was a really entertaining game and I thought we played really well,” said Lee. “Their goal was a bit of a scrappy goal and I thought that we had enough chances to win two games. In that respect it was frustrating not to get the win but overall I am happy with the point. The boys stood up to the physical challenge. Sometimes when you are up against a physical opponent like Bolton it is easy to give away fouls. That is the easy way out and I thought, at times, we did that but in the main James Tarkowski and Jack O’Connell have handled a strong player in Shola Ameobi who has been there and done it. It was good for them.
“Playing away from home you are going to have times where you are playing under a lot of pressure. When situations like that do arise you hope that they are capable of handling it and they were. There were a lot of plusses all over the pitch tonight. I didn’t expect anything less than a point from the boys after Bolton scored. The character has never been questioned. We told the boys before the goal that they were going to have setbacks and they dealt with that well tonight.”
After taking an early lead a mixture of fine goalkeeping and wasteful play in the final third meant that The Bees didn’t extend their advantage against bottom of the table Bolton.
Lasse Vibe was denied twice by Ben Amos with John Swift and Alan McCormack also unable to find a way past the former Manchester United stopper.
Despite his side’s failure to kill off the game Lee was pleased with the attacking threat his team carried and backed them to come good in the near future.
“I thought Lasse Vibe was a real threat up front and it was a shame that he couldn’t get his performance rewarded with a goal,” said Lee. “He worked tirelessly, closed down and was very good, so it was just a shame he couldn’t get the goal. I would rather miss the chances than not create them. If Lasse keeps getting into those positions then he will score goals. I watched him score 40 goals from last season earlier today because I wanted to see what type of goals he has in him and he has every one in the locker. As soon as it drops for him he will go on a run.”
Under the former Everton and Republic of Ireland midfielder The Bees have lost just once in eight matches, picking up 17 points, moving from just above the relegation zone to the brink of the Play-Offs.
Lee will assist new manager Dean Smith, who had a watching brief at The Macron Stadium this evening, settle into his role as Head Coach and has challenged The Bees to build on their good recent run.
“The main thing for me was to get the lads playing with confidence and with belief and energy,” said Lee. “I think that we achieved that. It is important now, and we spoke about it after the game, that they keep going on and get into the Play-Offs. I see my role now as giving Dean a profile on what the players are like, what their strengths and weaknesses are, and trying to help him settle in as quickly as I can.”
Nearly 400 fans made the long trip up to Lancashire this evening and Lee said their support tonight, and over his entire time in charge, is something that won’t be forgotten.
“We wanted to make sure that we showed our appreciation to them,” said Lee. “Christmas is coming up and there is a lot of expense in the travelling so their commitment and wish to be with us tonight was much appreciated. To hear my name being sung is a nice pat on the back for myself. My time in charge is something that I will never forget.”
Bees Player subscribers can listen to the full interview below