Some of the works undertaken at Griffin Park this summer have been done in order to ensure the ground can host Premier League football, according to Brentford FC Chief Executive Mark Devlin.
During a lengthy interview with Bees PlayerHD, Mark spoke about Griffin Park hosting Premier League games.
It was a topic on the agenda earlier in 2015 as Brentford battled for a Premier League place, eventually losing in the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Finals.
He outlined some of the work that had taken place at Griffin Park this summer, including pitch renovations and power upgrades.
And Mark added some of this has been done so The Bees can be ready if they win promotion.
“Some work had to take place,” Mark explained.
“Our supporters will know, I was asked continually if Griffin Park could host Premier League football.
“We always felt we could.
“Certain things – the cabling I talked about, floodlights and power – couldn’t wait until we knew our fate.
“Our floodlights will be much brighter and I hope fans and professional photographers will notice the difference.
“We had to do some work and take a gamble.
“That is now done.
“When we get promoted it won’t be the frenetic close season it would have been.”
Mark said he thought the short break between seasons would be enough to get Griffin Park ready for the Premier League if necessary but it would be a challenge.
He said it would be easier because of the work done this summer.
“We think the close season will be big enough to get ready but it will be tough,” said Mark.
“Our biggest challenge would be the media requirements.
“These are substantial and will be the biggest challenge whenever we get promoted.
“The plans are in place.
“Planning permission has been applied for.
“Things are further down the line, we are in a better place.
“It would be a full and busy close season but we are closer to the end line.”
Mark said work was also being done to have a Club structure ready for the top flight.
“We have started to structure based on ambitions to play in the Premier League as soon as possible,” he said.
“Everything we do is geared to be in the Premier League.
“Griffin Park will always give us some challenges, it is not a modern Premier League stadium but it creates an atmosphere others don’t.
“The facilities are not what fans are looking for.
“We are bringing people in to the Club that are of Premier League standard and we want to be promoted.
“We know the structure we want, the systems and the people we need to be a successful Premier League team off the field.”
The full video interview can be seen on Bees PlayerHD and more from Mark Devlin will be on www.brentfordfc.co.uk tomorrow.