Brentford Manager Mark Warburton has praised his back room staff after his first week in the job.
Mark was named Brentford boss on Tuesday, December 10, leaving his position as Sporting Director.
He had held that role for two and a half years working with Uwe Rösler, who left Brentford’s managerial role to take up the same position as Wigan Athletic boss last Saturday, December 7.
Mark took training for the first time on Tuesday and has been preparing for a Sky Bet League One game against Oldham Athletic, which will be played at Griffin Park tomorrow, Saturday December 14.
He praised the players for their attitude and hailed the way the Club’s staff have got on with things over the past few days.
He said the conditioning and medical staff – lead by Head of Conditioning Chris Haslam and Head of Medical Neil Greig respectively – would have key roles as The Bees enter the busy Christmas period and added Head of Analysis Neil McIlhargey and First Team Performance Analyst Luke Stopforth had helped him prepare for the visit of Oldham.
“We will go through Oldham’s strengths and weaknesses,” said Mark, speaking to Bees Player.
“Neil McIlhargey and Luke Stopforth have done that for us.
“They are top class people to have in those roles.
“Our focus is how we can use our strengths to expose their weaknesses, rather than the other way round.
“We have to believe in our own ability.”
Oldham are unbeaten in nine, although they lost a penalty shoot-out in a Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie to Chesterfield on Tuesday, and Mark said he knew they would pose a test.
But Brentford are also going well.
They were beaten by Carlisle United in an FA Cup with Budweiser Second Round tie last week which ended a nine game unbeaten run, during which The Bees had picked up eight wins.
Brentford are now fourth in League One, level on points with third-placed Preston North End and six points off the top.
“There are no easy games in this division,” said Mark.
“Oldham have put in some really good performances, we are aware of that.
“But before Carlisle we had played nine games and got eight wins and a draw.
“There will be two in-form teams and I hope it will be a good spectacle.”
Jonathan Douglas and Kadeem Harris missed the game against Carlisle but Mark said they should be available for the match against Oldham.
“Jonathan and Kadeem trained well today,” he said.
“Their attitude has been first class.
“I hope they will be OK to play.
“We have a fit squad, touch wood, going in to the weekend in good shape.”
Mark said he had enjoyed his time as Brentford Manager so far but praised his colleagues for helping the players through the change.
“It has been enjoyable so far,” he continued.
“I had a productive day on Wednesday, when the boys had a day off, and their attitude in training has been fantastic.
“The support staff have been magnificent.
“I couldn’t have asked for more on and off the pitch.
“Training is enjoyable.
“A manager leaving can be turbulent.
“The support staff have maintained a consistent approach in everything they have done.
“If I can provide sessions they enjoy, so much the better.”
Mark said walking out as a manager would be a new experience but he was pleased it would be at Griffin Park.
He added he wanted Brentford fans to watching his team.
“Walking out at two minutes to three will be all new to me,” said Mark.
“It is nice it will be at home.
“I want the players to play with a smile on their face, enjoy their football.
“If they enjoy their work they will produce better.
“I want the fans to enjoy coming to Griffin Park.”
After the game against Oldham, Brentford travel to Preston next Saturday, December 21.
In the following 11 days they face three more games, against Swindon Town at home on Boxing Day, December 26, against Milton Keynes Dons at Griffin Park on December 29 and away to Peterborough United on New Year’s Day, January 1 2014.
“We have a heavy games programme coming up,” said Mark.
“This is where the staff earn their money.
“They look after the squad and make sure the intensity of work is appropriate.
“You have to prepare a workload for the players.
“Every squad has niggly injuries and concerns.
“The medical team are invaluable in managing players through.
“They have to be supported and be fit to play.”
Bees Player subscribers can see a video interview with Mark Warburton here.