Brentford Manager Mark Warburton paid tribute to his players for the way they responded to a week of “upheaval” and beat Oldham Athletic at Griffin Park.
Hours before an FA Cup with Budweiser Second Round tie at Carlisle United last Saturday, December 7, Uwe Rösler left his position as Brentford Manager to take up the same role at Wigan Athletic.
Mark, formerly Sporting Director, was named as Brentford boss and kicked off his reign with a win against Oldham Athletic yesterday, Saturday December 14.
Jonathan Douglas scored the winner, heading home a Sam Saunders cross in stoppage time.
Brentford had won seven of their last eight Sky Bet League One games before Uwe Rösler left.
They made it eight from nine, with the other result a draw away to promotion favourites Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the win over Oldham.
Mark, speaking after the match, said he was delighted for the players and the win showed their desire to succeed.
“We have had a tremendous run,” said the Brentford Manager.
“All credit to Uwe and the staff and players.
“It has been outstanding.
“Now we are on a new run.
“The boys are talking about the next five games being vital, it’s testament to their desire.
“The players have been tremendous; it has been a week of upheaval.
“Uwe is a very good man manager; he had a great relationship with the players.
“It’s credit to the players for the way they have dealt with it this week, come out and won a game in the last minute.
“I am delighted for them and full of praise for their character.”
Mark said Oldham largely played on the counter-attack but did it well.
Brentford probably had the better of the game but Oldham also had chances, especially when they won the ball high up the field and broke in numbers.
“I thought the game was even overall,” he said.
“I thought we dominated possession, especially in the first half, without really testing their goalkeeper.
“They looked for the counter-attack and were successful in doing it.
“When we lost balls in key areas, they nearly punished us.
“We knew it would happen and we could have done better in certain areas.”
Mark brought on Sam Saunders, Marcello Trotta and Farid El Alagui in the second half as they looked for the win.
He said Sam Saunders gave The Bees a spark that they had lacked.
Mark said he was delighted with the contribution of his substitutes but also had praise for the players taken off, Will Grigg, Kadeem Harris and George Saville.
“I felt we were lacking a spark,” he said.
“I asked Sam to go out, make a difference, add the spark.
“I thought he was tremendous.
“Will Grigg worked tirelessly, made some very clever runs and maybe wasn’t found when he should have been.
“Trotta came on and added something, so did Farid.
“The subs made a combination.
“I want to use the personnel at our disposal.
“I am delighted with the contribution they made.”
Mark said he would have to use all his First Team squad if Brentford were to reach their potential this season.
They currently sit third, four points off the top of League One.
They play four games in 11 days in a busy Christmas period – away matches against fourth-placed Preston North End and fifth-placed Peterborough United sandwiching home games against Play-Off chasers Swindon Town and Milton Keynes Dons.
“It is a squad game,” said Mark.
“It is not about 11, 14 or 18.
“This is the first of five good games that we are looking forward to.
“The whole squad will be involved in those.
“I had to speak to Toumani Diagouraga today and leave him out.
“I have known him since he was at Watford and he is a top young professional.
“His response was tremendous.
“We won’t go as high as we can go on 11 or 14.”
Mark also paid tribute to his staff for their work in the past week.
He said there were people in the camp who had the ability to work at the highest level.
But he added he would not try to keep anyone who did not want to be at Griffin Park.
“I want people who want to be at Brentford,” he said.
“If we create the right environment, they won’t want to leave.
“And that applies whether it is a member of staff, an Under-nine player or a First Team player.
“We will create the right environment and if anyone still wants to go, I’d rather replace them with someone who wants to be at Brentford.
“We have good quality staff and I am delighted with them.
“They can work higher.
“They believe in the project, as I do.
“I also believe in the players.
“If I can get the best out of them, it will be fantastic.”
Mark’s final word was for the Brentford fans.
A large pre-Christmas crowd gave the new boss a great reception and he hailed the way they backed The Bees until the end.
Mark added his job was to provide a team to entertain those who pay their money.
“I was very thankful to the fans for their reception,” said Mark.
“The crowd were fantastic today.
“People work hard all week, they come here and we have to entertain them.
“We have to produce results and pay creative attacking football.
“We have to provide value for money.”
Bees Player subscribers can see full post-match reaction from Mark Warburton here.