Young goalkeeper Mark Smith said he learned a lot from being around older members of the squad as he returned from Brentford’s Training Camp in Portugal to keep a clean sheet in the 5-0 win over Biggleswade United.
Smith, who featured in the 3-0 win over Sporting Clube Farense in Brentford’s first pre-season friendly, felt his time in Portugal showed him a lot of what it takes to be a professional both on and off the pitch.
Speaking to Bees Player Mark said: “It was a good experience going away to Portugal. Working closely with the boys and being around them for 10 days you really got a feel for it. It was hard work out there. It was psychologically hard as well as it was hot and you were coming in tired but having to go out and train again in the afternoon. Working with David Button, Simon Royce and Jack Bonham you got to see a different side. You saw how they prepare for training and for games. I watched them very closely because you can only learn from them.”
Mark was speaking after a comfortable afternoon between the posts for the Development Squad as they beat Biggleswade United 5-0 at Second Meadow.
The teenager wasn’t troubled throughout the 90 minutes but said despite that it was still a good run out for him and the rest of the side.
“It was quite a comfortable afternoon for me,” said Mark. “I didn’t have too many saves to make from my point of view but it was a good test today. It was very much a concentration game for me today and being prepared for that shot that might come. I though the team played very well today. They weren’t too bad of a side but we made them look very average.
“It is important to get the minutes and get that match sharpness back. You can do all the training you want but you still won’t get that match sharpness. That can only come from playing games. Lee spoke to us before the game and told us that he wants us to try and play. He wanted us to try things that we might not try in a competitive game. Today was a chance to learn and try new things.”
Mark spent a portion of last season on loan at Hampton and Richmond Borough and impressed for the Ryman Premier League side.
The stopper doesn’t know what the upcoming season holds for him but said that whether he stays at Griffin Park or goes out on loan he will make sure that he gives it his all.
“Whether I am third choice, second choice or first choice I still have a job to do,” said Mark. “I have to turn up to training and when I get a chance I have got to take it. If the club are happy for me to go on loan I would be happy doing that. I love playing football and the competitive side so if that is something they want me to do I would be more than happy to go out on loan and get more experience.”
Bees Player subscribers can see the full interview with Mark Smith below