Brentford Manager Mark Warburton said it was “absolutely the right decision” to call of the Sky Bet League One match against Crawley Town yesterday.
The match was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch yesterday morning.
Rain had fallen overnight on an already sodden pitch and there was nowhere for it to drain.
With pools of water on the pitch, referee Stephen Martin called it off.
Mark spoke to Bees Player after the decision and said the referee had got it right.
He said the players wanted to play but would now prepare for upcoming away games against Sheffield United, on Wednesday, and Crewe Alexandra, on Saturday.
“It was absolutely the right decision,” said Mark.
“There is surface water.
“The pitch is very heavy.
“We would damage the pitch further.
“It was the right decision by the referee.
“The boys want to play and we were ready to play.
“We are conscious of the schedule this week with travelling to Sheffield and Crewe.
“We will train this morning and prepare for Sheffield United.
“The ground staff have been magnificent.
“They have work tirelessly here and at the Training Ground.
“We can’t fight Mother Nature.”
James Tarkowski has joined Brentford’s training group.
The central defender signed from Oldham Athletic at the end of January but a deal was in place for him to go back to the Greater Manchester side on loan.
However, Mark said James was now needed as Tony Craig had a broken hand that was being managed and Harlee Dean had just returned after a month off.
“The idea was that Harlee and Tony have been our first choice centre halves,” said Mark.
“They have done outstandingly well over the past two years and been in good form this season.
“James could have played for Oldham and maintained his match fitness.
“Now, Tony has a problem with his hand, he has done great and managed it but we have to look at it.
“Harlee is on his way back from injury, he has been outstanding but we have to be aware of that.
“We have to make sure all bases are covered here and give ourselves the best chance in upcoming fixtures.
“James will train this morning.
“He is one of us now.”
Sheffield United beat Shrewsbury Town yesterday and have also recently beaten Premier League Aston Villa and Fulham in the FA Cup.
After Brentford’s visit they face Nottingham Forest in the Fifth Round of the FA Cup with Budweiser.
Mark said Brentford had watched Sheffield United but were only concerned with themselves.
“Training will be intense today and then on Monday we will have a normal Thursday session preparing to travel on Tuesday,” he said.
“We will get back in the early hours of Thursday morning, recovery on Thursday and travel Friday.
“It is an intense schedule but the players are ready for it.
“Sheffield United fully deserved to beat Fulham.
“Their cup run won’t sap their energy; they will be prepared for it.
“They have an experienced manager in Nigel Clough and they will be ready for us.
“It will be a tough game but all we are worried about is how we prepare.
“We watch games but our focus is Brentford.
“If we do what we do well we know we will be in good shape.”
Brentford FC has paid for coaches to take supporters to the Sheffield United match for free.
Mark said the players and staff appreciated the noise produced by the travelling fans.
He pointed to the travelling support at Wolverhampton Wanderers as an example of the Brentford team being lifted and said he wanted the same for the potentially crucial derby against Leyton Orient next month.
“I can’t over-estimate the effect the fans have on the players,” said Mark.
“We really appreciate the numbers and the noise.
“Players are aware of the financial implications of travelling home and away, the families, the weather and other factors.
“They know the sacrifices that are made.
“We walked out at Wolves to 2,000 Brentford fans.
“We are looking at showing our support at Leyton Orient too, even though the match is on TV.
“The support has a real impact and we are very grateful to every fan that turns up.”
A full video interview with Mark Warburton is available here for Bees Player subscribers.