Romaine Sawyers thinks that he will fit in well to the club’s ethos after he completed his move from Walsall to The Bees this morning. The 24-year-old midfielder, who made more than 150 appearances in three seasons in the West Midlands, was given his chance at Walsall by current Brentford Head Coach Dean Smith and is looking forward to linking up with his former boss again at Griffin Park.
Speaking to Bees Player after joining, Romaine said: “Dean Smith has looked after me and managed me for the last three years and I can’t thank him enough for that. To be able to move forward in this direction, with him ahead of me, is good. I am a technical player who likes to get on the ball. Playing against Brentford last year I can see that that is the Brentford way. I have watched videos and I think I will fit into the club’s ethos. It is good playing at Griffin Park. It is a nice ground, nice and compact, and the fans are always vocal.”
Birmingham born Romaine came through the ranks at West Bromwich Albion before moving to The Bescot Stadium in 2013. After two good seasons with The Saddlers it was last season that Romaine really hit the headlines, playing in all 57 of Walsall’s matches as they reached the League One Play-Offs and progressed to the Fourth Round of the FA Cup and Third Round of the League Cup. His performances saw him named in the PFA League One Team of the Year and he was shortlisted for the Player of the Year award. On the back of such an impressive season The Bees new signing was eager to test himself at a higher level and said Brentford’s interest was too good to turn down.
“I had a good season last season,” said Romaine. “I was in good form, and it co-incided with my contract being up. I had options and, if the option is there to step into a club like Brentford I am not going to turn it down. I have had a taste of the Championship in recent season in cup games but I feel that my form and the timing has linked really well together. It’s a good first impression for me. Being in the lower leagues makes you appreciate the amount of pitches, buildings, and staff members around. It is a good club to be part of. I have had a long summer so I am happy to get it sorted so quickly. We had a young group at Walsall and I think that brings the group closer together when everyone is a similar age. I appreciate the faith that Brentford have shown in me and four years is a big statement.”