August 2014 was the month that Brentford fans had been looking forward to for more than 21 years as The Bees kicked off their first season back in the second tier since 1992/93.
The month began with the final pre-season match as Premier League Crystal Palace visited Griffin Park. In what proved to be a good appetiser for the season to come The Bees shaded a five goal thriller thanks to Moses Odubajo’s superb second-half goal.
Ahead of the opening day of the season there were more contracts to be signed as defender Daniel O’Shaughnessy joined from French side FC Metz on a two-year contract. Tommy Smith, who had been on trial at Griffin Park since mid-July signed a one-year deal. The pair were joined by German striker Nick Proschwitz who signed a one-year deal with another year option. There were also new rolling 12 month contracts for Mark Warburton, David Weir and Frank McParland, the management trio who had helped to guide Brentford to the second-tier during the 2013/14 season.
As it was The Bees would need a late, debut goal from Tommy Smith to secure a point from their opening match of the season at home to Charlton Athletic. The Addicks took the lead midway through the second-half when Igor Vetokele headed home from close range but Smith smashed home, with the aid of a deflection late on, to ensure Brentford registered a point in their opening match of the season.
Just three days later Mark Warburton and his squad headed to East London to take on Dagenham and Redbridge in the Capital One Cup First Round. Around 500 Brentford fans made the trip to the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Stadium and they were treated to a record-breaking evening as the two sides shared 12 goals in 120 minutes. Stuart Dallas scored a brace and there were also goals from Nick Proschwitz, Montell Moore, Andre Gray and Harlee Dean as a new League Cup goals record was set. The match was eventually settled on penalties as Richard Lee saved twice to allow Kevin O’Connor to slot home and set up the small matter of a local derby with Fulham in Round Two.
Next up was a trip to the South Coast to take on well-fancied AFC Bournemouth at The Goldsands Stadium. On the eve of the match The Bees numbers were boosted as Spanish winger Jota completed his move from Celta Vigo, Jon Toral joined on a season-long loan from Arsenal and youngster Montell Moore signed a new three-year contract. Despite a fine showing The Bees, and their new additions, left Dorset empty handed as Junior Stanislaus’ late goal ensured the home side continued their perfect start to the season.
August also saw the culmination of the Dale Farm Milk Cup in Northern Ireland with Finals Day held on 1 August. It was a day of mixed emotions for the two Brentford sides as the Under-15s produced a ruthless display to beat Premier League side Southampton 4-0 to win the Globe competition while the Under-17s finished off a disappointing week with a 3-2 defeat to Cherry Orchard that meant they finished eighth overall. The end of the Milk Cup also saw the end of Shaun O’Connor’s time at Brentford as the Head of Academy Recruitment left for a job at Arsenal after four years with The Bees.
The Development Squad continued their indifferent form ahead of the new season as a 2-0 defeat away at Conference National side Welling United was followed up by a behind closed doors win over Gillingham before a 10-1 defeat to a strong AFC Bournemouth side. There was also player movement to deal with in the Development Squad as goalkeeper Mark Smith headed out on loan to Hitchin Town while Alfie Mawson joined Sky Bet League Two side Wycombe Wanderers, both on initial one-month deals. Aaron Greene signed a one-year contract to be part of Development Squad for 2014/15.
The club was also honoured to pick up their CommunityMark award for investment in the local community. Only 44 companies currently hold the award and the club was applauded for the community work undertaken by Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, which saw them named the Football League Community Club of the Year 2014.