October started with The Bees heading up the M1 to take on Paul Clement’s Derby County. For boss Lee Carsley it was a return to where his career began, but it wasn’t to be a happy reunion as goals from Chris Martin and Tom Ince saw County coast to victory at the iPro Stadium. Both goals came in the first-half as Brentford went into the second international break outside the relegation zone only on goal difference.
There was better news for the Academy teams as goals from Chris Mepham and Danny Parish gave Jon De Souza’s Youth Team their first win in five matches after a 2-1 success over Hull City on Humberside. Kevin O’Connor maintained his unbeaten run in charge of the Development Squad as they made progress in the Under-21 Premier League Cup, Lewis Macleod heading home the winner against local rivals Queens Park Rangers on his first appearance since March. The Under-18s couldn’t maintain that winning form however, going down 2-1 away at Bristol City a week later, Josh Bohui’s strike not enough for The Bees in the West Country.
On the personnel front it was a case of one in one out as England Youth International John Swift joined on an initial one-month youth loan from near neighbours Chelsea while 21-year-old defender Josh Clarke switched to Martin Allen’s Barnet until the New Year.
The final round of qualifying for the 2016 European Championships took place in early October with both the Republic of Ireland and Austria confirming their place in the Play-Offs. Alan Judge and Lasse Vibe were unused substitutes for their nations as a 1-0 win over Germany and 2-1 defeat to Poland saw Ireland finish third in their group while Denmark’s 1-0 defeat to Portugal meant they would need to go via the Play-Offs to book their place in France. Daniel O’Shaughnessy added a further two caps to his collection as Finland’s Under-21s moved joint top of their qualifying group for the 2017 Euros following a 1-0 win in Azerbaijan.
Former Director and Chairman Martin Lange died on 12 October after a long battle with illness. A fan from childhood, Martin was involved with the club for more than 20 years and also served on the Football League board. He was instrumental in the adoption of the Play-Off system and pushed for squad numbering and player names on the back of shirts.