A balanced and skilful midfielder, Ethan Brierley made the move to Brentford in the summer of 2023.

Signing as a 19-year-old, Brierley brought with him first team experience, having played 25 league games for Rochdale in Sky Bet League Two across the 2022/23 season.

Having risen through the Rochdale youth set-up, Brierley made his senior debut in the 2020/21 season, as the Dale faced Huddersfield Town in the Carabao Cup.

Brierley wasted little time having an impact in west London after signing with the club, becoming an important member of Brentford B’s outfit.

He was rewarded with a first debut in the 2023/24 Carabao Cup as Brentford beat Newport County on penalties away from home, Brierley replacing Yehor Yarmoliuk on 78 minutes.

Brierley’s second season in west London saw his game go to another level, the midfielder playing 53 games across the pre-season, the Professional Development League (PDL), Premier League Cup (PL Cup), tour games and friendlies.

He recorded his best scoring season for Brentford, finishing with 12 goals and nine assists. The highlight came in the young Bees’ 4-1 PL Cup win over Derby County, Brierley scoring a hat-trick in tough conditions away from home.

He scored four goals across his next five games, including a brace in a 3-2 win over Charlton Athletic at Wheatsheaf Park.

Handed the captain’s armband, Brierley saved his best for last, picking up four assists across the PDL play-off semi-final win over Sheffield United, the PL Cup final loss to QPR and the PDL national final victory over Bournemouth.

Ahead of the 2025/26 season, Brierley joined Sky Bet League One side Exeter City on a season-long loan.

He featured 47 times for the Grecians across all competitions, including 39 league starts from 42 appearances.

The midfielder scored a goal and registered three assists as he established himself as a consistent League One player, one highlight coming in the Devon Derby as a Brierley assist helped Exeter to a 2-0 win over their rivals at home.