“Dean and Richard are great people as well as great coaches and I am grateful to them for the introduction they gave me to English football - I look forward to seeing them both this evening. That said, it’s important that we approach this game with the same attitude as any other; there’s three points at stake and we want to add to our tally.”
From the Dugout: Thomas Frank looks ahead to this evening’s meeting with Aston Villa
“Football clubs have the power to create memories that will last a lifetime; there is no better evidence for this statement than the footage of Neal Maupay presenting his match-worn shirt to Eira Griffiths, our ‘Young Head Coach’ for the visit of Blackburn. Initiatives such as this are in our DNA – our local community is so important to us as a football club.”
From the Boardroom: An update from Brentford Chairman, Cliff Crown
Match Preview: Line-ups, latest news and last-five form guide
In Opposition: Squad list, profiles and stats. Get clued up on our visitors
Four in Focus: Villa’s key quartet in profile
“As with any manager at any club, if results don’t go their way then questions are asked. There has been a little bit of criticism, purely because Villa haven’t won as many games as the fans expect.”
Hot off the Press: With Gregg Evans of the Birmingham Mail
Heroes and Villains: Greville Waterman looks back on some previous clashes with today’s opponents through the lens of two significant performances
“I was away on international duty and my mum texted me to tell me the news. There had been no sign – it came out of nowhere. Everyone knows my relationship with Dean, he’s done so much for me and my family so it was a hard one to take. Being away gave me some time to get over it before I came back to work. I’m so thankful for everything Dean has done for me, but work is work and you’ve got to move on.”
Old Friends, New Foes: BEES caught up with Romaine Sawyers as he prepares to cross paths with former Head Coach, Dean Smith
Big Book of Griffin Park: Newspaper reports from Brentford’s first meeting with Aston Villa in September 1935
History Boys: Dan Long profiles those on the peripheries of Brentford’s 2008/09 title-winning team
Park Life: Swansea, Saïd and the return of Smith. Nick Bruzon is back with his latest musings
Brentford B: Assistant Coach Allan Steele looks back on a challenging second quarter for Brentford’s second squad
You’re the Boss: B Team Head Coach Lars Friis opts for a blend of current and classic for his all-time XI
“As a player, it requires real trust in yourself, your team-mates and most of all your manager to maintain belief when everything is crumbling around you. It’s only when you are truly up against that you find out what players and managers are truly made of.”
Last Word: The business end. Ben Burgess discusses the importance of mental strength with the final months of the campaign upon us
Pick up a copy of BEES around Griffin Park for £3.50. Unable to make it to the game? All of this season’s programmes can be purchased online from our supplier, Curtis Sport. Click here.