The Manchester-born youngster has gone through a slightly different journey to many of the young players in the team having started playing men’s football at the age of just 16. He joined Brentford from Stockport Town and for two years gained a great deal of experience testing himself against older players which has helped his game develop. The 20-year-old, who is the son of former professional footballer Paul Dickov who played for the likes of Manchester City, Leicester City, Blackburn Rovers and Scotland, says it was a decision taken by himself and his family for him to gain his A-Level qualifications whilst gaining experience in non-league.

Watch Max’s First Interview in full as he discusses his journey so far and his excitement at joining Brentford B

“To some people it doesn’t really appeal to them (to play in non-league) but at the time it felt like the right thing for me to do,” explained the young winger after signing with The Bees.

“I started playing men’s football which was amazing for me to get that experience of playing against men when you’re 16 or 17. They may look to kick you and hurt you so you have to be smart so that’s been great for me. Stockport were amazing for me and I think the they’ve put me in good stead to come here."

Max is no stranger to some of his teammates having spent time on trial with Brentford B last season. The youngster was able to learn about the way the side wanted to play tactically as well as understand the physical demands that are placed on the team.

He continued: “I’m so pleased to sign for such a great club. Hopefully this will be a great season for us all so I’m buzzing to get it under way now. Since I came in everyone has been so welcoming to me and made me feel at home which is credit to all of the staff and players. I think that will help me push on and develop even more because I’m familiar with the surroundings.

“The intensity on the training pitch and on match days is there for everyone to see. From the First Team to the B Team there is an environment where we try to run more than anyone else and we aim to work harder and I think that can be seen in the results. Last season gave me a good taste of what it’s going to be like.”

Recent seasons have seen players enter the B Team pathway from the non-league route as has been seen with the likes of Fin Stevens, who has now been promoted to the First Team squad, as well as Ryan Trevitt who is part of the B Team after joining from Leatherhead. Max feels that he can take inspiration from those players who have gone to do so well having not necessarily joined from an Academy side.

He explained: “I know Fin and Trev (Ryan Trevitt) really well and they’ve been amazing to me since I first came in. To see how well they’re doing, especially Fin with his promotion to the First Team, it gives you a confidence boost moving forwards because you know there is a pathway there and you can be within touching distance. It gives you real hope.”