The Brentford squad from the memorable 1991/92 season were reunited on Saturday ahead of our Premier League match against Southampton.
Players from the title-winning team gathered at the Novotel before and after at a special event organised by the Club’s Legends Liaison Manager, Mike Sullivan, and supported by Peter Gilham and the Brentford Lifeline Society. The group were also joined post-match by Chairman Cliff Crown, plus three specially invited guests, former Chairman Dan Tana, and former players Bradley Walsh and Chris Kamara.
The 1991/92 season will never be forgotten by those that lived through it. A Brentford squad managed by Phil Holder, captained by cult hero Terry Evans and powered by the goals of Dean Holdsworth won their last six games to finish the season as Third Division champions. The Bees gained promotion to the second tier, the newly named Division One, for the first time since 1953/54 and clinched the title with landmark wins over Fulham and Peterborough United on consecutive weekends. In 2013, Bees fans voted it the best Brentford season ever.
Graham Benstead, Bob Booker, Paul Buckle, Terry Evans, Marcus Gayle, Phil Holder, Keith Millen, Graham Pearce, Neil Smillie and Brian Statham were all involved and also made an appearance pitchside before kick-off where fans showed their appreciation for their title-winning achievement.
Marcus Gayle, who was a member of that squad and is now a Club Ambassador said: “It was brilliant to see everyone again although I can’t quite believe it was 30 years ago. I was the baby of that team back in the day, along with my good friend Paul Buckle, who flew in from the USA - we’ve been close ever since then. The team were in great spirits and it was great to have our gaffer, Phil, at our new stadium for the first time.
“We we’re all touched by the response we received from the fans as we all relived our memories from that season and shared some old stories. It was a special day. There were a few of the squad who couldn’t make it for various reasons but they weren’t forgotten. I know many tuned in from afar and we hope to be able to welcome them to Brentford Community Stadium soon.”
Mike Sullivan paid tribute to the group and acknowledged the reaction of the Bees fans. “I saw today what coming back to Brentford Football Club meant to all these past legends. It was obvious that they remember their playing days at Brentford with great fondness and happy memories. I also witnessed what these past legends meant to our supporters. I think we were stopped every yard we took by supporters just wanting to stop, talk and have a photo taken with their heroes.”
Peter Gilham said he was proud that the Club and Brentford Lifeline Society organised this reunion: “It is so important for us to look back and celebrate moments like this from the Club’s history. Many fans look back fondly at the team of 1991/92 and their achievements. It was a privilege for us to bring the group back together and we thank them all for their efforts to attend.”