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WE ARE GOING UP!
Published: Wed 28 Mar 2012 - By Ciaran Brett
Players and fans were joined in celebration as Brentford won promotion to the Championship.
Supporters flooded onto the pitch as the Bees secured a spot in the Championship following a 2-2 draw against Stevenage. Defeat for third-placed Sheffield United ensured that Gianfranco Zola's men will join title rivals Preston in the second tier. The upcoming season will be the Bees' first campaign in the Championship since 1992 after a superb run of recent form. Brentford are unbeaten in the league for nearly two months and have already collected a club record of ninety points, the Bees' highest ever tally in a Football League season.
"It is an incredible feeling," Brentford head coach Zola said as he led his side to promotion in his first season at Griffin Park. "This is my best moment in football. The lads have worked so hard and they deserve this so much. We have a lot to celebrate and we can be proud of ourselves. We wanted to come back stronger after Wembley and what a way to do that. I'm so happy for the fans and everyone at the club. It's difficult to put into words just how important their support has been and I have to dedicate this to the people who make this club."
"I'm delighted for the boys," injury-hit Bees captain Kevin O'Connor added. "It was tough not to be out on the pitch but it's been a team effort all season and being among the fans was amazing. They were so passionate and it makes me so glad that we could do that for them. We've had a great year and it's testament to how much the gaffer and the owner has transformed the club since they came here. We've got an absolutely phenomenal group of lads here and we want to go out and win the title."
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MK DONS 1-1 BRENTFORD
Sat 31 Mar - 15:00 - Stadium MK
Brentford lost ground in the race for the title against play-off contenders MK Dons.
Gianfranco Zola's side arrived on a high after securing promotion and the Italian handed returns from injury to skipper Kevin O'Connor and top scorer Yassin El Azzouzi. Darren Potter's early goal gave the hosts the lead in a closely-fought game as the home side looked to cement a place in the top six. Yassin El Azzouzi levelled after the break but the Bees could not find a way past the tightly-packed Dons defence. The result means that title rivals Preston establish a three-point lead at the top of League One.
The hosts had the best possible start as Potter opened the scoring in the sixth minute. Luke Chadwick laid the ball off on the edge of the box and the former Liverpool midfielder attempted an audacious effort. Potter's shot took a sizeable deflection off O'Connor and the changing flight of the ball was enough to catch out Richard Lee. Brentford suffered a further blow in the first half when Mathias Doumbé's heavy challenge sent Harry Forrester flying. The winger was worryingly carried off on a stretcher and replaced by Myles Weston.
El Azzouzi drew the Bees level in the fifty-first minute. Shay Logan blasted the ball down the pitch and the French striker left Dons centre-back Gary MacKenzie trailing in his wake, sprinting clear and slotting the ball past David Martin. Both sides then had chances to capture all three points. Winger James O'Shea fired wide for Karl Robinson's men and substitute Paddy Madden should have sealed the win in stoppage time. El Azzouzi squared the ball for the Irishman but his tame shot was aimed straight at the goalkeeper.
Brentford (5-4-1)
Lee - Logan, Osborne, Beevers, Trevisan, Dickson - Donaldson (Madden 79), O'Connor (Diagouraga 67), Netzer, Forrester (Weston 24) -
El Azzouzi.
Substitutes: Moore, Taylor.
Taz.
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BRENTFORD 4-1 CHESTERFIELD
Sat 7 Apr - 15:00 - Griffin Park
Harry Forrester scored twice as Brentford recorded an impressive win over fourth-placed Chesterfield.
Gianfranco Zola knew that a victory was required to keep up the pace with leaders Preston in the race for the title and the Bees delivered with a superb display at Griffin Park. Forrester was the star of the show for Brentford, scoring his eighth and ninth goals of the season. Jonathan Douglas and Karleigh Osborne were also on the scoresheet for the Bees. Drew Talbot grabbed the only goal for play-off contenders Chesterfield, who were one of only three teams to beat Brentford this season back in November.
With one eye on the clash with Sheffield United on Easter Monday, Zola opted for a more defensive outlook but the Bees began the game in confident fashion and went ahead in the fourteenth minute. Darryl Westlake was deployed as a wing-back and he broke down the right flank before looking up and picking out Douglas' clever run between the two Spireites centre-backs. The experienced Irishman skipped clear and steered a powerful effort past Tommy Lee to finally claim his first goal of the campaign.
Brentford doubled the lead just six minutes later. Yassin El Azzouzi flicked the ball on for Stefan Velev, who shrugged off Fitz Hall's challenge and poked the ball forward for the onrushing Forrester. The in-form winger sprinted through on goal and coolly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper. The Bees looked irresistible and soon went close once again. El Azzouzi surged through the defence but Lee turned his shot away. Talbot nodded in from Danny Whitaker's free-kick moments before half time to give Chesterfield some hope.
Zola's side have enjoyed plenty of success from set pieces this season and Forrester's free-kick provided the third goal. The winger floated the ball into the area and Mark Beevers headed it on towards Osborne, who sent an acrobatic diving header into the back of the net. Richard Lee denied Lee Novak's header and Stefan Velev almost capped off a magnificent solo run with a stunning goal before the Bees finally claimed a fourth goal. Forrester timed his run perfectly to meet El Azzouzi's through ball and converted calmly.
Brentford (3-4-2-1)
Lee - Osborne, Beevers, Trevisan - Westlake, Douglas, O'Connor, Dickson - Velev, Forrester - El Azzouzi.
Substitutes: Moore, Logan, Taylor, Netzer, Madden.
Taz.
SHEFFIELD UNITED 0-2 BRENTFORD
Mon 9 Apr - 15:00 - Bramall Lane
Brentford returned to the top of League One with a superb away win against Sheffield United.
January signing Philipp Netzer scored his first goal for the Bees as Gianfranco Zola's side earned revenge for last month's shock defeat in the Football League Trophy final. Myles Weston was also on the scoresheet as Brentford secured a vital win against their Wembley conquerors. Preston's defeat against Scunthorpe means that the Bees climb to the top of the table on goal difference with just four games remaining in League One. The title race will go to the wire but Zola's men will gather confidence from an impressive result at Bramall Lane.
Brentford began the game in determined mood and went ahead in the second minute. A swift counter-attack led by Mike Grella saw the Bees charge forward into the opposing half. Netzer has been a solid face in defensive midfield since joining in January but the Austrian midfielder showed off his finishing prowess, running onto the American striker's through ball and firing past Steve Simonsen. The hosts attempted to reply immediately through Amine Linganzi but the centre-back belted the ball over the crossbar.
Richard Lee made two impressive saves as the Blades looked to equalise. The Bees stopper did well to hold onto Kevin McDonald's long-range effort and then produced the stop of the match. Ched Evans weaved through the Brentford defence and looked certain to score but Lee made a fantastic diving save. Weston killed off the home side's hopes on the hour. Some sloppy defending left the winger unmarked as Clayton Donaldson swung the ball into the box. Weston was onside and punished the Blades with a simple close-range header.
Brentford (4-2-3-1)
Lee - Westlake, Osborne, Trevisan, Dickson - Douglas (O'Connor 73), Netzer - Donaldson, Grella (Madden 60), McGinn (Weston 45) - El Azzouzi.
Substitutes: Moore, Logan.
Taz.
COLUMN: Title race will go to the wire
It is undeniable that two teams in League One have stood out this season.
Gianfranco Zola has done a magnificent job in his first season in charge of Brentford. The Bees secured promotion to the Championship in March but they are not alone at the top of the table. Title rivals Preston have matched Zola's men step for step and the two sides are currently only separated by goal difference. Zola and his counterpart Phil Brown are both keen to lift the League One trophy in May and it will surely go down to the wire. The last four games will be vital if Brentford are to claim a first league title in twenty years.
Saturday 14th April (Brentford vs Rochdale, Preston vs Exeter)
Both sides will expect a win at the weekend. Brentford have a slightly tougher task against Rochdale, who must win to keep their faint chances of the play-offs alive. Seventeenth-placed Exeter are all but guaranteed safety and Preston should keep up the heat on the Bees.
Saturday 21st April (Leyton Orient vs Brentford, Colchester vs Preston)
Two trips to mid-table sides with one foot already on the beach for the title contenders. Orient would love the chance to dent the Bees' title hopes in one of League One's few London derbies but Russell Slade's side have been inconsistent all season.
Saturday 28th April (Brentford vs Yeovil, Preston vs Tranmere)
The toughest remaining fixture for the Bees? Yeovil have one of the smallest budgets in the league but boss Terry Skiverton has worked wonders to take the Glovers to sixth place. Tranmere were bottom in December but nine wins in 2012 have lifted them to safety.
Saturday 5th May (Huddersfield vs Brentford, Notts County vs Preston)
A single slip-up could prove fatal for either side and it may come down to who can handle the pressure of the final day. Huddersfield have endured a disappointing season and lie in fifteenth, while Notts County are lingering in mid-table. Goal difference could be crucial.
Taz.
BRENTFORD 2-2 ROCHDALE
Sat 14 Apr - 15:00 - Griffin Park
Brentford's title hopes suffered a serious blow as Rochdale claimed a draw in a frenetic game.
The Bees slip two points behind leaders Preston after their victory against Exeter. A gripping first half at Griffin Park saw four goals but Brentford failed to land the killer blow after the break. Gianfranco Zola's side led through Jason Kennedy's own goal but fell behind to strikes from Nicky Adams and Stern John. Karleigh Osborne equalised but the promoted Bees were forced to settle for a point. Preston's win leaves Brentford with a tough task to overhaul the leaders in the final three games of the season.
Brentford required only two minutes to take the lead in slightly fortunate circumstances. Harry Forrester spotted the run of Yassin El Azzouzi and the striker whipped the ball into the box. Rochdale goalkeeper David Lucas parried the cross straight into Kennedy and the ball rebounded into the net. The away side quickly recovered and were level within four minutes. Shay Logan failed to pick up Adams on the edge of the box and Gary Jones sprayed the ball out right to the midfielder, who struck the ball firmly past Richard Lee.
The afternoon threatened to go from bad to worse for Brentford as veteran striker John gave Rochdale the lead. Adams' cross ricocheted off Logan into the path of the Trinidadian international, who hammered the ball into the back of the net. Niall McGinn's corner provided an instant equaliser for the Bees as Osborne met the ball at the near post with a half-volley that flew past Lucas. The centre-back claimed his thirteenth goal of an unexpectedly prolific season and it looked like Brentford would go on to secure an important win in the title race.
The Rochdale goalkeeper made up for his earlier error with a string of stunning saves after the break. Stefan Velev intercepted John's weak clearance and lashed the ball towards goal but Lucas spread himself well to deflect the shot wide. Jonathan Douglas then played Paddy Madden clean through on goal but the visiting stopper closed the angles and forced the young Irishman into a tame shot. Osborne's demands for a penalty after Neal Trotman sent him flying in the area also fell on deaf ears in an exasperating afternoon for the Bees.
Brentford (4-2-3-1)
Lee - Logan, Osborne, Beevers, Trevisan (Dickson 72) - Douglas, Netzer - Madden, Forrester, McGinn (O'Connor 72) - El Azzouzi (Velev 45).
Substitutes: Moore, Grella.
Taz.
HONOUR FOR O'CONNOR
Published: Mon 16 Apr 2012 - By Ciaran Brett
Brentford captain Kevin O'Connor spoke of his delight after breaking the club's league appearances record.
The experienced Irishman made his 420th appearance for the Bees on Saturday in a 2-2 draw against Rochdale. O'Connor paid tribute to the club where he has spent his entire career after he broke Jamie Bates' record for the highest amount of league appearances in a Bees shirt, which has been standing since 1999. The thirty year old has been an integral part of the squad under Gianfranco Zola and regularly contributes to behind-the-scenes discussions at Griffin Park. O'Connor joined Brentford as a youth-team player in 1995.
"It's a huge honour for me," the former Irish youth international said. "The lads gave me a round of applause before the game which was a very kind gesture. Brentford are very close to my heart and I can't see myself anywhere else. The last seventeen years have been a bumpy ride but I wouldn't change it for anything. I've thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the squad this season and the gaffer is probably the best I've ever worked with. The result didn't meet our usual standards but we're not giving up and we still believe that we can win the title."
"Kevin is a fantastic professional and I'm very pleased for him," Bees sporting director Mark Warburton added. "He's really came into his own this season, we have a young squad and he's the glue that holds everyone together. He's got a calm head and a great attitude. He's been a wonderful servant to Brentford and I know that he will continue to be an important part of the club for many years to come. I know that he was gutted not to take part in the Stevenage game but we are all hoping that he can lift the title at the end of the season."
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LEYTON ORIENT 1-2 BRENTFORD
Sat 21 Apr - 15:00 - Brisbane Road
The title race dramatically swung back in Brentford's favour after a crucial win against Leyton Orient.
Travelling supporters cheered news of Preston's defeat against Colchester at full time as the Bees moved a point clear at the top of League One. Goals from Yassin El Azzouzi and Karleigh Osborne secured a hugely important win in the race for the title. David Mooney scored a late consolation for the hosts but Brentford moved over the one-hundred point threshhold with a third win in four games. Gianfranco Zola's side know that with only two matches of the campaign still to play, two more victories will seal the title.
A dour first half saw both sides struggle to break the deadlock. Orient were content to mop up the pressure from the Bees but Zola's men failed to make their dominance tell. Goalkeeper Jamie Jones made a fine save to prevent Harry Forrester from making it 1-0 after the tricky winger skilfully dribbled his way past three Orient defenders. Brentford were transformed after the break and El Azzouzi opened the scoring less than a minute into the second half. Kevin O'Connor slipped in a neat through ball for the Frenchman to strike home powerfully.
The Bees sensed blood and grabbed a second goal just three minutes later. McGinn curled his corner to the near post and Osborne was left unmarked to glance an incredible fifteenth goal of the season into the back of the net. Orient have little remaining to play for but Richard Lee needed to be at his athletic best to keep out Scott Cuthbert's effort after a goalmouth scramble. The hosts grabbed a consolation in stoppage time. Lee Hendrie's shot bounced off Mark Beevers' shin and fell to Mooney's feet, leaving the striker with a tap-in.
Brentford (4-5-1)
Lee - Westlake (Logan 61), Osborne, Beevers, Dickson - McGinn, Douglas (Netzer 85), Velev, O'Connor, Forrester - El Azzouzi.
Substitutes: Moore, Trevisan.
Taz.
Bees boss breathes easy
Gianfranco Zola insisted that the pressure is all on Preston ahead of a huge weekend in the title race.
Brentford moved a point clear at the top of the league following a vital victory against Leyton Orient on Saturday. Title rivals Preston lost 3-1 at Colchester and Zola claimed that Phil Brown's side would be feeling the heat ahead of their next game. The Bees face a tricky tie against play-off chasers Yeovil in their final home game of the season this weekend, while Preston host mid-table Tranmere, who are on a three-game winning run. The Italian remained characteristically upbeat about his side's chances of winning the title.
"It is a small lead but an important lead," Zola said. "We have worked hard to earn it and Preston have to take it from us. There are two winnable games coming up for us but we won't underestimate our opponents. We know that we will be in the Championship next season and it feels good. We are relaxed and that breeds confidence. I have been in these situations as a player and it serves no use to have a manager complaining to the media every week. We will stick together, keep calm and enjoy the game."
Tomorrow's opponents Yeovil realistically require a win to maintain their slim hopes of reaching the play-offs. Terry Skiverton's side currently trail sixth-placed MK Dons by three points after two consecutive defeats. Darryl Westlake will miss the final game at Griffin Park of the campaign with a hamstring injury that is set to sideline the Bees right-back until the end of the season. The defender is the only injury concern for Zola and Shay Logan is expected to occupy Westlake's spot in the side against the Glovers.
Taz.
BRENTFORD 4-0 YEOVIL
Sat 28 Apr - 15:00 - Griffin Park
Brentford won the title in style after running riot against Yeovil at Griffin Park.
The Bees produced a magnificent performance to confirm that they will lift the League One trophy at the end of the season. Nearest rivals Preston's draw against Tranmere means that an unlikely eight-goal swing would be required on the last day, clinching Brentford's first league title in twenty years in stunning fashion. Yassin El Azzouzi kicked things off before Ludovic Gamboa's brace and Mark Beevers' header ensured that Gianfranco Zola's side will end the campaign unbeaten at home in the league.
El Azzouzi has enjoyed a prolific second half of the season and the Bees' top scorer claimed his seventeenth goal of the season in the ninth minute. Niall McGinn punished a lapse in concentration from the Yeovil defence, launching the ball forward for El Azzouzi to chase. The Frenchman was played onside by Paul Huntington and he latched onto the loose ball to slot it low past Simon Rayner. Zola had called for his players to relish the party atmosphere at Griffin Park and his side would continue to supply the entertainment.
The Bees continued to torment the Glovers' backline and took another step on the way to a sixteenth home win of the season in the thirty-fifth minute. Jonathan Douglas and Stefan Velev combined well to draw the defence out of position and Gamboa cleverly scampered through the gap to sweep the ball home. Richard Lee wasn't missing out on the chance to show off his skills and the Brentford goalkeeper made a fantastic save to claw away Andy Williams' speculative effort. The Bees stopper then pushed away Paul Wotton's free-kick.
Beevers claimed Brentford's third goal in the sixty-eighth minute. Gamboa delivered a precise corner to the near post and the towering centre-back sent a header skidding off the turf and past Rayner. The Yeovil goalkeeper recovered some dignity by keeping out Harry Forrester's point-blank strike but there was another goal to come from the dazzling Gamboa. The Frenchman delicately controlled El Azzouzi's pinpoint cross, swivelled around and mercilessly slammed the ball past Rayner in a performance fully deserving of the title.
Brentford (4-5-1)
Lee - Logan, Osborne, Beevers, Dickson (Trevisan 80) - McGinn (Forrester 44), Douglas, Velev (Netzer 69), O'Connor, Gamboa - El Azzouzi.
Substitutes: Moore, Donaldson.
Taz.
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS
Published: Sat 28 Apr 2012 - By Ciaran Brett
Brentford have crowned an incredible season by winning the League One title.
A tense last month for the Bees was concluded in superb fashion as Brentford demolished Yeovil 4-0 to win the title. Preston's 2-2 draw against Tranmere confirmed that Gianfranco Zola's side will lift the trophy next weekend against Huddersfield, barring an eight-goal swing. The players performed a lap of honour to celebrate the club's first league title since 1992. A brilliant campaign has seen the club smash the record points tally for League One and end the season unbeaten at home in Zola's first year at Griffin Park.
"This is the start of big things for the club," Bees head coach Zola said. "We are on top of the world right now and we will remember this moment for a long time. I've heard all about the records but this feeling is what being in football is all about. I asked the players if they believed they could win the title and they have proved themselves. The supporters were excellent. They have had some long trips this season and their commitment and love for the club is a big inspiration. The confidence and optimism of the crowd won us that game."
"It was a brilliant game and I'm very happy," match-winning winger Ludovic Gamboa added. "I have to thank my team-mates for helping me settle into the club. It is hard to leave your home country but I don't think I've ever made a better decision. I will savour this moment for the rest of my career. The past few months have been amazing for everyone at the club and it was great to celebrate with the fans, this has been a long time coming for them and they deserve it. We can't wait to get our hands on the trophy."
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HUDDERSFIELD 2-3 BRENTFORD
Sat 5 May - 15:00 - Galpharm Stadium
Champions Brentford concluded a record-breaking season with a thrilling victory over Huddersfield.
The win ensures that the Bees end the season on 107 points, breaking the Football League record set by Reading in 2006. Yassin El Azzouzi scored a hat-trick to twice cancel out Huddersfield's lead in a dramatic final day triumph. Daniel Kome and Scott Arfield had put the Terriers ahead before El Azzouzi's treble. Supporters made the journey in fancy dress and there was a party atmosphere in the away end at the Galpharm Stadium as Brentford skipper Kevin O'Connor lifted the League One trophy after the final whistle.
The title was already in the bag following the Bees' win against Yeovil last weekend but Brentford lost Ludovic Gamboa to injury in the opening minutes and Huddersfield threatened to spoil the party by taking the lead. Karleigh Osborne headed clear Kome's corner but the former Cameroon international collected the loose ball and curled an audacious shot into the back of the net from an acute angle. Gianfranco Zola's side went into the game unbeaten in seventeen league games but Huddersfield would pose further problems for the Bees.
El Azzouzi continued his lethal run of form to level in the twenty-seventh minute. The Frenchman received O'Connor's pass on the edge of the box and a clever turn and a burst of raw pace saw him break through on goal. The prolific striker smashed the ball past Simon Thomas. Kome again proved a thorn in Brentford's side as the veteran orchestrated Huddersfield's second goal. A training-ground move saw Anton Robinson flick on the former Mallorca man's free-kick to Arfield at the far post, where the Scottish midfielder slid the ball home.
It was a one-man show for Brentford at times and El Azzouzi's clinical finishing drew Zola's men level on the hour. The Bees striker picked his moment superbly, timing his run into the box to perfection as Clayton Donaldson whipped in the ball for El Azzouzi to sweep past Thomas. Fourteen minutes later, he completed his hat-trick. Harry Forrester stepped up and floated the corner into the box, where El Azzouzi was waiting to head home his twentieth goal of the season. He wheeled away in delight to crown an unbelievable season.
Brentford (4-2-3-1)
Lee - Logan, Osborne, Beevers (Trevisan 66), Dickson - Douglas, O'Connor - Donaldson, Velev (Diagouraga 69), Gamboa (Forrester 4) -
El Azzouzi.
Substitutes: Moore, Grella.
Taz.
ZOLA SALUTES INCREDIBLE SEASON
Published: Sat 7 May 2012 - By Ciaran Brett
Gianfranco Zola was in celebratory mood after completing an unbelievable first season at Griffin Park.
The Brentford head coach congratulated his players after their 3-2 win at Huddersfield confirmed a Football League record of 107 points this season. Zola also confirmed that he was in the process of signing a new contract at Griffin Park following the result, which was the Bees' thirty-second league win of an incredible campaign. The Italian joined in the festivities at the Galpharm Stadium as captain Kevin O'Connor lifted the League One title to the delight of a number of fans that had made the long journey to Yorkshire.
"It was an amazing way to finish the season," the forty five year old said as Brentford rallied from behind to win. "This moment is for the players, our performances have been superb since Wembley and their spirit and togetherness in the squad is incredible. We will take a few weeks to celebrate and enjoy ourselves. We all deserve the break that is coming. I will discuss my contract with Matthew and we will sort all of that out quickly. I am so glad to be a part of this club and I can't wait to bring the trophy back to London for the fans."
"It was a very exciting game and Yassin was absolutely brilliant. He has had a great last few months and I think he is close to Premier League quality. You can see his intelligence, he knows exactly the right time to run and I know that he is capable of taking the step to the Championship. He has been injured a few times so twenty goals is a big achievement for him. I think the players deserve the credit for the success. I am grateful that we have had time to work together and build this fantastic team with such a strong character."
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Zola earns League One honours
Brentford head coach Gianfranco Zola has been named as the League One Manager of the Year.
Zola led the Bees to promotion to the Championship in record-breaking fashion, ending the season with 107 points and also guiding his side to the final of the Football League Trophy. The forty five year old was the outstanding choice after Brentford's most successful season in their history. The top three also included Preston boss Phil Brown and play-off winning MK Dons manager Karl Robinson. We took a look at the five best moments this season for the Bees boss, who is expected to sign a new two-year contract this week.
Millwall 4-6 Brentford (League Cup) - 23rd August
Going back to the earliest stages of the season, Bees fans must have had a feeling that Zola was a good fit when he delivered eight wins in his first eight games. This stunning comeback from 4-1 down in the heat of the Den against Millwall in the League Cup was an absolute thriller.
Preston 2-3 Brentford - 25th February
Was this the moment that the Bees took the mental advantage in the title race? One of Brentford's several dramatic recoveries this season, Zola masterminded a superb second-half turnaround to win a crucial game at Deepdale and send the Bees back to the top of the table.
Sheffield United 0-2 Brentford - 9th April
A heartbreaking defeat at Wembley was the lowlight of the season but Zola must be credited for his side's refusal to let their disappointment define the rest of the campaign. The Bees produced a confident, composed performance at Bramall Lane to banish the bad memories.
Brentford 2-2 Stevenage - 28th March
The performance wasn't one for the history books but this was the moment that Zola's side finally secured a return to the Championship for the first time in twenty years. The Italian chugged champagne and danced around the pitch with the Bees fans.
Brentford 4-0 Yeovil - 28th April
This has to stand out as Zola's best moment. An irresistible attacking display against play-off chasers Yeovil sealed the title for the Bees in breathtaking fashion. The Bees boss set his side up perfectly to torment the Glovers and claim the League One trophy.
Shedender
Taz.
Taz.
England: Ups and downs
28 May 2012 - 11.07AM GMT
Premier League
Champions: Manchester United
Champions League: Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal
Europa League: Tottenham, Fulham (League Cup winners), Newcastle (FA Cup runners-up)
Relegated: Wigan, Swansea, QPR
Championship
Champions: Bristol City
Promoted: Portsmouth, West Ham (play-off winners)
Relegated: Barnsley, Doncaster, Crystal Palace
League One
Champions: Brentford
Promoted: Preston, MK Dons (play-off winners)
Relegated: Bury, Walsall, Stevenage, Hartlepool
League Two
Champions: Swindon
Promoted: Crawley, Bristol Rovers, Rotherham (play-off winners)
Relegated: Macclesfield, Northampton
Taz.
ZOLA PENS NEW DEAL
Published: Tues 29 May 2012 - By Ciaran Brett
Brentford are delighted to announce that head coach Gianfranco Zola has signed a new contract.
The forty five year old has signed a new two-year deal at Griffin Park, running until the summer of 2014. Zola has enjoyed a hugely successful first season with the Bees, securing the League One title in record-breaking form as Brentford went the season unbeaten at home. The Italian also led the Bees to Wembley in the Football League Trophy. Sporting director Mark Warburton has also agreed a contract extension as the club looks to build a long-term future and prepare for life in the Championship next season.
"Franco has been an absolute revelation," Brentford owner Matthew Benham said. "We have enjoyed a fabulous season and he is an essential part of the club's future. It is so rare to find a coach that fits so well with the long-term vision of the club and I think we have someone that shares in my beliefs for the club. He plays attacking football but it is also winning football. The incredible level of consistency in the squad this season is testament to his abilities as a man-manager and he is a very valuable member of the team."
"It was an easy decision for me to make," Zola said as he penned his new deal. "I think we have the chance to build something special here and I want to be a part of the club for many years to come. I think Brentford is a very good fit for me and I am hugely excited to start this new chapter in the Championship. I wanted to sort out my contract before the players went away, the stability of the squad has been very important for us this year. We'll take a few weeks to enjoy our success and then get down to hard work for next season."
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NEW DEALS FOR BEES TRIO
Published: Fri 01 Jun 2012 - By Ciaran Brett
Brentford are pleased to confirm new contracts for three first-team players.
Goalkeeper Richard Lee, centre-back Karleigh Osborne and versatile defender Shay Logan have all put pen to paper on new four-year deals at Griffin Park. The trio were rewarded for a string of crucial performances on the road to clinching the League One title with a record-breaking 107 points. Lee featured in all forty six of the club's league games, keeping fifteen clean sheets and Osborne enjoyed a superb season at both ends of the pitch, scoring fourteen goals from set pieces. Utility player Logan was a reliable deputy in defence and midfield.
"It was an easy choice to extend my contract," Osborne told the official site. "It's great to find a manager that helps you to improve your game and this past season has been an absolute dream. The boss has really helped me to develop as a player and he's taken the club to the next level. Obviously I've been here for my whole career now but I never even considered leaving, I've got some fantastic memories here and we've came a long way. I can't wait for next season and the chance to show what we can do in the Championship."
Head coach Gianfranco Zola has allowed senior players Mike Grella, Kirk Hudson, Simon Moore, Sam Saunders and Michael Spillane to leave the club on free transfers as the Italian looks to rebuild his squad. Grella was a regular face up front in the first half of the season before the American striker suffered an injury-hit end to the campaign. The twenty five year old scored ten league goals for the Bees but slipped behind Yassin El Azzouzi and Clayton Donaldson in the pecking order. Player-coach Simon Royce has also left the club.
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BEES SEAL STEPHENS SIGNING
Published: Sat 09 Jun 2012 - By Ciaran Brett
Brentford have completed the signing of midfielder Dale Stephens from Charlton in a £140,000 move.
The twenty two year old admitted that he was keen to prove himself in the Championship after he signed a three-year deal at Griffin Park. The midfield man made twenty one appearances for the Addicks last season, including Charlton's victory over Brentford in October. Stephens narrowly missed out on promotion with the Addicks last season as they lost to MK Dons in the play-off semi-finals but the central midfielder told the official site that he was ready to make the step up to the second tier with the Bees.
"I was really impressed when I played against Brentford last season," the Bolton-born midfielder said. "They've got a hard-working, attacking team here and I'm very excited to become a part of it. I think my game has improved a lot over the last year or so and I feel ready for a new challenge here. It was obviously disappointing to miss out on going up with Charlton but it hasn't affected my confidence. The manager was a big draw for me, I've heard a lot about his style and relationship with his players and I think I will fit in well here."
Brentford have also finalised a permanent deal for left-back Ryan Dickson. Southampton accepted an £80,000 offer from the Bees to bring him back to West London. Dickson made forty three appearances in his second spell at the club on loan last season, following a brief twelve-month spell on the South Coast. The twenty six year old has signed a four-year deal with Brentford, running until 2016. The defender was a consistent face in the starting line-up last season, impressing many with his hard-working presence on the left flank.
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Zola backs Afobe to shine
13 June 2012 - 1.45PM GMT
Gianfranco Zola has tipped on-loan Arsenal starlet Benik Afobe to star for Brentford this season.
The Arsenal youngster will spend the campaign at Griffin Park with the newly-promoted Championship side. Afobe scored twenty one goals in a loan spell at Exeter last season, finishing as League One's third-highest scorer. The young striker had previously been on loan at Huddersfield, starring in the side that lost in the play-off final in 2011. Zola believes that the nineteen year old has the quality to bolster the Bees' attacking ranks, following the summer departure of Mike Grella and rumours surrounding top scorer Yassin El Azzouzi.
"Benik has all of the ability you would expect from an Arsenal player," the forty six year old said. "They have produced so many excellent young players and I think he is ready to play in the Championship. He had a great time at Exeter last season, he's really came on a lot there and he is brimming with confidence. We've got two quite similar players in Paddy and Yassin, they're both quick and good finishers but Benik's power and strength will give us something different. I'm very happy that he has decided to join us for the season."
The Bees have also allowed winger Myles Weston to leave the club. The twenty four year old scored five goals last season in twenty two appearances but struggled to dislodge Ludovic Gamboa from the starting line-up. Weston has signed for losing play-off finalists Chesterfield on a three-year deal after Brentford accepted an offer of £75,000 for the former Notts County man's services. Zola has ruled out any chance of a fire sale at Griffin Park but El Azzouzi and Stefan Velev have both recently attracted attention from Championship rivals.
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No summer spree for Bees
Gianfranco Zola will keep the faith in his title-winning squad ahead of Brentford's return to the Championship.
The forty six year old ruled out any prospect of a summer exodus at Griffin Park when he spoke to the Times following his squad's return to pre-season training. Zola admitted that the step up to the Championship would be a challenge for the Bees but insisted that he had no plans of changing the core of the squad that lifted the League One title in May. Top scorer Yassin El Azzouzi has been linked with a move to West London rivals QPR, while midfielder Stefan Velev is reportedly on the radar of Premier League side West Ham.
"It would be silly of me to disrupt the squad," Zola said ahead of his side's return to pre-season training next month. "I have discussed this with Mark and Matthew and we are all in agreement. We want players that will complement the squad. There is no need to rip up everything and start over. We have a strong group of players that get on well and have achieved a lot over the past season. They know that I trust them completely. We will add a few extra players to help but we won't throw money around pointlessly."
Brentford have allowed defenders Marcel Eger and Pim Balkestein to leave the club. German centre-back Eger made twenty five appearances for the Bees last season but was keen to return to his homeland. The twenty nine year old has joined Dresden in a £40,000 deal. Balkestein spent the entirety of last season on loan at Rochdale and the former Ipswich defender will not return to Griffin Park. The twenty five year old has signed for Italian side Frosinone after Brentford accepted an offer of around £35,000 for the Dutchman.
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DUDGEON HAS HIGH HOPES
Published: Thurs 12 Jul 2012 - By Ciaran Brett
New signing Joe Dudgeon believes that the sky is the limit for Brentford this season.
The Northern Irish international completed a £150,000 move from Championship rivals Hull earlier today, signing a four-year deal with the Bees. Speaking prior to Brentford's first game of pre-season against Rangers at Griffin Park, Dudgeon praised the optimistic atmosphere at the club and said that the Bees could adjust quickly to life in the second tier. The former Manchester United youth product finished fourteenth with the Tigers last season but he is confident that Gianfranco Zola's side are capable of more.
"The first thing that struck me about Brentford was the ambition at the club," the twenty one year old told the official site. "Everyone is optimistic and there's a feeling that the club is really going places. That appealed to me a lot, I want to play in the Premier League eventually and we've seen teams like Norwich and Swansea rise through the leagues. Obviously, the priority is to stay up but that's not the only part of the plan here and I like that. I've had a good twelve months in the first team at Hull and I have to thank them for that."
"The manager is a great guy and I've heard a lot of good things about the way he motivates the players. He knows what it's like to play at the very top and he's got big aspirations for the club. We're coming off a brilliant season in League One and he wants us to be confident and enjoy our football. There's less pressure to scrap for games at the bottom of the table and a bit more freedom to play. Ryan Dickson has came in as well at left-back but we've got quite different styles and I'm happy to fight for my place."
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Bees smash transfer record
Brentford have confirmed the signing of Peterborough midfielder Tommy Rowe for a club record fee.
The twenty four year old has signed a four-year deal with the Bees after Brentford met Posh's £850,000 asking price. Rowe was an integral part of the Posh side that claimed a surprise seventh-placed finish in the Championship last season, just a year after promotion from League One. The former Stockport man recorded seven assists as Peterborough missed out on the play-offs by just one point. Gianfranco Zola's fifth summer signing smashes the record set by Hermann Hreidarsson's £750,000 arrival from Crystal Palace back in 1998.
"I thought Tommy was one of the best players in this division last season," Zola told the Times as he handed Rowe the number eleven shirt. "He proved that he was capable of making the step up and I would love to match Peterborough's achievements this year. He's a confident and exciting player to watch and I think our left wing is probably the strongest part of our team right now. I think bringing in someone of his quality and potential sends a real signal to the other clubs, no matter the price. We want to be here to stay in the Championship."
The Bees have also signed goalkeeper Chris Maxwell from Conference side Wrexham. Following the release of Simon Moore and Simon Royce, first-choice stopper Richard Lee was the only senior goalkeeper at Griffin Park but Zola has quickly remedied this by bringing in the Welshman for £6,000. The twenty one year old kept nineteen clean sheets for the Dragons last season as they narrowly missed out on a return to the Football League. Maxwell is also a regular face in the Wales Under-21 side and has eleven caps at youth level.
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Brentford striker seals Danish switch
17 July 2012 - 10.08AM GMT
Danish side Aalborg have completed the signing of Brentford's prolific striker Yassin El Azzouzi.
The Frenchman scored twenty goals for the Bees last season and had been linked with a number of Championship sides over the summer. The twenty nine year old has departed the League One champions for the Superligaen club in a move worth around £400,000. AaB qualified for the Europa League by finishing third last season and swooped for the former Bastia striker, who joined Gianfranco Zola's side twelve months ago. El Azzouzi has signed a three-year deal with the 2008 title winners.
The striker has spent most of his career playing semi-pro football in his homeland but he has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the last year. Zola brought him to Griffin Park last year after El Azzouzi broke the twenty-goal barrier three times in four seasons in France. The former Montpellier trainee ended his only year in West London as the club's top scorer, finding the net twenty five times in all competitions. El Azzouzi had been rumoured to be on the verge of a move to local rivals QPR but was attracted by the prospect of European football.
"This is a big step in my career," the striker told Danish newspaper Ekstrabladet. "I want to prove that I can play at the top level in Europe. I enjoyed my time with Brentford and I will remember how special the last season was for a long time. I hope that they will do well this season and that we will eventually meet again. Aalborg are one of the biggest clubs in Denmark and I think that I am capable of improving even more here. I have to take this opportunity to develop as a player and challenge for trophies."