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#323994 The Brentford Project
Taz.
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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#323807 The Brentford Project
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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#323701 The Brentford Project
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
#323700 The Brentford Project
Taz.
#323616 The Brentford Project
Taz.
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.
#323148 The Brentford Project
Taz.
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#323147 The Brentford Project
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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#322839 The Brentford Project
Taz.
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.
#322667 The Brentford Project
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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#322666 The Brentford Project
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.
#322399 The Managerial Career Of Adam Boyd
Taz.
#322396 The Brentford Project
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.
#322394 The Brentford Project
Taz.
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.
#322392 The Brentford Project
Taz.
#322215 The Brentford Project
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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#322211 The Brentford Project
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.
#322029 The Brentford Project
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.
#322027 The Brentford Project
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.
#321979 The Brentford Project
Taz.
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.
#321744 The Brentford Project
Taz.
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#321743 The Brentford Project
Taz.
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.
#321736 The Brentford Project
Taz.
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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BRENTFORD 2-2 STEVENAGE
Wed 28 Mar - 19:30 - Griffin Park
Brentford sealed promotion to the Championship after securing a point against Stevenage.
News filtered through at full time that third-placed Sheffield United had lost 2-0 against Bournemouth, confirming Brentford's place in the Championship next season. It had appeared that the Bees would be made to wait to celebrate a first return to the second tier since 1992 after a spirited performance from the visitors. Mark Beevers and Mike Grella were on target as Gianfranco Zola secured promotion in his first season at Griffin Park. Chris Beardsley replied on both occasions for the away side but the evening belonged to the Bees.
Zola's side are undefeated against Stevenage this season and looked set for their third straight win against Graham Westley's side. Goalkeeper Alan Julian barely managed to keep out Trevor Trevisan's close-range effort and Paddy Madden's volley stung the palms of the Boro stopper. A huge roar greeted the opening goal as the Bees edged closer to promotion. Stefan Velev whipped the ball into the box and Karleigh Osborne shrugged off John Mousinho's challenge to plant a firm header towards goal. Beevers got the key touch, diverting it past Julian.
Stevenage were determined to spoil the party and levelled two minutes later. Beardsley played a neat one-two with Jennison Myrie-Williams and slipped behind Beevers, producing a calm finish to equalise. Brentford lost Ludovic Gamboa to a painful-looking injury in the first half but substitute Grella almost had an immediate impact. The American striker bustled Michael Bostwick off the ball and smashed a powerful effort towards goal, Julian making a superb save to parry his shot clear. Josh Wright then hit the bar for the away side.
The Bees restored the lead in the sixty-seventh minute. Madden flicked the ball out wide to Harry Forrester, who delivered a magnificent cross for Grella to nod into the back of the net. Just as Brentford looked to have claimed the required win, the relegation-battling visitors levelled once again as Beardsley headed home from Wright's free kick. News of two late Bournemouth goals spread swiftly through Griffin Park, sparking scenes of celebration amongst the majority of the 4,500-strong crowd as the Bees secured a well-deserved promotion.
Brentford (4-4-2)
Lee - Westlake, Osborne, Beevers, Trevisan (Logan 72) - Forrester, Douglas, Velev, Gamboa (Grella 6) - Donaldson (Netzer 68), Madden.
Substitutes: Moore, Taylor.
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ZOLA: WE WILL RECOVER
Published: Mon 26 Mar 2012 - By Ciaran Brett
Gianfranco Zola has targeted promotion as the remedy for Brentford's disappointment at Wembley.
The Bees head coach vowed to secure a place in the Championship after leading his dejected side to collect their runners-up medals yesterday. Sheffield United won 2-1 with a late goal to capture the Football League Trophy as Brentford suffered another Wembley heartbreak. Victory over Stevenage on Wednesday will confirm a return to the second tier for the first time in twenty years and the Italian insisted that the Bees' second consecutive defeat in the final of the competition had not damaged his side's belief.
"It's a difficult moment for the boys," Zola admitted in his post-match interview. "The game was very close and you could argue that we deserved extra time. We have to forget about it and think about the league. We have a big game coming up against Stevenage and the mood could be completely different in a few days. It's been a great season and we fought hard to get to the final, it just didn't work out on the day and I must congratulate Danny Wilson and his team. There is an important week ahead for us and we have to keep our focus."
Victory will guarantee promotion from League One with seven games still to play. A draw will also seal promotion if Sheffield United fail to win away at Bournemouth. The Bees drew 1-1 in the reverse fixture against Stevenage in October but won comfortably in both legs of the Football League Trophy area final earlier this year. Kevin O'Connor and Yassin El Azzouzi limped off injured yesterday but both are expected to pass fitness tests for Wednesday evening's game. Niall McGinn is still out for two weeks with a knee injury.
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Brentford rally the troops ahead of a crucial second half
Scott Murray
Sunday 25 March 2012 - 16:00
16:00 KICK-OFF - SHEFFIELD UNITED 1-1 BRENTFORD
We're back underway at Wembley with one change to report. Warren was beaten far too easily for Brentford's equaliser and he is unceremoniously hooked off at half time by Wilson. The experienced on-loan Norwich defender Adam Drury will come on in his place, up against the pace and power of Donaldson.
16:03 CHANCE! SHEFFIELD UNITED 1-1 BRENTFORD
Chapell is definitely rising to the occasion and he poses a nuisance to the Brentford defence once again. Harry Maguire lofts the ball forward and it zips along the wet pitch. Chapell is first to it, hurdling Dickson's challenge and sprinting into the box. His low shot skids along the turf awkwardly but Richard Lee just about gets a glove to the ball and pushes it behind for a corner.
16:07 SHEFFIELD UNITED 1-1 BRENTFORD
Jonathan Douglas attempts an audacious long-range effort but the ball flies over the bar. The Irish midfielder is quickly back in the action, intercepting Long's weak goal-kick and setting free Velev. The Bulgarian spots another great run from Gamboa, who bears down on the box, but Flanagan uses the conditions to his full advantage, sliding across with a full-blooded but fair challenge that robs the winger of the ball and leaves him on the floor.
16:16 SUBSTITUTION - SHEFFIELD UNITED 1-1 BRENTFORD
Both sides are making changes. Tønne provided a superb assist for the Blades' opening goal but he is clearly flagging after tracking back and forth in pursuit of Donaldson. Eighteen year old striker Connor Martin will replace him as Wilson reshuffles, Porter moving to the wing. Brentford replace Darryl Westlake with the more attacking-minded Shay Logan at right-back.
16:21 CHANCE! SHEFFIELD UNITED 1-1 BRENTFORD
Trevisan makes a clumsy challenge on Porter as they duel for a loose ball. The free-kick is certainly within scoring range and Flanagan steps up to take it. The Liverpool youngster absolutely leathers the ball and the Blades supporters rise in expectation, only to realise that Flanagan's effort has hit the side netting.
16:30 SAVE! SHEFFIELD UNITED 1-1 BRENTFORD
What a great stop from the young Blades goalkeeper. The impressive Velev is pulling all of the strings in midfield and he sets El Azzouzi away. The Frenchman shrugs off a tackle from Maguire and has a brilliant chance to put the Bees ahead but Long twists his body to parry it away.
16:35 GOAL! SHEFFIELD UNITED 2-1 BRENTFORD (Jordan Chapell 79)
Sheffield United are back in front! Whitehouse holds up play and sprays the ball out to Chapell on the right wing. He looks up and sees Connor Martin free at the back post and lofts the ball into the box. Dickson jumps to head it away but it evades the Brentford defence, balloons over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net! I'm not sure if he meant it but the Blades are back in front and Chapell, who has played just two games this season, is on a hat-trick. Richard Lee looks distraught.
16:38 SUBSTITUTION - SHEFFIELD UNITED 2-1 BRENTFORD
Gianfranco Zola's last throw of the dice? The Brentford manager brings on goal-scoring winger Harry Forrester for the fatigued Velev and is forced into another change within a minute. El Azzouzi has pulled up injured after Adam Drury's crunching challenge. Zola introduces Mike Grella in his place. The Bees have eight minutes to send the game to extra time.
16:45 SAVE! SHEFFIELD UNITED 2-1 BRENTFORD
Another inspired save from George Long. Gamboa has been Brentford's best player and he once again causes havoc, drifting inside and playing the ball to Harry Forrester. He slaloms his way into the box and picks his moment well, sending a low shot towards goal. Long gets down superbly, pushing the ball to Maguire who hacks it into touch. There will be four minutes of added time.
16:48 OFFSIDE! SHEFFIELD UNITED 2-1 BRENTFORD
Things are getting frantic at Wembley. Whitehouse heads clear Douglas' corner but the Irishman picks up the loose ball and rolls it to Karleigh Osborne on the edge of the box filled with ten Blades players. Osborne lays it off and Douglas' effort ricochets into Chapell. Brentford hold their breath as it falls to Donaldson and he blasts it into the net, not noticing the linesman's raised flag on the touchline. Frustration for Zola's men, who have struggled to get past a compact defence and an in-form goalkeeper.
16:50 FULL TIME! SHEFFIELD UNITED 2-1 BRENTFORD
...surely into the final seconds now... and the whistle is blown! Sheffield United are the winners of the 2012 Football League Trophy! Some superb performances from the Blades' youngsters stun the pre-match favourites Brentford, who never quite made it into top gear and endured a frustrating second half. They will look back on some missed opportunities after the match but what a day for Jordan Chapell, who has won his team a first trophy since 1982 in only his second professional appearance.
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Sheffield United centre-back Harry Maguire in discussion with referee Andre Marriner
Scott Murray
Sunday 25 March 2012 - 15:00
15:07 CHANCE! SHEFFIELD UNITED 0-0 BRENTFORD
The first real opportunity of the match falls to Brentford's lethal striker Yassin El Azzouzi. The Frenchman scored four against Wycombe on Tuesday and looks hungry for more. Stefan Velev carved out the chance, slipping the ball through the statuesque Blades defence, but El Azzouzi's shot has just too much power and flashes over the crossbar.
15:17 CHANCE! SHEFFIELD UNITED 0-0 BRENTFORD
Brentford have enjoyed the majority of the play here in the opening stages. Gianfranco Zola's side move the ball around the pitch quickly and the inexperienced Sheffield United backline comes under renewed pressure. El Azzouzi surges forward and lays the ball off to Velev but Blades goalkeeper George Long makes a comfortable save.
15:21 YELLOW CARD! SHEFFIELD UNITED 0-0 BRENTFORD
Ludovic Gamboa is the first man in the book as the French winger clatters veteran striker Richard Cresswell.
15:26 SHEFFIELD UNITED 0-0 BRENTFORD
The Blades are slowly growing into the game and their raucous travelling support are making most of the noise. Jordan Chapell is enjoying himself on the right flank and the young midfielder races down the wing after Elliot Whitehouse's long ball. Brentford left-back Ryan Dickson foils his attempts to cross with a well-timed tackle and the resulting corner is headed clear by El Azzouzi.
15:30 SHEFFIELD UNITED 0-0 BRENTFORD
The rainy conditions could play a big part here at Wembley. Both sides are struggling to control the ball on the slick pitch after a drizzly morning in North London.
15:40 GOAL! SHEFFIELD UNITED 1-0 BRENTFORD (Jordan Chapell 40)
Against the run of play, Sheffield United have the lead! Marc Warren plays a one-two with Michael Doyle and finds the Norwegian midfielder Erik Tønne. He has far too much time on the ball and swings the ball into the box. It's an inch-perfect cross for Chapell, who is played onside by Dickson. The twenty year old ghosts in behind Trevor Trevisan and plants a firm header past Richard Lee. A massive roar from over 50,000 Blades fans greets Chapell's first senior goal for the club, and what a time to score it.
15:42 SHEFFIELD UNITED 1-0 BRENTFORD
The goal seems to have knocked the stuffing out of the Bees players and Gianfranco Zola looks a concerned man on the touchline. He will be disappointed with the nature of the opening goal after his side dominated much of the first half.
15:44 GOAL! SHEFFIELD UNITED 1-1 BRENTFORD (Clayton Donaldson 44)
...but not for long! The little Italian jumps for joy on the sidelines as Brentford claim the equaliser. Gamboa has been the Bees' biggest outlet on the left flank and he proves instrumental here. The Frenchman leaves Jon Flanagan trailing in his wake, speeds past Chapell and delivers a beauty of a cross to the far post. Donaldson has struggled to impose himself out on the right wing but he gets on the right side of Warren and produces a diving header to level the scores.
15:46 HALF TIME - SHEFFIELD UNITED 1-1 BRENTFORD
Andre Marriner blows his whistle for the break and it could genuinely go either way here. Brentford have looked sharp on the ball but the defending for Chapell's goal left a lot to be desired and the bruising duo of Richard Cresswell and Chris Porter up front is proving a distraction. Danny Wilson's faith in his younger players seems to be paying off and Chapell has been the best player on the pitch thus far. The next goal could strike a massive blow.
#320987 The Brentford Project
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Sheffield United players line up before kick-off at Wembley
Scott Murray
Sunday 25 March 2012 - 14:32
14:32 PREAMBLE
Two of League One's big hitters go head-to-head at Wembley as Brentford meet Sheffield United in the showpiece final of the Football League Trophy. Gianfranco Zola has impressively led the Bees to the verge of promotion but the Blades are one scalp that big-spending Brentford are yet to claim this season and the two sides drew 0-0 back in November. Danny Wilson looks to have missed out on automatic promotion but a trophy could be a welcome relief for the under-pressure Yorkshireman, whose side are currently third in League One.
14:48 THE TEAMS ARE IN
A strong line-up for Brentford includes both prolific goalscorers Yassin El Azzouzi and Clayton Donaldson in an attacking 4-2-3-1 shape. The Bees have lost all of their three JPT final appearances. Meanwhile, Wilson has surprisingly maintained his faith in the fringe players that have taken the Blades to the final of this competition for the first time in their history. They are in their usual 4-4-2 setup, with a splash of Premier League quality in on-loan Liverpool right-back Jon Flanagan, who has been given the captain's armband for the occasion.
14:49 SHEFFIELD UNITED LINE-UP
Long - Flanagan (c), Maguire, Kennedy, Warren - Chappell, Doyle, Whitehouse, Tønne - Cresswell, Porter.
Substitutes: Aksalu, Drury, Løkberg, Martin, Jean-François.
14:49 BRENTFORD LINE-UP
Lee - Westlake, Osborne, Trevisan, Dickson - Douglas, O'Connor (c) - Donaldson, Velev, Gamboa - El Azzouzi.
Substitutes: Moore, Logan, Netzer, Forrester, Grella.
15:00 KICK-OFF
We're underway at Wembley in front of an impressive crowd of 79,863, including a sizeable amount of supporters who made the journey from Bramall Lane. I'm reliably informed that this is the second-highest attendance figure for this game in the JPT's illustrious history. A mammoth 80,841 fans watched Wolves beat Burnley in the 1988 final.
#320986 The Brentford Project
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Zola dreaming of more Wembley glory
Teddy Cutler - Saturday 24 March 2012 -
Gianfranco Zola will return to Wembley for the first time as a manager with Brentford tomorrow afternoon.
The Italian could have called the hallowed turf a second home during his days with Chelsea. Zola took to the old Wembley pitch on five separate occasions in a blue shirt, winning four trophies. Few would have expected a man that many viewed as unfairly sacked when he departed West Ham almost two years ago to drop down to League One but the forty five year old will once again carry the hopes of a certain section of West London on his shoulders when his Brentford side take on Sheffield United in the final of the Football League Trophy.
It may be in slightly less glamorous circumstances than Chelsea's two FA Cup victories but Zola has brought a touch of class to the Bees, who will secure promotion next weekend with victory over Stevenage. Brentford, who were beaten by Carlisle in the final of the competition twelve months ago, boast the highest points tally in English football and have a reputation for bright, attacking football. The Bees head coach has turned the heads of several Premier League sides this season, although he is expected to soon sign a new contract at Griffin Park.
"I'm very happy here," the former Italy star said as he held court at the club's ramshackle training ground. "It's a place that I know well. My family were delighted to come back to London, it feels like home. The club is almost a second family. We're all close and we want to do the best for another. I've learned a lot as a coach but from the start, I saw the potential for success here. The owner is a great man and his support is very valuable. He has given me time to develop a team and the right style of play. I think that's why we're here."
"The game is a fantastic opportunity to show what we're all about. It's a big stage and a privilege to come here once more, especially as a coach. Leaving West Ham was very tough for me, it ended badly but I'm not the type to give up. I've tried to instil that in the players and they aren't thinking about last year. We've picked up a lot of confidence from being at the top of the league and we have the chance to make this a great week for the club. We want to win the trophy but I'm proud of them, whatever happens."