FLYING WITH THE BEES

DAVID OHL REFLECTS ON BEING A LIFELONG BRENTFORD FAN - AND THE CHANGES HE S SEEN OVER MORE THAN 60 YEARS...

BRENTFORD now have a pretty impressive training ground, situated in picturesque Osterley, known as the Robert Rowan Performance Centre. These facilities befit a Premier League club, with a large entourage of staff supporting the players.

The club have been around for 135 years and, apart from recent years and a short spell either side of the Second World War, have nearly always played in the lower divisions.

I was born a quarter of a mile from Brentford's former ground at Griffin Park, which was famous for being the only English stadium with a pub on all four corners.

It comes as no surprise to know that my father took his sons to see the delights of that characterful old arena just as soon as we were able to walk and kick a ball.

I can not pretend that it has always been easy being a Brentford supporter for over 60 years, especially attending a school in central London where the children came from all over the capital.

Those boys supported what they called 'proper' teams like Chelsea, Fulham, Arsenal, Spurs and West Ham.

A few, for some unknown reason, even followed QPR, Charlton or Crystal Palace! However, I have always stood up for my club because being a Brentford fan means more and is something special. It is like being part of a quite small exclusive society, where you are a valued part of the close team.

When the Bees had any sort of success like a cup run, promotion or title, loads of friends and family members would congratulate me on 'my' fantastic success.

They saw me as being a total part of the club, even though I was just a simple paying loyal season ticket holder. I am pleased to see that Brentford have really tried to keep this 'Bee Together' theme, despite promotion three years ago to the Premier League.