An interview with a Rival... Brentford

Ahead of tomorrow's clash with Brentford, Head of Content Keith Ingham got the chance to speak to Ricky Simons about all things Brentford.

How long have you followed Brentford?

16 Years

The best players you've seen in the red and white stripes?

John Salako, Steve Sidwell, Alex Pitchard, Jota, Scott Hogan

Can you name any game or games you've seen that stick in your memory?

Since I've supported the bees we have had some amazing come backs and a lot of games that will live long in the memory but beating Fulham home and away back in 2015 and QPR last season for the first time in 50 years are hard to beat.

You seem very at home in the Championship, do you think your near to be a team that could challenge for the Playoffs soon?

We have a very talented bunch of players, definitely one of the best since I've been coming but we have the youngest squad in the league and they are all learning their trade in the championship, I think another season or 2 with the right players added could we'll see us in contention for a top 6 spot.

Can you name a player or players that have shone since the start of the season?

The new lads who signed in the summer from League one, Dan Bentley, Romaine Sawyers & John Egan have all done better than I expected. Scott Hogan is obviously having a great season and Harlee Dean has really come of age since being given the captaincy.

Owners and Manager; What's your opinion of yours and ours?

We owe a lot to our owner, we're very lucky that he's a fellow fan, we obviously can't compete financially with the big boys in this league so different way of running the club is important.

I'm a big fan of Dean Smith because he has a proven history of doing well with smaller clubs I.e Walsall but I think it's work in progress and will take a few seasons with him in charge to get us in contention promotion.

I don't really know a great deal about your owner only what I've heard in the news, in my option the press should get off his back, he obviously cares about the club so good luck to him.

Monk is a top manager and i was surprised when I heard rumours at the start of the season that he was minutes from the sack, he was dropped in at the deep at Swansea and done well and I bet they wish they had him in charge now.

Most memorable game with Leeds?

We've only had 6 in my time supporting the bees but for me it was beating you 1-0 at Elland Road last year, it was our first year in the Championship and we had a point to prove that we belonged here and coming to ER is never easy.

Champions and Runners up, six teams who will be fighting for a Playoff place?

I think the top 2 will be between Newcastle & Brighton, but as we all know this league is far from predictable and as for the 6 teams to challenge for the PO's I'd go for Reading, Derby, Norwich, Wednesday, yourselves and I still think Villa will be up there.

Can you pick three teams to go down?

I'd say Rotherham, Wigan and I can't make my mind up on the third team, I have a feeling it might be QPR because I don't think Holloway was the right appointment.

Prediction of score and scorers for tomorrow?

I'm very superstitious so I never make predictions but with the form your boys are in I'd be happy to come away with a point.

We'd like to thank Ricky for answering our questions and wish him luck for the seasons ahead.

By Keith Ingham