Since leaving the Championship and becoming an established Premier League team, Brentford has mostly stayed the same. With Thomas Frank at the helm and a large amount of players remaining from their play-offs that got The Bees into top-flight, the west London club has prospered. But going into their 5th year in the EPL has been different, and it’s set to be an exciting season.
When the previous season ended in May, the biggest worry was Bryan Mbeumo leaving. A stalwart of the team, he took over Ivan Toney’s goal scoring run and him and Yoane Wissa proved to be the new terrorists of opponent’s defenders. But almost immediately Mark Flekken, the goalkeeper who boasted the most saves in this EPL season, left. Fans around the world were surprised. Flekken’s start at the club had been rocky but he had grown into an immense presence at the back, often bailing the boys out of trouble with his acrobatics. The club, as usual, had a plan, and just as quickly Caoimhín Kelleher was signed. The 2nd Liverpool keeper has the credentials, the lanky Irishman is not just a sound investment but an exciting prospect. Plus he plays with Collins in the Irish side, so theoretically it’s like for like.
Then the rumors started. Thomas Frank to leave. Every fan loved him, players, team and personnel seemingly would follow him into the heat of battle. Then after weeks of speculation, the Dane left for Tottenham, taking several staff with him. This was more than a shock, it felt almost like a betrayal, but nobody could besmirch a man of his ability to not grow and move onto another club. We wish him well. Once again Brentford had an answer, and another Irish man. Keith Andrews, Brentford’s set piece coach stepped into the almost impossibly big shoes. He not only has revolutionized the set pieces of Brentford but he is also one of their own. He knows the players, he knows the people and has Premier League experience as a player. He could be the man that bring the club into their best season yet.
Yet the hits kept coming. Christiaan Norgaard, 4-year Captain, a member of the old guard and talisman in the middle, signed to Arsenal. And we would need to wait to find out who the replacement was going to be. From a player point of view, young Ukraine mid-fielder Yehor Yarmoliuk is power and strength in his play. Very similar to Norgaard in his style, he has yet to fully realized his potential, getting better and better every match. And then there is Yunus Konak. Understated, quiet and effective, we have heard these words before, each appearance he is growing, and he is just 19.
Then who would step into the captain’s role? Norgaard ascended for Pontus Jansson, a seamless transition as the Dane had often taken the helm and led the team already. But now? Mbuemo still looks to leave, but could he lead if he stayed? The German Vitaly Janelt would be the obvious choice. He has worn the captain’s armband before, he himself a member of the team that was promoted. But he was out with an ankle injury at the end of last season. Then there’s Mathais Jensen, he too has put the armband on, but with Damsgaard’s form and Jensen’s season plagued with injuries, he has not been starting. Then there was the hint last year at the awards ceremony, a throw away comment that eagle eared fans caught. Nathan Collins. He is captain of Ireland, he played every minute of every game, he was the backbone of the squad last season. Are the Dane’s being replaced with the Irish? Only time will tell, but what can be said, is that the new guard look hungry, eager and edgy, the West London disruptors best qualities.
