Postcard from... Brentford

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As a statement of intent, it takes some beating. John Mackie was keen to make an impression as the new Brentford captain on Saturday. As Ready to Go by Republica blasted out over the PA at Griffin Park, Mackie led out the home team with a ball in his hands. Within seconds, it had been booted out of the ground and Mackie was posing for pictures with the match sponsors. Welcome to Coca-Cola League Two.

“We can play wonderful football, but life is not always about playing wonderful football,” Terry Butcher, the new Brentford manager, said after watching his team draw 1-1 with Mansfield Town. “It’s about dealing with the opposition and what they throw at you.”

Butcher was helping out with coaching at Partick Thistle and licking his wounds after being dismissed as manager of Sydney FC when he received an offer that he could not refuse. Brentford had finished bottom of League One and needed a manager with the hunger and drive to transform the club’s fortunes. Butcher never shirked a challenge as a player and the 48-year-old former Ipswich Town, Rangers and England defender jumped at the chance to erase the bitter memories of his Australian adventure.

“It’s a test for the heart — I might have to get it checked soon, but it is wonderful to be back,” Butcher said.

Without Ben Hamer, the 19-year-old goalkeeper Butcher signed on loan from Reading on Friday, Brentford’s season would have started with a comprehensive defeat instead of an encouraging draw. Hamer learnt his trade at the Reading academy and on loan at Woking last season and only his sharp reflexes — and the woodwork — prevented Mansfield from returning to Nottinghamshire with three points. “We’ve signed some good players and I love their honesty,” Butcher said. Adrian Pettigrew, Alan Connell and Ben Starosta may not be household names, but if they make the most of the chance that Butcher has given them, Brentford have a good chance of bouncing back into League One.

“We’re on an unbeaten run of one,” Butcher said. “I’m going to go home and have a few glasses of red wine.”

KAVEH SOLHEKOL

Comments

[peter]

In Butcher's case life is NEVER about playing wonderful football.

[Michael Holloway]

I been a Brentford supproter through thick and thin since my first game in 1964, I now live in Sydney and get my live football fix from watching Sydney F.C., and dreaming of Griffin Park, hurt and disappointed by relegation last season, I was stunned by the appointment of Terry Butcher, He made a pigs ear of Sydney, and I fear for my beloved Bees, Help Us, save us from the hell TB brought to Aussie Stadium week in week out, somehow they made the finals, but it was ugly in league as good as the Conference.