Friday, November 24, 2006

CHELTENHAM TOWN- BRENTFORD


Brentford reached a new low at 16.55 last Saturday, when they trooped off Griffin Park, having lost 4-0 at home to Crewe, in front of their first sub 5,000 attendance in almost two years.

So, as the final whistle blew and the Bees could boast just one win inside 9o minutes in 21 starts, the demonstations started.

Inevitably, the axe fell and Leroy Rosenior was dismissed after just 5 months in charge. Cannot say that this came as a huge surprise, the problems and situation he inherited, were almost insurmountable, as detailed in my post of July 10th ...
http://ubet2win.blogspot.com/2006/07/team-to-avoid.html

However, the players he brought in, admittedly on a very limited budget, were not up to scratch and worse of all, not committed enough. The first you can live with, but to see players in your club colours, seemingly not bothered, that is too much to bear. Leroy was too nice a guy and the wrong man for the job.

It is amazing the transformation that has taken place at the club this week.

Scott Fitzgerald has been appointed Caretaker Manager, a popular figure at Brentford, he wants the job on a permanent basis. Scott is very excited by this chance and his enthusiasm has rubbed off on others. More importantly he has tightened up on discipline, there were no "free days" this week and the players have trained hard every day.

I cannot overstate the change in attitude during these sessions, Fitzgerald said that " the mood (in the squad) had been gaining momentum throughout what had been a fantastic week".

Simon Cox has rejoined Brentford on loan from Premiership Reading, the 19 yo midfielder will be a major boost and should go straight into the side tonight.

The club have organised free travel to the game and 600-700 supporters should make the trip.

The situation at Cheltenham is just as bad, they have lost 10 from 11 starts. They have an extensive injury list, which is slowly easing, but have let star player Grant McGann go to Barnsley this week. He is/was easily their prize asset and will be sorely missed, they are also without suspended striker Steve Guinan.

Despite all that has gone before, I feel that the Bees will arrive with some new found spirit and maybe the more confident of the two teams. Do not think that they will return home empty handed and are my first selection of the day.

4 points Brentford +1/4 ball asian line 1.90.

Good Luck.

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