TheHairdresser
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One of west Yorshire's finest hacks busy at the coal face.
Things Others Say About Brentford FC
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Epic levels of delusion as ever.
"the Dane has never lived down those brazen question marks around the character of the Leeds squad."
As if anyone but them gives a toss
. And never forget that the stunning backlash he provoked was...a 1-1 draw.andEpic levels of delusion as ever.
"the Dane has never lived down those brazen question marks around the character of the Leeds squad."
As if anyone but them gives a toss
"There’s no chance Frank has sleepless nights around those comments now, but he and Brentford will always have that mark against their name"
Marked! For always! What a load of rubbish. Sensibly the replies to the article focus on more topical things like Leeds having a terrible squad this season rather than a game that didn't earn Leeds promotion two years and three months ago.
If Leeds need any special motivation for a game to actually stay in the PL then they would be pretty soft.
Never understood the uproar about the comments from TF. If i remember we were in rather fine form and they wernt , it was quite a big game and logically they probably did fear us given the circumstances but they turned up and played great and we never got going that night. Not as controversial as they turned it into
AB
Well-known member
Quite- I’m sure they’d have much preferred an easy game against Preston or Bristol City at home to going to us away.
jlove
Well-known member
It's only because Thomas didn't say that he was **** scared of playing the Champions of Europe, which is what they automatically expect.
Indian Bee
Well-known member
Still remember Leeds fans all over our social media pages (especially twitter) when they went up, after our play off final defeat and then when we lost 4-2 at home to Preston the following season (been largely quite about us since). I saved some of their comments and will be reminding some when we send them down on Sunday evening 
Untouchable
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I suspect he had to wipe his hands after typing so much sh*t.
The really bizarre thing about that article is he quotes everything Thomas said. Including huge praise for Bielsa and calling Leeds the best team in the division.
To a degree I can understand those who only heard the fear part second hand disliking it. Though not the over the top reaction from so many of them.
But to see the whole quote. To see it was full of praise and respect for Leeds. And was just Thomas talking up our chances. And to take such offence to it. You have to be a moron.
To a degree I can understand those who only heard the fear part second hand disliking it. Though not the over the top reaction from so many of them.
But to see the whole quote. To see it was full of praise and respect for Leeds. And was just Thomas talking up our chances. And to take such offence to it. You have to be a moron.
readingbee
Active member
Do they really allow people like him to breed up north
No. Hence they’re on a podcast 5 times a weekDo they really allow people like him to breed up north
TW3Bee
We're The Royal Oak Lionel Road
Hence why they are Leeds fans.
Agree, complete overreaction by Leeds to some pretty throwaway comments from Thomas. They reacted like he'd called them all a bunch of paedo wannabe Man U fans or something.
BEEcool
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What a pillock
BaildonBee
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It was a hack job by Phil Hay who is the Leeds reporter for The Athletic. He was and is a massive Bielsa fanboy. He saw it as his duty to whip up that match to turn around Leeds fortunes. They got a draw which is more than any of their YouTubers thought they would beforehand. They were the better team on the night. Kalvin Phillips was superb - head and shoulders above everyone else on the pitch. Having said that it still took a foul by Ben White on Raya to get them their point but it spurred them on for the rest of the season. Ever since Phil Hay has accused TF of playing mind games. Up here all Leeds fans seem to hang on every Phil Hay word. Ironically the offending press conference is on YouTube in full but they never checked for themselves.
Will Brentford replace Brighton as our bogey team?
The late American comedy actor W.C Fields is alleged to have once said: ‘All things considered I’d rather be in Philadelphia’ and one of my fellow writers for this esteemed publication Robert Banks…
blowing-bubbles.co.uk
IslandBee
Now Off-Island Bee
Still remember Leeds fans all over our social media pages (especially twitter) when they went up, after our play off final defeat and then when we lost 4-2 at home to Preston the following season (been largely quite about us since). I saved some of their comments and will be reminding some when we send them down on Sunday evening
As I remember it, one of their number actually rang up the Griffin Pub to spout their hate!
Very complimentary article from @JayHarris in The Athletic. Have to say, the (relatively small) outlay on the Athletic subscription this season has been money well spent 
theathletic.com
There can only be one reason why Thomas Frank is not the front runner for the Premier League manager of the season award.
The 48-year-old has clearly made Brentford’s transition from the Championship look so seamless that he has subverted expectations — how else could you explain why he is being overlooked by so many neutrals?
It is easy to forget there were a lot of question marks around the club’s lack of experience at this level ahead of their opening game of the season against Arsenal. At that point, Ivan Toney and Sergi Canos were the only members of their squad who had played in the top flight before. They had made a combined total of three appearances, back in 2015-16 for Newcastle United and Liverpool respectively, and were on the pitch for less than 20 minutes altogether. Frank was unconcerned.
“I think we will surprise in the Premier League,” he said. “I am convinced about that. Maybe I am wrong in a year’s time. But if you don’t have that massive belief in your players and your team, I think it’s very difficult to achieve anything.
“Yes, we are going to play against world-class teams, world-class players and world-class managers so we need to up our game. But I think we have something to offer.”
Looking back 10 months later, it seems ridiculous that Brentford’s approach was ever in doubt. The club have secured safety and are on the brink of finishing in the top half of the table, despite having a tiny budget compared to their rivals.
They did not spend a single day in the bottom three, which is astonishing when you consider that five out of the previous seven Championship play-off final winners went straight back down. The exceptions to that rule are Huddersfield Town, who finished 16th in 2017-18, and Aston Villa, who stayed up by a single point two years later.
Brentford’s challenge was to survive but under Frank they have thrived.
Although Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Patrick Vieira and Eddie Howe have all done excellent jobs, it is clear to see who truly deserves to win the manager of the season award.
Frank’s ambition was to make Brentford an “asset” to the Premier League.
Brentford’s 2-0 victory over Arsenal on the opening day of the season was a big statement and will go down as one of the most memorable moments of the campaign.
The raw emotion on display undoubtedly played a part in the result, but Frank outclassed Mikel Arteta with his game plan. By pressing high up the pitch and creating overloads out wide, Brentford were able to regain possession in threatening areas. Frank’s formula would bring them success throughout the rest of the year while his celebrations at full time with Woody O’Rourke, a young fan, displayed his warmth and humility too.
Before Christmas, Brentford could make a strong claim to be the most entertaining team to watch in the division. In the past, we have seen promoted clubs become fraught with nerves and tension, afraid of what they might lose instead of being excited by what they could gain. Frank’s side bucked that trend by attacking each game with a relentless intensity.
They drew 3-3 with Liverpool in a thrilling contest at the Brentford Community Stadium in September. A couple of weeks later they bombarded Chelsea with a barrage of crosses, corners and throw-ins but somehow lost 1-0. Frank had clearly coaxed another level out of the squad who finished third in the Championship and missed out on automatic promotion. Even when they went eight games without a win between January and February, he stayed calm and refused to make any rash decisions.
The former Denmark youth-team coach’s greatest strength is his tactical flexibility. At the beginning of the season he only used one formation, but since February Brentford have switched between 3-5-2 and 4-3-3. This versatility is vital as it allows the side to adapt to different situations.
For example, they lined up with three centre-backs in their 4-1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in April before they beat West Ham United 2-0 in their next match using a traditional back four. The fact the players look so comfortable and assured in a variety of systems is a testament to how well they have been drilled and prepared by the coaching staff on the training ground.
Frank has a great working relationship with his assistants Brian Riemer and Kevin O’Connor which helps too. One of the best traits a manager can have is a willingness to listen to other people’s opinions and ideas.
During matches, Frank rarely sits down and he spends a lot of time in the technical area shouting instructions to his players. His emotions are on full display and, although that is not necessarily a bad thing, there have been a few occasions this season where he has let slip his frustration. After Manchester United beat Brentford 3-1 in January, Frank said Brentford “absolutely destroyed” them. A few days later, he said he needed to control himself better in those moments. The fact he got sent off in their next match against Wolverhampton Wanderers for arguing with the referee was far from ideal.
Frank has shown he is unafraid to take bold decisions within matches. He tends to plan his substitutions in advance and will have a clear idea of how to respond to every scenario.
When Brentford hosted Watford on December 10, they were losing 1-0 when Saman Ghoddos came on as a substitute for Mathias Jensen in the 69th minute. Both players are central midfielders so it appeared a straightforward swap. However Frank decided to use Ghoddos as an inverted wing-back.
The Iranian international was encouraged to push forward high on the left, before cutting inside on his right foot to create crossing and shooting opportunities. It was an unorthodox move, but it paid off as the 28-year-old won the penalty which Bryan Mbeumoconverted to secure a 2-1 victory. Frank had identified a weakness in Watford’s defence and he exploited it to maximum effect.
There have been occasions where those tweaks have not worked, but Brentford have won more points from a losing position (15) than any other team in the top flight this season apart from Liverpool (17) — being brave has paid off. They have scored 12 goals after the 80th minute and only Liverpool (14), Chelsea (14) and Manchester City(18) have more in that period.
Over the last couple of months, aided by the arrival of Christian Eriksen, Brentford have hit new heights. They have won seven out of their last 10 matches which would be an impressive run of form for most teams in the division.
They have done this without spending exorbitant amounts of money. Research from football finance expert Kieran Maguire shows that Brentford have the lowest wage bill and the second-lowest squad cost in the Premier League.
Newcastle’s tactical improvement under Howe has been a significant factor in their revival, but they still spent over £90 million on new signings in January. Bruno Guimaraes, who joined them from Lyon, cost £40 million — that is more than Brentford have spent on players over the last 12 months combined.
Frank has relied on a core group of players, including Ivan Toney, Pontus Jansson and Christian Norgaard, who helped the team get promoted last year and has supplemented them with club-record signing Kristoffer Ajer, Yoane Wissa and Frank Onyeka. Brentford have the second-youngest average age in the top flight this season at 26.2 years, behind Arsenal (25.2), which suggests this squad can continue to develop and improve.
Guardiola and Klopp deserve recognition for their titanic battle for the title, yet that is the minimum expectation for them both. Patrick Vieira has changed Crystal Palace’s style of play, but they can only finish four points better off than they did last season.
Nobody could have anticipated what Brentford would achieve. Frank’s suggestion they might “surprise” other teams has turned out to be a massive understatement.
He would be a worthy winner of the manager of the season award.
Why Thomas Frank is Premier League manager of the season
Under Thomas Frank, Brentford are on the brink of finishing in the top-half, despite having a tiny budget compared to their rivals
theathletic.com
There can only be one reason why Thomas Frank is not the front runner for the Premier League manager of the season award.
The 48-year-old has clearly made Brentford’s transition from the Championship look so seamless that he has subverted expectations — how else could you explain why he is being overlooked by so many neutrals?
It is easy to forget there were a lot of question marks around the club’s lack of experience at this level ahead of their opening game of the season against Arsenal. At that point, Ivan Toney and Sergi Canos were the only members of their squad who had played in the top flight before. They had made a combined total of three appearances, back in 2015-16 for Newcastle United and Liverpool respectively, and were on the pitch for less than 20 minutes altogether. Frank was unconcerned.
“I think we will surprise in the Premier League,” he said. “I am convinced about that. Maybe I am wrong in a year’s time. But if you don’t have that massive belief in your players and your team, I think it’s very difficult to achieve anything.
“Yes, we are going to play against world-class teams, world-class players and world-class managers so we need to up our game. But I think we have something to offer.”
Looking back 10 months later, it seems ridiculous that Brentford’s approach was ever in doubt. The club have secured safety and are on the brink of finishing in the top half of the table, despite having a tiny budget compared to their rivals.
They did not spend a single day in the bottom three, which is astonishing when you consider that five out of the previous seven Championship play-off final winners went straight back down. The exceptions to that rule are Huddersfield Town, who finished 16th in 2017-18, and Aston Villa, who stayed up by a single point two years later.
Brentford’s challenge was to survive but under Frank they have thrived.
Although Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Patrick Vieira and Eddie Howe have all done excellent jobs, it is clear to see who truly deserves to win the manager of the season award.
Frank’s ambition was to make Brentford an “asset” to the Premier League.
Brentford’s 2-0 victory over Arsenal on the opening day of the season was a big statement and will go down as one of the most memorable moments of the campaign.
The raw emotion on display undoubtedly played a part in the result, but Frank outclassed Mikel Arteta with his game plan. By pressing high up the pitch and creating overloads out wide, Brentford were able to regain possession in threatening areas. Frank’s formula would bring them success throughout the rest of the year while his celebrations at full time with Woody O’Rourke, a young fan, displayed his warmth and humility too.
Before Christmas, Brentford could make a strong claim to be the most entertaining team to watch in the division. In the past, we have seen promoted clubs become fraught with nerves and tension, afraid of what they might lose instead of being excited by what they could gain. Frank’s side bucked that trend by attacking each game with a relentless intensity.
They drew 3-3 with Liverpool in a thrilling contest at the Brentford Community Stadium in September. A couple of weeks later they bombarded Chelsea with a barrage of crosses, corners and throw-ins but somehow lost 1-0. Frank had clearly coaxed another level out of the squad who finished third in the Championship and missed out on automatic promotion. Even when they went eight games without a win between January and February, he stayed calm and refused to make any rash decisions.
The former Denmark youth-team coach’s greatest strength is his tactical flexibility. At the beginning of the season he only used one formation, but since February Brentford have switched between 3-5-2 and 4-3-3. This versatility is vital as it allows the side to adapt to different situations.
For example, they lined up with three centre-backs in their 4-1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in April before they beat West Ham United 2-0 in their next match using a traditional back four. The fact the players look so comfortable and assured in a variety of systems is a testament to how well they have been drilled and prepared by the coaching staff on the training ground.
Frank has a great working relationship with his assistants Brian Riemer and Kevin O’Connor which helps too. One of the best traits a manager can have is a willingness to listen to other people’s opinions and ideas.
During matches, Frank rarely sits down and he spends a lot of time in the technical area shouting instructions to his players. His emotions are on full display and, although that is not necessarily a bad thing, there have been a few occasions this season where he has let slip his frustration. After Manchester United beat Brentford 3-1 in January, Frank said Brentford “absolutely destroyed” them. A few days later, he said he needed to control himself better in those moments. The fact he got sent off in their next match against Wolverhampton Wanderers for arguing with the referee was far from ideal.
Frank has shown he is unafraid to take bold decisions within matches. He tends to plan his substitutions in advance and will have a clear idea of how to respond to every scenario.
When Brentford hosted Watford on December 10, they were losing 1-0 when Saman Ghoddos came on as a substitute for Mathias Jensen in the 69th minute. Both players are central midfielders so it appeared a straightforward swap. However Frank decided to use Ghoddos as an inverted wing-back.
The Iranian international was encouraged to push forward high on the left, before cutting inside on his right foot to create crossing and shooting opportunities. It was an unorthodox move, but it paid off as the 28-year-old won the penalty which Bryan Mbeumoconverted to secure a 2-1 victory. Frank had identified a weakness in Watford’s defence and he exploited it to maximum effect.
There have been occasions where those tweaks have not worked, but Brentford have won more points from a losing position (15) than any other team in the top flight this season apart from Liverpool (17) — being brave has paid off. They have scored 12 goals after the 80th minute and only Liverpool (14), Chelsea (14) and Manchester City(18) have more in that period.
Over the last couple of months, aided by the arrival of Christian Eriksen, Brentford have hit new heights. They have won seven out of their last 10 matches which would be an impressive run of form for most teams in the division.
They have done this without spending exorbitant amounts of money. Research from football finance expert Kieran Maguire shows that Brentford have the lowest wage bill and the second-lowest squad cost in the Premier League.
Newcastle’s tactical improvement under Howe has been a significant factor in their revival, but they still spent over £90 million on new signings in January. Bruno Guimaraes, who joined them from Lyon, cost £40 million — that is more than Brentford have spent on players over the last 12 months combined.
Frank has relied on a core group of players, including Ivan Toney, Pontus Jansson and Christian Norgaard, who helped the team get promoted last year and has supplemented them with club-record signing Kristoffer Ajer, Yoane Wissa and Frank Onyeka. Brentford have the second-youngest average age in the top flight this season at 26.2 years, behind Arsenal (25.2), which suggests this squad can continue to develop and improve.
Guardiola and Klopp deserve recognition for their titanic battle for the title, yet that is the minimum expectation for them both. Patrick Vieira has changed Crystal Palace’s style of play, but they can only finish four points better off than they did last season.
Nobody could have anticipated what Brentford would achieve. Frank’s suggestion they might “surprise” other teams has turned out to be a massive understatement.
He would be a worthy winner of the manager of the season award.
Watching Football Focus and interviewing the Leeds manager and I got a little irate that the team they are playing tomorrow didn't get a mention. As it was the last programme of the season they ended with the best bits. It was 50% about Brentford Canos opener against the @rse, Woody and his Mum, Woody and Thomas. Finally Mr.Brentford fighting the Green Monster. What a season to be a Bee.
Canos opener against the @rse, Woody and his Mum, Woody and Thomas. Finally Mr.Brentford fighting the Green Monster. What a season to be a Bee.
OhBeehave
Active member
This was the one that made me laugh yesterday. They haven't got a clue about the BCS.
Brentford's tenuous Leeds United talisman is no more as 72-year myth torn down
Leeds United visit Brentford in the Premier League on Sunday for the sixth time since 2014 and while they are without a win in that spell there is well-worn fable which does not quite tell the whole story
www.leeds-live.co.uk
Hungerford Bee
Active member
This was the one that made me laugh yesterday. They haven't got a clue about the BCS.
Brentford's tenuous Leeds United talisman is no more as 72-year myth torn down
Leeds United visit Brentford in the Premier League on Sunday for the sixth time since 2014 and while they are without a win in that spell there is well-worn fable which does not quite tell the whole story
"Harrowing Easter Monday trip in 2019"
Wooburn Bee
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I remember that game well. For the second half of second half Leeds were totally shot and just sat deep hoping not to concede any more. Their legs were totally gone."Harrowing Easter Monday trip in 2019"
IslandBee
Now Off-Island Bee
As I remember it, one of their number actually rang up the Griffin Pub to spout their hate!
Yep, here it is -
TW3Bee
We're The Royal Oak Lionel Road
Remember the close ups of all the Leeds players in tears.
Hopefully more of that tomorrow.
OhBeehave
Active member
I'm digging out the old Leo Vegas for tomorrow in tribute."Harrowing Easter Monday trip in 2019"
JANORAK
Active member
"Harrowing Easter Monday trip in 2019"
Complete with our beloved Mr Stroud…
OhBeehave
Active member
Of course and the "stonewall" penalty that he didn't give to them.
ruislip bee
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I thought it look iffish if you now what I mean. But Stroud has his own rule book.Of course and the "stonewall" penalty that he didn't give to them.
OhBeehave
Active member
It did look like it was but who cares? No VAR in the Championship, they have to suck it up.
wibs
Well-known member
Spoke to a massively biased Leeds fan tonight at a party. He was very much of the pro Bielsa camp, and says it is ridiculous that are down there in 18th cos they dominated matches and conceded some late goals.
He wouldn't here a bad word against them.
I said what about the point you saved against us at Elland Road at the death and he said, you were lucky to get a point we were all over you.
I signed inwardly and went "Dave, Dave" and waved at someone on the other side of the room and walked off towards them.
I don't know anyone called Dave.
I hope Leeds go down.
He wouldn't here a bad word against them.
I said what about the point you saved against us at Elland Road at the death and he said, you were lucky to get a point we were all over you.
I signed inwardly and went "Dave, Dave" and waved at someone on the other side of the room and walked off towards them.
I don't know anyone called Dave.
I hope Leeds go down.
How big/small was the party venue?
Hmm that wasn't exactly how I remembered it.
If you'd stuck around he might have remembered how many players we had out injured that day, or is it only Leeds that have injury problems.
ruislip bee
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Surprised Toums would even be associated with you.......
NorthamptonBee
Yes Boss
What did Dave think was likely to happen?
Hungerford Bee
Active member
The sometimes derided XG table example I looked at says that they should be on a massive 32 points with Bees on..................58.
Hullbee
Well-known member
Toums said he no longer wanted to be called Dave….. I am outraged on his behalf
Hullbee
Well-known member
Whoops should have continued reading the thread before responding to wibs
beesbees_bfc
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Not to mention:
- The late winner they scored at Wolves having been completely out of the game until the sending off
- Last minute equaliser against Brighton
- Last minute winner against Watford
and last minute v Norwich from memory
beesbees_bfc
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So basically they’ve been battered by the top teams (hence the goal difference) and scraped points with last minute goals against the bottom and mid table teams… they sound like a standard, unremarkable relegation team to me.
LboroBee
from: parts unknown
That’s brilliant, he’s answered his own question as to why they’re where they are. With the wrong players their system is the personification of pointlessness, all huff n puff.
Straight out of the later years Wenger “we lost but at least we won on possession” argument.
So Leicester didn’t deserve the title a few years ago because they didn’t dominate games, and didn’t concede late goals?
I guess he didn’t look at their goal difference either. Imagine if they didn’t score those last minute goals against us, Norwich, Brighton and wolves didn’t get a disgraceful red card given to them at 2-0 up. Not to mention how many chances Brighton missed.
I work with a few Leeds fans and they knew they were in trouble months ago, they say they have been awful and are expecting the worse.
Paul USA
Well-known member
Bengeo Bee
Member
Yeah, but only because the penny has finally dropped that his real name is Rodney.
sonofabee
Well-known member
Wolves, they got out of jail with a dreadful decision that saw Wolves without a forward and they capitulated. They should be down already and they should have lost to us at their place as well
NorthamptonBee
Yes Boss
Mind the gap, mind the gap Donkey Cooper….
wibs
Well-known member
you got invited to a party
Oh absolutely not. I happened to be passing so gatecrashed ;-)
mhead bee
Well-known member
I had to read to the bottom of that pile of codswallop to get to the result of the at epic never to be forgotten match as I genuinely can’t remember it
I knew we didn’t lose as I can only remember losing to them once in about 100 years and that was when pontus scored for them, he now plays for us
Deluded nonsense, like we are thinking about them. This is the biggest game in their recent history, it’s dead rubber for us but we are paying no rent on Yorkshire that is for sure.
We would love to send them down but if we don’t I will be over it by tea time tonight
filmyfan
Active member
Not sure where to put this...
Billy Bees season review in The Observer
www.theguardian.com
Billy Bees season review in The Observer
Premier League 2021-22 fans’ verdicts, part one: Arsenal to Leicester
Fans review the season with one game to play: the stars, the flops and the moments that made them smile
www.theguardian.com
That was a 1-1 draw as wellI knew we didn’t lose as I can only remember losing to them once in about 100 years and that was when pontus scored for them, he now plays for us
We did lose 1-0 there the season before an the season after. Don't remember the former at all, but the more recent one in their promotion season was a midweek game that I missed.
Brentford football club: record v Leeds United
Brentford football club record against Leeds United, including all match details.
www.11v11.com