We can Bee heroes
FRANK FIRED UP FOR FINAL HURRAH AT GRIFFIN PARK
THOMAS FRANK says Brentford’s history boys are in “total combat” mode for their farewell to Griffin Park tonight.
The Bees are dreaming of signing off after 116 years at their archaic home by overturning a 1-0 deficit in their Championship play-off semi-final against Swansea.
And head coach Frank has promised to toast the old ground with a pint in each pub on all four corners if they complete a fairy-tale return to the top flight after a 73-year absence.
He said: “This is one of these defining games and moments. We are not nervous – we know we need to attack.
“I can feel inside my body how my emotions are and when I speak to the players and staff, we are in total combat mode.
“We are so much ready to go out and play and we will come out flying. We will do everything we can to make it a last magical moment at Griffin Park that can stay with the fans for ever.
“I can promise them that when we are done, I personally will carry my players off the pitch if they cannot do that themselves.”
Brentford have never reached the Premier League and the Bees last played in the top flight in 1947, but Frank is convinced that history will not weigh heavily on his team.
He said: “It’s extra motivation and inspiration for these players that they can be the first ones to play in the Premier League for Brentford.
“There is a new chapter to be written in our history and hopefully that’s something we would all like to achieve.
“Our last game at Griffin Park is a special moment for them and in my last speech to the players I’ll remind them to make sure we give everything to make it a magical moment.
“If we go up, I’ll be having a pint in each pub on the four corners of our ground – that’s a 100 per cent deal.”
Frank’s ‘BMW’ front line – Said Benrahma, Bryan Mbeumo and top scorer Ollie Watkins – are all destined to play at the top level.
But the Bees boss said: “I’m confident they are going to be here next season... because we are going to be in the Premier League. We’ll do everything we can to get to the final and when we get there we’ll do everything we can to win.
“In football, it’s important how you react to setbacks or things that feel like a punch in the face.
“We didn’t get the result we wanted at Swansea but the attitude, and way we approached the game, was bang-on.”
Defender Rico Henry’s red card from the first leg has been overturned and he is available for tonight’s return.