I’D BACK NEW BOY IVAN TO BE GREAT AT BEES

IVAN Toney has big boots to fill at Brentford. The striker, a £5m signing from Peterborough, has been bought to replace Ollie Watkins, who scored 26 times last season and recently joined Aston Villa for £28m.

For any forward, there’s no such thing as a settling-in period. No flying under the radar. You walk onto the pitch and the pressure is instant.

That’s the same for someone like Adam Rooney in the National League as it is for Timo Werner in the Premier League.

Even Harry Kane is under constant scrutiny. He scores 30 goals one season and everybody says ‘Yeah, but can he do it again next year?’. Strikers are judged purely on their numbers and that is why they are paid the big money.

Even so, I’m backing Ivan to be a success this season. Firstly, because strikers who go to Brentford inevitably improve.

Watkins is probably the best example but before him there was Neal Maupay, Andre Gray, Scott Hogan.

All of them moved on for big money.

Secondly, because Brentford’s style will suit his game. Unlike defenders, a team’s system and style of play can make or break a forward.

No offence, but

Ivan goes into a Cardiff or a Millwall, it isn’t going to suit the way he plays on the shoulder.

You just need to look at the way a quality striker like Britt Assombalonga has struggled at Middlesbrough to see why.

Like Peterborough, Brentford have tricky, skilful players, they keep the ball down and they create a lot of chances. It should be an easy transition and he won’t have to adjust the way he plays. It’s an exciting signing for the Bees.