Football Season Review

Brentford have had probably the most frustrating season out of all Football League clubs, as a 94th minute penalty miss on the final day of the regular season cost the Bees direct promotion, and they then went on to fail to win promotion through the Play-offs for a seventh consecutive time. Uwe Rosler built a very strong team, and his Bees were consistent throughout the season, sitting near the top of the table during the entirety of it's course. In hindsight, the fans will probably look back to the FA Cup games against Chelsea as a needless distraction, as the Bees took the Blues to a replay back in January after managing a 2:2 draw at home, but their league form deteriorated at the same time, with the loss of form of top scorer Clayton Donaldson that was caused by the untimely death of his mother certainly not helping things. However, the Bees quickly managed to find their feet again, and their end to the season run of results was good - if not spectacular. Their efforts were enough for them to enter the final game of the season just below second placed Doncaster, who they played in the final round. What happened in that game will be told by generations of Brentford fans in years to come, as Brentford were awarded an injury time penalty with the score tied at 0:0, but Fulham loanee Marcello Trotta took the ball from designated penalty taker Kevin O'Connor and went on to crash his spot-kick against the woodwork, therefore costing the Bees direct promotion. Rosler's men managed to overcome Swindon in the Play-offs on penalties, but simply forgot to switch on for the first half of their final match against Yeovil, with their second half showing not being enough for them to recover, as the Glovers deservedly led 2:0 at half-time. Rosler confirmed that he received encouragement from the club's owner and that he will be at the club next season. The Bees definitely have all the ingredients to fight for direct promotion, but Rosler will need to keep the core of the squad together and help the players forget the disappointment of this season.

Player of the Season: Clayton Donaldson