The 3-2 win over Manchester City last week signalled the end of a successful season for Brentford B. The team are now heading off for a summer break and some of the squad will be leaving Brentford Football Club. They leave after helping Brentford B to win 25 of 40 games this season, losing just 11.
Midfielder Zain Westbrooke has already confirmed his move to Coventry City, who are fighting for promotion in the League Two Play-Offs. Zain joined Brentford’s academy before transitioning into the B Team setup, making 62 appearances in the last two seasons and scoring 12 goals. And two other long-serving members of the squad, Herson Rodrigues Alves and Bradley Clayton, will also be leaving The Bees.
Herson and Bradley, like Zain, progressed through the ranks at Brentford, earning professional deals after graduating from the Youth Team. Herson played 57 games for Brentford B and scored 17 goals, making him the second all-time leading scorer for Kevin O’Connor’s side. Bradley played 60 games in his two years with Brentford B, scoring 14 times.
Nikolaj Kirk, who spent the season on loan from FC Midtjylland, has finished his spell with the Club and returned to Denmark. He made 34 appearances this season and scored one goal - a penalty in the win over Anderlecht at Griffin Park. Also leaving Griffin Park are Raphael Assibey-Mensah and Jan Novak, who will not be receiving new contracts. German midfielder Raphael joined in September 2016 and played 62 games, netting six times. Jan, who is from Slovenia, signed in January 2017. The 20-year-old leaves with 32 appearances and six goals to his name.
Central defender Jarvis Edobor signed a new contract last week to extend his stay with The Bees until next summer. The following players are also under contract for the 2018/19 season: Ellery Balcombe, Mads Bech Sørensen, Ilias Chatzitheodoridis, Lukas Talbro, David Titov, Jaakko Oksanen, Reece Cole, Ali Coote, Theo Archibald, Joe Hardy, Henrik Johansson and Marcus Forss.
Kevin O’Connor, B Team Head Coach, said: “This time of the year always brings about change in the squad both at First Team and B Team level. For us, we make decisions based on our model for bringing through players that can make an impact at First Team level at the top of the Sky Bet Championship. Unfortunately for some players, the time has come for them to find a new challenge.
“I’d like to thank every one of the boys who won’t be returning next season for their work on the pitch as well as their contributions to the positive atmosphere in the dressing room throughout this campaign. Bradley, Zain and Herson have been with us for a while now, and have been excellent representatives of the Club. We wish every player success for the future and good luck in their careers.”
“We look forward to welcoming some new faces in the summer and getting back to work in July.”