Conor McManus, who made the move to Jersey Road in December 2022, has been a consistent member of Neil MacFarlane’s matchday squads this season.

Born and raised in the Republic of Ireland, McManus touches on what he misses most about home, how he spends his free time and more in the second instalment of Brentford Buzz.

What’s your favourite thing about playing for Brentford?

I’d have to say the people and the community that we’ve built up. I think we have a very good team spirit, especially looking to push on for next year.

Not only the staff but all the players are around to support you.

How did you find the move from Ireland to west London?

Incredibly tough initially. I was 17 moving away from home. Obviously I was excited to move to an English Premier League club, that’s what every lad dreams of, as cliché as it sounds.

The first couple of months were difficult, I thought I was a bit quiet, just trying to get a feel for the place. Over the last year or so, I think I’ve grown as not only a player but as a person on and off the pitch.

What position do you play?

Anywhere along the left side of defence, left centre-back, left wing-back, left-back. I try to be as good going forward as going backwards.

I’m just trying to work on that side of my game a lot more.

How would you describe Neil MacFarlane as a coach?

Incredibly fair, incredibly good man manager. I think he’s someone that you can go to whenever you have a problem or anything you need to talk about.

I think in that sense he’s next to none.

Who do you have a good relationship with on the pitch?

I think I could pick a number of lads to be fair. I’d say probably one of my centre-back partners Benji Fredrick. Playing beside him, he makes your job 10 times easier.

What’s your favourite meal?

I enjoy a steak sandwich, I think that has to be top. Or maybe a chicken burger that I make.

Who’s got the worst banter in the squad?

It depends, a lot of people have a lot of strange jokes. There’s a lot of inside jokes, so you kind of have to know what’s going on.

I’d say Benji Arthur has to be up there, he’s just a weird guy in general.

What do you miss the most about Ireland?

I think aside from all my family and friends, I honestly think the sea. I lived by the sea for the majority of growing up.

It was nice to even just get in there for a walk and clear your head. I think I miss that bit the most.

What do you do in your free time?

With the lads, sometimes go into central London, but a lot of relaxing.