In an interview for Saturday’s match programme, which is now available at shop.brentfordfc.com, defender Nathan Collins reveals that he has settled in seamlessly at Brentford.
The 22-year-old made the switch from Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer and has impressed during the opening weeks of the campaign, starting against Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham and Crystal Palace.
“When I talked to the manager [Thomas Frank], he sold me it massively,” said Collins.
“He knew what I needed to do to get better, and he knew what I was good at. He told me he’ll make me a better player and I trust him. To feel wanted is a nice thing.
“I play my best football when I’m on the front foot, aggressive and ready to go. When I play conservative, I’m not at my best. I think that’s what the manager has seen and it’s a good match.”
And it wasn’t just Frank who pitched the Brentford project.
“Ben [Mee] was texting me,” Collins continued. “I asked him a few questions and he couldn’t talk highly enough of the club.
“I’d played with Ben and I trust him, so I believed everything he said. I learnt so much from him at Burnley – he’s a legend.
“Even before that, I had something pushing me this way. Maybe it’s just the way the club is. It’s a really hard-working club, a humble club, and it comes from a good place. That’s what I am, that’s what my family is, and that’s what made me feel comfortable.”
Having put pen to paper on a six-year contract, with a club option for an additional two years, Collins is looking forward to the future in west London.
“I wanted some stability in my life,” he admitted. “I don’t like the fact that I’ve moved, and I don’t want to be that person.
“This club feels right for me. I’m in a good place. My family are happy, and my brother lives 20 minutes down the road, so it feels like home already.”
Inside your Brentford v Bournemouth match programme
Thomas Frank shares his thoughts before Bournemouth’s visit to the Gtech
Big Ben Burgess’ Big Match Preview
Tom Crocker, chief sports writer for Bournemouth Echo, brings us up to speed on Saturday’s opponents in Hot off the Press
The Nathan Caton Column
On the Rise with Jake Reeves
Trusting the Process: An interview with B-team goalkeeper Vincent Angelini
Sales locations
Bees Superstore and Bees Merchandise kiosk (Lionel Road South)
Lionel Road South
Bridge (Bees Superstore end)
Outside Bees Superstore
Outside the box office (entrance B)
End of Lionel Road (Kew Bridge, stadium end)
Away end entrance (outside entrance G)
Stadium (as well as in the Dugout)
Merchandise kiosks (north, east and west stands and family section)
Programmes are available after the game from the Bees Merchandise Kiosk and the Bees Superstore (Lionel Road South).