Ben Burgess became a fan favourite at Griffin Park during the 2001/02 campaign, netting 18 goals in 51 appearances while on loan from Blackburn Rovers. In total, Ben led the line for ten clubs during a 14-year career.

Now a teacher in Lancashire, Ben still keeps a close eye on the Bees and will be providing his thoughts ahead of each game this season.

Christmas cheer

For everyone who celebrated Christmas with friends and family in a nice warm house, there are sadly many not as fortunate.

Brentford FC, like many clubs, reached out and supported their local community. In partnership with the Community Sports Trust, the Gtech Community Stadium hosted the Refugees Welcome Hounslow’s Christmas gathering for local refugees.

As players, we always used to visit local schools and hospitals to deliver presents to those less fortunate. As soon as you saw the children’s faces light up when they receive a present or have a chat with you, it really hits home how much of an impact a football club can have on its community - and not many do it better than the Bees.

Reflection

Friday's fixture against West Ham United marks the end of another fantastic year of football for Brentford.

The first half of the year afforded the Bees the opportunity to consolidate their place in the Premier League and, so far this season, expectations and performances have risen to another level. Historic victories over Manchester United and Manchester City have been particular highlights.

What I have also really enjoyed is the consistency of having a group of players that provide the core of this team, the likes of David Raya, Pontus Jannsen, Rico Henry, Ethan Pinnock, and Ivan Toney. And, as every great coach should do, Thomas Frank improves the players he already has. The main plus point though is that every player understands the club, the supporters, and how the team plays.

I still don’t think Frank and his players quite get the respect they deserve.

The Hammers

In comparison to Brentford’s January to December form (which earned them an overall, yearly position of ninth), West Ham have had a bit of a struggle and their performances over the same period put them much lower in the form table.

David Moyes had a fantastic start to his second stint in East London and he finally managed to turn the London Stadium into a bit of a fortress which, after its initial teething problems, was no mean feat.

Compared to the Bees' very own Gtech Community Stadium, which has actually elevated and improved the atmosphere, the Hammers' new home will struggle to compete with the intimidating atmosphere of Upton Park.

Results and performances have tailed off for Moyes recently, despite some hefty transfer fees that have brought in the likes of Lucas Paqueta and Gianluca Scamacca. Brentford were winners in both of last season's Premier League meetings, and another one on Friday could leave the Hammers even closer to the relegation zone.