I’ve always liked Thomas Frank. He comes across as one of the good guys in football and has worked wonders since sealing promotion with Brentford, getting the Bees just three points away from European football as things stand.
In his press conference earlier today, the Dane was asked about Eddie Howe and Newcastle United ahead of our clash in West London, speaking highly of both.
He’s eager to go for a pint with Howe, praising the job he did at Bournemouth and the brilliant work he’s done over the past 18 months, believing he’s created a ‘energetic, pressing, physical and dynamic’ side that are worth contenders for a top-four finish.
Frank also praised the way we defend, feeling we look like a side that has ‘played together forever’ that are very well drilled, great positionally and formidable in duels.
As a result, he’s urged his Brentford side to do three things if they want to beat us on Saturday; match our ‘energy and intensity’, beat us to second-balls and win set-piece battles.
Here’s what he’s had to say, starting with his thought on Howe:
“I have met Eddie Howe a few times but I haven’t been able to have a pint with him yet. It would be lovely to know him even better.
“He did a top job at Bournemouth. hey were an example to follow, having got promoted and established themselves in the Premier League.
“Eddie Howe has now got an opportunity at a club that wants to be in the top four and they are definitely doing everything that can to maybe even be there this season. They have done fantastic.
“The way Eddie Howe and his coaching staff came in last year and turned things around relatively quickly, and now how they have fine-tuned their style to be energetic, pressing, physical and dynamic, is very impressive.
“They deserve huge praise for the way they defend. They are clear in what they want. They have a very well drilled and well picked back five, including Nick Pope.
“It looks like they have played together forever. They are always in the right positions and they are very good in the duels.
“We need to match their energy and intensity, win enough second-balls and the set-piece battle. Hopefully we will be good enough in spells on the ball to create enough opportunities.“
Asked about Brentford’s 1-0 defeat to Man Utd on Wednesday, Frank added:
“You win or learn. We didn’t play our best game, or our worst either.
“Our foundation and work rate was there, but on the day, we threw [gave] the ball away too many times.
“We know it will be difficult [against Newcastle United] but we are up for it and can’t wait to play at home after two games away.”
As a Bees fan for donkeys’ years, isn’t this what we need in this country:- people who aren’t sniping all the time and simply being ‘human’ with each other?
I love the north east and its people and, even more, the Toon fans and the fun times we had in the ‘Four Corners’ pubs round the old Griffin Park.
Like maybe Brighton and a couple of others, we may never be at the top of the tree (like I hope the Toon can be) but I can’t tell you how great it is to be up there with an honest team and an honest manager like you have too.
Mark Hardy(Quote)
… and what a cracking match today too! I know we lost, but now, go on and get it Toon! The pubs tonight near our Little Bus Stop in Hounslow were still as lively as always, but with total banter – no nastiness whatever – between two groups of REAL footie fans, rather than Plastic Scousers and ‘Mancs’ who’ve never been north of Watford!
Howay the Lads! (stay in touch!)
Mark Hardy(Quote)
Great result against a good Brentford team. Good luck for the rest of the season Bees !
Michael Atkinson(Quote)