Brentford: Play-off 'defines' club's future - Uwe Rosler

Brentford boss Uwe Rosler hopes to keep his young side together by winning promotion to the Championship.

The Bees face Yeovil in the League One play-off final at Wembley on Sunday.

"The future of Brentford will be defined by going up or not going up," the German told BBC London 94.9.

"We have put a very exciting young squad together. We want to keep them and build on a core of players. Championship football is a big attraction and would make it easier."

The west London side narrowly missed out on automatic promotion, missing a late penalty in their final match against Doncaster that would have secured a place in the top two.

Rosler, who took charge at Griffin Park in summer 2011, has not been afraid to use a core of young players as he looks to lead the club into the second tier for the first time since 1992-93.

Goalkeeper Simon Moore, defender Harlee Dean, midfielder Adam Forshaw and forward Harry Forrester, along with loanees Tom Adeyemi and Jake Bidwell, are all 22 or younger and all six have made at least 30 league appearances for the Bees this season.

Winger Sam Saunders, a comparative veteran at 29, says the squad have grown in stature over the course of the campaign.

"The boys have played big games this season, with Chelsea home and away in the FA Cup, Doncaster at home and the Swindon games," Saunders said.

"Even though these are young lads they are playing in massive games and that can only make them stronger as characters and men.

"A lot of them have grown and come on leaps and bounds. Hopefully they can grab the occasion by the scruff of the neck and show what good players they are.

"I live with Harry Forrester. He's been going well and had a fantastic season, but other times it hasn't gone so well. I tell him he is a good player and just to continue what he is doing.

"Harry, Adam Forshaw, Jake Bidwell, Harlee Dean and Simon Moore are all talented lads. They have been fantastic and they have grown every week.

"We are having big games and they are taking it in their stride and just improving week in, week out. It is fantastic to see that and to be a part of that."

The Bees reached the showpiece Wembley final courtesy of a penalty shoot-out in their semi-final against Swindon, which led to a pitch invasion at Griffin Park.

But Rosler, who had spells at Manchester City and Southampton during his playing days, says he has kept his players grounded after securing their passage to Wembley.

"Our squad did not celebrate because they knew the task was not done," he said.

"Our supporters celebrated but we kept it quite low profile. We had an unusually long period to prepare for Wembley after nine games in 36 days in April and May.

"It was important we gave the team a rest emotionally, mentally and physically. We have worked on details, tactical things and making them believe they can do it.

"We have overcome many hurdles since last August and there is one more to overcome."

Brentford lost both league meetings with Yeovil this season - a 3-1 defeat at home in August and a 3-0 reverse at Huish Park in February - but Rosler is not daunted.

"I am happy we lost two times," he added.

"I can tell you nobody in our camp will underestimate Yeovil.

"They had a very good season, but we have belief and confidence in our own ability and know we can make life difficult for them.

"I think the game will be decided mentally - who is stronger, who makes less mistakes and who is braver to attack. Hopefully that will be us.

"We don't want to go to Wembley and end up as losers. It is only a good place for winners."

Interviews with Uwe Rosler and Sam Saunders by BBC London 94.9's Phil Parry.