Brentford

You have been sharing your stories and photos about why you love Brentford.

Here is a final selection of your submissions, but do make sure you scroll down this page to see all the best responses from throughout the week:

Ray: I inherited my love of the Bees from my father. He was once sacked from a grocery shop because he delayed his deliveries to watch an afternoon cup replay at Griffin Park.

He also saw 20 of the 21 home matches that the Bees won in 1929-30, missing the 21st to watch a cup semi final at Villa Park (the traitor!).

I started going regularly during the 1954-55 season with my heroes being Kenny Coote and Jim Towers. Highlights include promotion in 1962-63 while the worst time was watching the Bees playing when they were 92nd in the league.

Image source, Brentford FC website

Brentford have unveiled their third kit for the 2025-26 season.

The shirt uses the same colours as when the club was originally founded in 1889 - when they were known as Brentford Rowing Club.

"The blue shirt features a striking claret and salmon stripe across the front as well as on the sleeves and sides of the shirt," the club said.

"Brentford's crest is seen in the middle of the shirt. The back of the neck also includes a special '1889' logo."

Are you a fan? Let us know here

Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr are ready to meet Brentford's asking price for 28-year-old DR Congo forward Yoane Wissa, who is also a target for Newcastle and Tottenham. (L'Equipe - in French), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

This week, we are asking you to share your stories and photos about why you fell in love with Brentford.

Here is a selection of your submissions:

Marc: Brentford is the first place my dad took me to watch football as it's where he grew up. It hooked me as a child and it became a father/son ritual that, now he's no longer here, I am eternally grateful for. Brentford have been a part of my life for 30 years and I now have the chance to carry on the father/son ritual of going to football with my own sons. Couldn't imagine this football journey supporting any other club.

Send us your pictures and stories here

Image source, Getty Images

Keith Andrews says his footballing philosophy is to "get the best out of the players we have" as he prepares for his first season in charge at Brentford.

Speaking to BBC Radio London, the Bees boss explained his team will execute a high-intensity gameplan rather than a rigid tactical system.

In or out of possession, Andrews will wants full commitment from his players, and the ability to press purposefully and defend with grit.

"You need to be fit to be able to do that, along with concentration," Andrews said. BBC Radio London. "What it looks like in possession is a relentless desire to put the opposition under pressure from different ways and be unpredictable in the way we do it, which I think this team has had in the few years I have been watching them.

"You have to play to the players' attributes and strengths, which I am a big fan of. It's not about me and the way I see the game, per se; it's about the players we have in the building and getting the best out of them.

"Without the ball, it is just the absolute desire to get the ball back from the opposition, to keep the ball out of the back of the net and to keep the opposition away from our goal.

"It's about having that in your DNA to be better than the day you were before."

Ipswich are set to snub a £35m offer from Nottingham Forest for England Under-21 winger Omari Hutchinson, with Brentford also still interested in the 21-year-old. (David Ornstein of The Athletic), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Danielle Sarver Coombs

When it comes to our love for a football club, the answer to why we do lies in "both psychological and societal" reasons.

In the first part of her chat with BBC Sport, researcher and co-writer of the Routledge Handbook of Sport Fans and Fandom Danielle Sarver Coombs spoke about the part that identity and tradition play.

And yet when we are caught up in the emotions of a tough defeat or nerves of an important match, we can often ask why we put ourselves through it.

"There are psychological processes at work and physiological ones in terms of how we respond and engage," Sarver Coombs said.

"An example that I always give is when I take the train to work, I go past Arsenal's stadium and I feel literally nothing other than: 'Oh, that's a big building'. Whereas on a train to Manchester, I went by Villa Park and my heart started pounding. I got all excited and was trying to take pictures out the window.

"I had a visceral reaction to this place. We can't pretend we don't have that sort of physical reaction because we do.

"When someone is talking about a controversial decision and I feel myself getting wound up, even though I intellectually know that I can't control it and that it's just a game, my body doesn't know that.

"My gut doesn't know that and so I have this really emotional response and we can't control that."

A 2023 book titled 'Football on the brain: why minds love sport, external' suggests it comes down to 'an understandable and logical consequence of the human mind's natural inclination to find meaning through beliefs... It's a religion as far as the brain is concerned'.

But it not just about what is going on inside the mind but outside influences too.

"There is a sociological element to it because the community part is such a huge driver and benefit for us," Sarver Coombs explains.

"Sociologically, we are driven to be part of communities. We are driven to find our groups that we can be members of. Sport provides a way to do that - this sense that I was chosen to be part of this community and it's something bigger than I am."

As the game expands, unrest among supporters seems to be increasing, but how does that impact this ingrained love for a club?

"You always go through these cycles when the game is changing," Sarver Coombs said.

"Despite all the changes, the traditions remain so strong and it's such a huge draw that it becomes really hard to actually separate yourself from it. Even if you do, it tends to be a short-term separation. You get sucked back in because something happens.

"People don't want that change, but then we adapt to it and continue moving forward."

Browse this page to see lots of fan stories for how you fell in love with your club.

And check out those from other Premier League teams over here

This week, we are asking you to share your stories and photos for why you fell in love with Brentford.

Here is a selection of your submissions:

George: As a kid, I was in and out of hospital for daunting weekly appointments. Keeping me calm on the way in every Saturday was an old-school cabbie with more Brentford memorabilia in his cab than you could shake a stick at. The way he talked with such passion about this little team of his I'd never even heard of was so captivating and put me completely at ease.

When I was old enough to go to games and pick a local team, I wanted to 'pay him back' by supporting Brentford over something more glamorous. Fourteen glorious years later...

Send us your pictures and stories here

Image source, Getty Images

Brentford boss Keith Andrews has praised Yoane Wissa's professionalism and attitude amid ongoing uncertainty around the forward's future.

The 28-year-old is back with the group after leaving the Bees' pre-season trip to Portugal early last week.

Andrews admitted Wissa is still building up match fitness but underlined the forward's value to the squad, calling him an "outstanding talent" and a player any coach would want to work with.

Despite the speculation, Andrews insists their relationship remains respectful as the transfer window plays out.

"Wissa came back from Portugal - that was the right thing for all parties," Andrews told BBC Radio London.

"He was working very hard in the training ground in the build-up to the QPR game, obviously lacking in fitness. The players had yesterday off, and today was the first day we trained together as a group, and Yoane was there.

"Every coach would want him at the football club and every fan would want him at the football club, because he is an outstanding talent. He has proved to be an amazing football player for this club because of his importance within the group.

"I can't say that it has put me under a lot of stress because I do things one at a time. I am very understanding of the situation, having been in this industry for a long time.

"Transfer windows are always similar. I try to keep a good relationship with Wissa, and that's the way it has to remain.

"It's underpinned with mutual respect."

Opta's Supercomputer has once again predicted the upcoming 2025-26 Premier League season by using a model to simulate every match 10,000 times.

Image source, Opta

It is not yet clear if the team that finishes fifth in this season's Premier League will secure a Champions League spot again as that outcome depends on how representatives performance in Europe this season.

Therefore, based on needing a top-four finish to reach the Champions League and fifth getting the Europa League, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea are favourites again, but there is still plenty of hope for others.

Aston Villa agonisingly missed out on Champions League qualification on the final day, but in almost a third of simulations they do force their way into a top-four spot this time around.

Newcastle's focus may be on trying to keep star striker Alexander Isak, but currently the Supercomputer predicts the Magpies to finish sixth most often, and a top-four finish in 29.9% of simulations.

Meanwhile, after Crystal Palace's strong end to last season brought a first major trophy, the Eagles are given more than a one-in-five chance of a top-four finish. They manage that achievement in 21.6% of sims, ahead of rivals Brighton (16.8%).

In their second season under Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton are predicted an eight-placed finish in the majority of sims.

The Supercomputer ranks Bournemouth (10.1%) and Nottingham Forest (8.9%) as outside shouts for European football this season.

Perhaps surprisingly, Brentford are predicted to have a strong season despite losing Thomas Frank and key players Bryan Mbuemo and Christian Norgaard - with Yoanne Wissa also looking likely to exit.

If as many as seven or eight Premier League clubs can qualify for Europe next season, the door could be open for a surprise team to sneak in.

Read Opta's full Supercomputer breakdown here, external

We know the relationship between a football fan and their club is a special one so, as we gear up for the new season, we asked you to share why you fell in love with Brentford and some of your favourite moments supporting them.

Here are some of your submissions:

Peter: My first game was a relegation battle at the bottom of Division Four. Brentford v Darlington at Griffin Park in the 70s and non-league oblivion was a possibility.

At that stage the League sent its best referees to these games as it was so crucial for a club's future. We got Jack Taylor, the referee from the West Germany v Holland game at the World Cup and we won 3-0.

I was just a kid at the time but it felt from that moment I was properly connected into the football world. I went to some Chelsea games but Brentford felt like where I belonged. Up close and personal at Griffin Park. Not glamorous but very real.

Now, I walk into the Gtech and it just still feels like a proper club. Every game is like being in the FA Cup and getting drawn against the big clubs. If you get beaten, you are still in the draw for next week with a guarantee of getting another big team.

Ian: It's been a family following from the beginning.

I'm a fifth generation fan. A family legend is that my great-great-great grandfather as a local landlord and rowing club member was in the pub while the meeting to create Brentford FC was happening.

Clearly we've been gluttons for punishment ever since!

I've been going since 1977 and it's strange now saying I support Brentford and people know who that is. I'm proud to see the club doing so well. We've had some great times recently and beating the likes of Man Utd and Liverpool isn't just a victory. Its therapy for my childhood when you'd get jokes such as you must think you're team is called Brentford Nil!

I have an old-fashioned rolodex in my head every time we beat a massive team of people who have mocked Brentford over the years just to simply say: "You've heard of us now, eh?"

Some of the greatest times were when we were the little team beating the giants, it's strange now being one of the teams to beat in cup competitions.

Send your pictures and stories here

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

'Why did you fall in love with your club?'

This week, we have asked hundreds of football fans across the world that very question and got hundreds of different answers.

Yes, the themes might be similar - born near a ground; family supported the team; watched a certain player - but the individual story will be unique to each supporter.

The relationship between a fan and their club should not be underestimated, with people ploughing uncountable amounts of money, time and emotional energy into their support for their team.

But what is that makes us love our clubs the way we do?

"A lot of it comes down to our identity," researcher and co-writer of the Routledge Handbook of Sport Fans and Fandom Danielle Sarver Coombs told BBC Sport.

"We become part of this group that means so much to us. It becomes a way to find a community that you're a part of and to find a group of people that, no matter where you are, you could find a pub with other fans of your team. You have that kinship.

"In a world that's increasingly quite lonely, this provides one of the ways that we can have connections so we can have the feeling that we're part of something bigger."

Connection and identity plays a big role in someone's love for their club - particularly when it is a family link.

Many fans talk of being born into who they support - that the connection is so strong there was no other team they could, or would, have chosen.

"The great thing with football is that there's such a strong heritage component to it," Sarver Coombs said. "Often, your grandfather, father, mother or whomever was a fan of the team, so it's part of your family's tradition.

"It's handed down from generation to generation."

The uniqueness of football fandom is something researchers are increasingly investigating.

An article, external published earlier this year in psychology journal Frontiers discusses how football fans often follow follow teams with 'significant attachment and commitment, sometimes to the bewilderment of those outside of the game'.

"With football clubs, you have decades of tradition that you can tap into and it's going to keep coming," Sarver Coombs added.

"Players come and go, managers come and go, shirts change, badges change, but the club itself - the heart and soul of it remains constant. You always have that piece that you're tied to, so the longevity of clubs is a really important part.

"But also, that constant in-person opportunity to be present in a community space really sets football apart from other passions that may be transient or do not have that constant engagement."

Share your story in our My Club My Passion campaign

Liverpool are keeping tabs on Republic of Ireland and Brentford defender Nathan Collins, 24. (GiveMeSport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Nathan Collins being named Bees captain.

Here are some of your comments:

Jane: Great choice. Nathan had always shown his leadership ability at the heart of defence. Experienced as captain of Stoke and Ireland. The epitome of an old head on young shoulders. A very self-assured young man.

Jake: It makes sense as the boss is Irish too but he's also been a top player even at Burnley. He then pushed on so much at Wolves where he learned to play with the ball. Now at Brentford he's becoming one of the best defenders in the league. Don't underrate Brentford this season. Players maximising their potential.

Dave: Perfect choice, a natural captain.

Ben: Collins is a great choice. Good leader from the back and always gives 100%. Talks to the team. A gentle giant to the younger players as well.

David: 100% the right call, one I'd hoped Andrews would make. He's already captain for his country where Kelleher is also behind him. Plus it's quite funny that the old joke that we were Denmark FC and have now morphed into Ireland FC.

Andrew: Nathan Collins is absolutely the right pick for captain this season. Ever-present last season, rarely injured and lots of experience at club and international level despite just being 24 years old. Not many other candidates but I'm glad he wasn't overlooked for Henderson who will still have a major part to play in helping lead a young squad.

John: Proven quality throughout last season and respected by all. The only choice.

Paul: Collins is the perfect choice. Young, talented, can coordinate the team from central defence. Has a long standing relationship with the new head coach as well. I was hoping he'd get it as it could mean we can keep him at the club a bit longer. Also - he's Irish. What's not to like?

Image source, Getty Images

Nathan Collins celebrated being named Brentford captain by scoring the only goal of the game in the Bees' pre-season win over Queens Park Rangers.

Collins, who joined Brentford in 2023, glanced in Michael Kayode's left-footed cross early in the game as Keith Andrews' side built on a pre-season draw with Portuguese side Gil Vicente.

On a landmark day for 24-year-old Collins, he said of his new captaincy role: "It's a massive honour to be captain of this great football club. There have been some great people and footballers before me.

"I'm really excited by the challenge of this season and, with your support, it'll be a special campaign."

Collins succeeds the departing Christian Norgaard in taking the armband.

• Is Collins the right pick? Tell us

Andrews added: "Nathan's someone I've known since he was around 14 years of age, coaching some of the Ireland youth teams.

"He's always been a natural leader, he's gained a lot of experience considering the age that he is, and he's developed his professionalism to a new level because he's been involved in this environment for a couple of years and has learnt from some great people.

"He communicates very well, he's got really good values, on and off the pitch, and, naturally, players gravitate towards him - he has respect from all the players and staff, which is a key attribute to have.

"Nathan is a brilliant fit, but he's just one player and he needs the support of all of us and all the players within the dressing room.

"We've got some fantastic experience, which will include a leadership group that's been selected around Nathan and they will all have a voice in how we do things, because I'm big on player involvement in the process, what we do, and how we do it."

Image source, Matt

On Monday, we asked you to tell us why you fell in love with Brentford and some of your favourite moments supporting them.

You have already been getting in touch with your photos and stories and here is just a taste from Matt:

"We're the Red, Black and White Army... We are Brentford, super Brentford, super Bees... Bees, Bees, Barmy Army... From Division Four to the Premier League, supporting Brentford FC over the past 30 years has been a rollercoaster with a lot of fun on the ride.

"For the past 10 years, my son Jacob has joined me on the rollercoaster. I love the atmosphere us fans create at the home matches and I feel valued by the club for my support."

Join the conversation and send your best photos about why you love the Bees.

Your first visit to the stadium? A special kit? An amazing away trip?

Send us your pictures and stories

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Brentford striker Yoane Wissa continues to train away from the first team amid uncertainty over his future and interest from multiple rival clubs.

The 28-year-old arrived at training on time before meeting manager Keith Andrews and sporting director Phil Giles to indicate his preference to continue training alone.

Wissa has previously threatened he will never play for Brentford again in past talks with Giles amid reports a £25m bid from Newcastle was rejected last week.

Tottenham and Nottingham Forest are also believed to be interested in the Congo international.

Andrews is preparing his team to face QPR on Saturday which will also be the first time he speaks about the situation publicly.

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Yoane Wissa remains in limbo after leaving Brentford's 10-day training camp in Portugal amid transfer interest from Newcastle.

The 28-year-old striker threatened to never play for the club again during talks with Brentford director of football Phil Giles and is keen to play Champions League football.

His future remains unclear as he has been training at Brentford's training base instead of in Portugal with a small group of coaches and other players for this interim period.

The sessions are not at the level of intensity or tactical detail to the ones conducted by new manager Keith Andrews, but are enough to keep the Congo international fit.

The rest of Brentford's squad return from Portugal on Tuesday, will be given a day off and return to training on Thursday before a pre-season friendly at Loftus Road against QPR on Saturday.

It is currently unclear whether Wissa will re-integrate himself in the squad until either Newcastle make a further bid or walk away, with Nottingham Forest also known to have expressed an interest.

Brentford are not willing to sell DR Congo forward Yoane Wissa, 28, to Newcastle at any price unless they sign a replacement first. (ipaper - subscription required, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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There is something unique about a football fan's love for their club.

As once said by the great Arrigo Sacchi: "Football is the most important of the least important things in life".

Tears of joy - and heartbreak. Friendships forged. Memories that last a lifetime.

Sometimes it is there from the beginning, sometimes a moment is what starts it all or takes it to another level.

Wherever it comes from, the love for a club is often there for life.

As a new season edges closer, we want to know why you love Brentford.

When was the moment it all began?

What is your most special memory?

Your first home game? Earliest shirt? A seminal away trip?

Send us your pictures and stories

Ian Westbrook
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Much has been written about Yoane Wissa and his apparent desire to go on strike to force a move away from Brentford.

We will only know the truth when we see if Wissa turns up for training this week.

One thing I am sure about, though, is that Brentford never would have promised Wissa a year ago that he could leave this summer.

Everybody knew this would be the time when Bryan Mbeumo would move on and the club would not have agreed to let them both go at the same time.

Things may have been different if record signing Igor Thiago, who barely played last campaign following a pre-season injury, had been fit.

Last year would have been the Brazilian's settling-in season, but as he is a year behind schedule, Wissa's Premier League experience is still very much needed.

In the past, Brentford sold players way too cheaply, but no longer. We hold all the cards here, with a one-year option in the club's favour meaning Wissa is still effectively under contract for two more seasons.

However, the Bees always say every player has a valuation and if that is met then we are open to selling, but that could be why a figure of £50m has been mentioned - to put off clubs.

Thiago is the main striking alternative but winger Kevin Schade could play through the middle. However, if Wissa goes then another experienced Premier League striker will be needed.

This season is hard to predict, as nobody knows whether Keith Andrews is a good manager - only time will tell.

Losing Christian Norgaard, in particular, was a massive blow but Jordan Henderson is a good and clever replacement.

Everybody will write us off but I am optimistic that, given the talent we have, we will still be a Premier League club in 12 months' time.

Find more from Ian Westbrook at Beesotted podcast, external