Bees were ready for Colin exit – Giles

Brentford’s co-director of football Phil Giles has said the club had planned in advance for Maxime Colin’s departure.

French full-back Colin was one of three Bees players to join Birmingham City in the final 36 hours of the transfer window, alongside Harlee Dean and Jota.

But Giles allayed fears over the sudden exodus – which also included two of the Brentford B squad – and said the summer signing of Henrik Dalsgaard was in part down to interest in Colin.

He told the Bees’ website: “We were aware that Maxime could be a target for other clubs this summer.

“This is why we made a pro-active decision to bring another right back in earlier in the summer.

“We are very happy with the balance of the squad moving forward. Maxime did very well for us and we thank him for the two years he spent here.”