Categories: Features & comment

Richard Lee column: Clayton’s team talks have worked a treat!

It’s been a while since my last West London Sport blog. There’s certainly been a lot going on.

First off, a few people have informed me of rumours on the internet recently linking me with a move to MK Dons in the summer.

I’m not sure where that one started if I’m honest. I think it was after we went to Stadium:MK and beat them 2-1. Anyway, there was nothing in that. There’s been no contact at all.

Being linked with other clubs is always an interesting one for footballers. On the one hand it’s nice as it shows you are doing something right and people are taking notice of that.

But I’m happy at Brentford and I’ve given no thought to leaving the club whatsoever.

Brentford offered me an extension earlier this season and it was great that they did that as it’s allowed me to play without the worry of what an injury or run of poor form could mean and I’ve certainly benefited from that.

I have really enjoyed this season – competing towards the top end of the table, boasting one of the best defensive records (we recently accomplished our 20th clean sheet in all competitions – huge credit to the lads) and now hopefully in the play-offs.

I feel both myself and the team have been doing really well all season. It certainly bodes well for next season.

So, whether it be in the Championship or League One next year, I hope I can carry on playing well and in doing so have the chance of extending my time here further than the current length of my contract.

It’s a very exciting time now we’re at the business end of the season and competing for a place in the play-offs. Every game is a big one and we believe we can finish in that top six.

The Notts County result was a disappointing one because we felt we could have won the game, but we are still right amongst it.

A lot of people have asked me what the turning point was to end a run of three straight defeats in March and win our next five in a row before the goalless draws with Hartlepool and Notts.

Well I think it has been Clayton Donaldson’s pre-match huddles!

Let me explain. Since the start of the season, a different player has given a quick pep-talk on the field before kick-off and against Rochdale, after losing our previous three games, it was Clayton’s turn.

He didn’t really know what to say and made us all laugh with some nonsense he made up instead, and we went on to win the game 2-0. Clayton has done every huddle since and we are now unbeaten in seven games!

Or it might have something to do with the fact that the gaffer hasn’t changed his shirt since that win over Rochdale. But he probably wouldn’t want me to tell you that.

Footballers, and managers, can be a superstitious lot.

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This post was last modified on 20/04/2012

Richard Lee, Brentford FC goalkeeper
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Richard Lee, Brentford FC goalkeeper
Tags: Brentford FC