Saddling the Bees: Dean Smith Defeated by Dean Smith
- essentialbrentford
- Jan 11, 2016
- 3 min read
Whilst it’s never fun to be knocked out early on in such a prestigious cup competition, don’t be disheartened by the weekend’s action. The result actually gives plenty for Bees fans to be positive about.
In monetary terms, the prize for progressing through to the 4th round of the FA Cup is £70,000. Don’t get me wrong, that amount of money would make a huge difference to teams such as Eastleigh and possibly even towards the bottom end of League 2, but to us it's a pittance. The real money lies in that crucial away tie at the big Premier League clubs. Exeter City will make around £700,00 due to their third round replay with Liverpool at Anfield. Had the gone on to win the game at St James' Park, they would have only been rewarded with around £70,000.
Had Brentford progressed, it is possible that one of these larger Premier League clubs could have been drawn; but it’s unlikely. More likely is Brentford’s ability to challenge in the league this year. Despite their ‘faltering’ start, a generously-applied term I’m sure you’ll agree, the Bees are about where the lesser promotion-chasing clubs want to be at the halfway stage of the season. A promotion challenge requires real stamina and depth in the squad, longevity of performance that, unfortunately, we weren’t able to carry through the entirety of last season. Brentford have what they need now, and if they don’t they soon will, even with fan-favourites supposedly on the way out.
With regard to the game itself, we knew Walsall were going to be a good side and it appeared that nobody knew it better than our man Dean Smith. The former Saddlers manager fielded a team which, whilst different by five men to those defeated at St Andrews, was stronger than many expected. O’Connell for Tarkowski, Nico for Maxime Colin, McEachran for Diagouraga, McCormack for Judge and the big German (thankfully not Nick Proschwitz) for Lasse Vibe up top. This remained a strong side and one which many Championship sides would struggle to break down.
The game itself swung, somewhat deservedly, in Walsall’s favour. Brentford were static in their build-up and looked leaky in defence with O’Connell’s touch and decision-making at times being a serious cause for concern. Indeed one of Jack’s back passes even resulted in a cheap Walsall corner. The goal came towards the tail-end of the first half and was as well-crafted as was necessary. The absence of Diagouraga, who may well be missed permanently in the coming days if the rumours surrounding his transfer request are proved true, allowed a titanic gap to open up in the midfield area. With both Ryan Woods and Alan McCormack appearing unsure of their defensive/offensive duties the covering role was left to Josh McEachran. The former Chelsea man is quite clearly still unfit; the reason that many believe he was substituted at half time. Walsall’s Mantom picked up the ball just inside Brentford’s half and, unchallenged, slotted very neatly across Button from the edge of the box.
On the positive side, Phillip Hofmann had a superb match in his solo attacking role. Walsall look a strong team and if they play like that every week then it is likely that they'll achieve promotion for League One this season. They played effective, enjoyable football and good luck to them in the rest of their cup run.
The fact that the Saddlers’ performance was so impressive bodes well for Brentford. Dean Smith’s continued effect on the playing staff is an exciting prospect, and we've clearly got a very talented manager on our hands. Much of the media build-up to the game concerned ideas about both teams being Smith’s own. The brand of football he had created at Walsall was what earned him the Brentford job, and the superior quality of player can produce even greater results than Dean saw up North.
The Bees move onward and, hopefully, upward. Brentford fans have a lot to look forward to, this week more than most. Both Smith's and Brentford's futures look bright, so let the Championship season roll on...
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