Martin Allen speaks...

Last updated : 18 May 2005 By Smallsy
Martin Allen held a press conference last night speaking on his feelings of the Bees being defeated in the playoffs but also his thoughts from this season and his hopes for next season.

(Courtesy of the Official Website)

"The players gave everything they possibly had. It was very energetic and full of enthusiasm and endeavour and that has been a trademark for us from the very first day of the season. It has been a very long season with the FA Cup run and all the replays. Unfortunately now it all over I can say I think it took its toll with injuries along the way. For a group of players to come in and to come together, I have said it from day one the lads who have come out of non-league; and the lads who were here fighting relegation; the players who have come to this football club last summer: they have given me and that football club everything from day one from the commitment on the training pitch from the way they conduct themselves in public and around the place. They are an absolute credit to this football club and the support we have had from the people who pay through the turnstiles from day one is priceless. Tonight is not a night to be disappointed. Tonight is the night to be proud of everybody and everything that has happened over these last 10 months. It’s a fine achievement to get to the 5th round of the FA Cup and a replay against a Premiership club. To finish 4th in this division is a fine achievement. Unfortunately in this competition of the play offs we never managed to get over the line. It wasn’t through a lack of effort, lack of endeavour. The players have been absolutely fantastic.

"I left school at 15, twenty-four years ago. I have had the best year of my career. The best year including playing, managing and coaching. I had a good time at Reading, and a great time at Barnet. But this year has been the best. Definitely the best. What we have going here at Brentford is special. The supporters, the players and the staff. From people on the outside it is hard to actual understand. It has been a very special season."

"We didn’t go out with a whimper. When you are 2-0 down and the Sheffield Wednesday supporters are behind the goal singing their hearts out. I think it sums up our season when we got a goal with five minutes to go. They still managed to dig deep when some teams or players perhaps would have folded. They still kept going right till the end. It is commendable the spirit and the character they have got. The players have been very special."

"You have to hand it to Wednesday. Over the two games they have beat us and got through to the final. They are big football club and have some very good footballers, there is no doubt about that. Paul Sturrock took over when they were mid-table and he has managed to get them into the play offs and now to the final. A lot of credit must go to Paul Sturrock. He has a tremendous track record with promotions with Plymouth Argyle. I knew we were putting ourselves up against someone who has had success. He has got that team playing well, and they have some good players. When they go to the final they will probably take 30/40,000 people and it will be a special day for them. I have no grudges against them. They have beaten us fair and square. "