During the 1997–98 English football season, Brentford competed in the Football League Second Division. Just 11 wins in 46 matches saw the club relegated to the Third Division on the final day of the season.
Season summary
Following defeat in the 1997 Second Division play-off final, David Webb moved "upstairs" to become the club's new chief executive in August 1997.[1] Formerly Brentford manager since the beginning of the 1993–94 season, Webb acquired a majority shareholding of the club as part of a consortium with Tony Swaisland (chairman) and John Herting (director).[1] Days after the takeover, the spine of the previous season's team (Carl Asaba, Barry Ashby and Paul Smith) were sold for six-figure fees.[1] Brian Statham was sold later in August and promising youngster Marcus Bent was transfer-listed.[1] Replacements were found in the lower divisions, non-League and in Premier League reserve teams, with Paul Barrowcliff, Derek Bryan, Leon Townley, Ricky Reina and Charlie Oatway arriving for five-figure fees.[1] First team coach Kevin Lock took caretaker charge of the club until the appointment of Eddie May as manager four days after the regular season began.[1] Clive Walker installed as May's assistant.[1]
A 3–0 defeat to Millwall on the opening day saw Brentford begin the season bottom of the Second Division.[2] Despite registering two wins in late-August and early-September to move into mid-table,[2] just two wins in the following 13 matches in all competitions saw May and Walker removed from their posts on 4 November. David Webb resigned as chief executive, but remained on the board of directors, amidst rumours he had fallen out with chairman Swaisland. Former Swansea City manager Micky Adams was installed as manager and fared little better, failing to win until mid-December.[2]
In a bid to strengthen the team, Adams sought experienced players and signed Glenn Cockerill (as player-assistant manager), Warren Aspinall and loanee Nigel Gleghorn. Injuries soon began to mount, with first-choice right back Ijah Anderson and off-season signings Derek Bryan and Ricky Reina succumbing. Continuing player sales and bad results led some Brentford supporters to call for the removal of David Webb. Multiple protests were staged over a disparity between the incoming and outgoing transfer fees and questioning where the incoming money was going.
It wasn't until late-January 1998 that the team found some form, losing just once in 12 matches, but registering seven draws.[2] Brentford went into the final day of the season one place above the relegation zone, having won just one of the previous four matches.[2] A win away to play-off contenders Bristol Rovers (themselves needing to win) or other favourable results were required for the Bees to retain their Second Division status.[5] A 2–1 defeat and victory for 22nd-place Burnley relegated Brentford to the Third Division for the first time in 20 years.[5][6]
League table
Source:
Rules for classification: In the Football League goals scored (GF) takes precedence over goal difference (GD).
(R) Relegated
Results
- Brentford's goal tally listed first.
Legend
Pre-season and friendlies
Date |
Opponent |
Venue |
Result |
Attendance |
Scorer(s)
|
16 July 1997 |
Hampton |
A |
3–0 |
n/a |
Anderson, Dennis, Bent
|
21 July 1997 |
Hertford Town |
A |
5–0 |
n/a |
Spencer (2), Hurdle (2), Asaba
|
23 July 1997 |
Chertsey Town
|
A |
4–0 |
n/a |
Taylor, Spencer, Rapley, Canham (pen)
|
26 July 1997 |
Dover Athletic
|
A |
2–0 |
n/a |
Taylor, Myall
|
29 July 1997 |
Wimbledon |
H |
1–3 |
2,322 |
Asaba
|
31 July 1997 |
Yeading
|
A |
1–0 |
n/a |
Rapley
|
2 August 1997 |
Hayes |
A |
0–3 |
n/a |
|
6 December 1997
|
St Albans City
|
A
|
5–3
|
n/a
|
Denys (2), Spencer, Hurdle, Omigie
|
27 January 1998
|
Kingstonian
|
A
|
1–1
|
n/a
|
Goddard
|
23 March 1998
|
Kingstonian
|
A
|
0–1
|
n/a
|
|
4 May 1998
|
Feltham
|
A
|
4–4
|
n/a
|
Bryan (2), Rapley, Adams
|
No.
|
Date |
Opponent |
Venue |
Result |
Attendance |
Scorer(s)
|
1
|
9 August 1997 |
Millwall |
A |
0–3 |
8,951 |
|
2
|
16 August 1997 |
Chesterfield |
H |
0–0 |
4,000 |
|
3
|
23 August 1997 |
Watford |
A |
1–3 |
10,125 |
Taylor (pen)
|
4
|
30 August 1997 |
Grimsby Town |
H |
3–1 |
3,875 |
Rapley, Taylor (2)
|
5
|
2 September 1997 |
Gillingham |
H |
2–0 |
4,903 |
Bent, Taylor (pen)
|
6
|
5 September 1997 |
Southend United |
A |
1–3 |
3,387 |
Rapley
|
7
|
13 September 1997 |
Plymouth Argyle |
A |
0–0 |
4,394 |
|
8
|
19 September 1997 |
Wycombe Wanderers |
H |
1–1 |
3,755 |
Taylor
|
9
|
27 September 1997 |
Burnley |
H |
2–1 |
4,317 |
Hutchings, Rapley
|
10
|
4 October 1997 |
Preston North End |
A |
1–2 |
8,954 |
Bent
|
11
|
11 October 1997 |
York City |
A |
1–3 |
2,831 |
Taylor
|
12
|
18 October 1997 |
Walsall |
H |
3–0 |
4,874 |
Taylor, Denys, Bent
|
13
|
21 October 1997 |
Bristol Rovers |
H |
2–3 |
3,967 |
Bent, Rapley
|
14
|
25 October 1997 |
Luton Town |
A |
0–2 |
6,494 |
|
15
|
1 November 1997 |
Bournemouth |
A |
0–0 |
4,772 |
|
16
|
4 November 1997 |
Carlisle United |
H |
0–1 |
3,424 |
|
17
|
8 November 1997 |
Bristol City |
H |
1–4 |
6,162 |
Reina
|
18
|
18 November 1997 |
Northampton Town |
A |
0–4 |
5,227 |
|
19
|
22 November 1997 |
Oldham Athletic |
A |
1–1 |
5,012 |
Scott
|
20
|
29 November 1997 |
Wrexham |
H |
1–1 |
3,748 |
Aspinall
|
21
|
2 December 1997 |
Fulham |
A |
1–1 |
10,783 |
Gleghorn
|
22
|
13 December 1997 |
Blackpool |
H |
3–1 |
3,725 |
Taylor, Townley (2)
|
23
|
20 December 1997 |
Wigan Athletic |
A |
0–4 |
3,301 |
|
24
|
26 December 1997 |
Southend United |
H |
1–1 |
5,341 |
Taylor
|
25
|
29 December 1997 |
Gillingham |
A |
1–3 |
5,786 |
Taylor
|
26
|
3 January 1998 |
Chesterfield |
A |
0–0 |
4,049 |
|
27
|
10 January 1998 |
Millwall |
H |
2–1 |
5,529 |
Taylor, Aspinall
|
28
|
17 January 1998 |
Grimsby Town |
A |
0–4 |
4,886 |
|
29
|
24 January 1998 |
Watford |
H |
1–2 |
6,969 |
Rapley
|
30
|
31 January 1998 |
Plymouth Argyle |
H |
3–1 |
4,783 |
Bates, Scott, Hogg
|
31
|
7 February 1998 |
Wycombe Wanderers |
A |
0–0 |
6,328 |
|
32
|
14 February 1998 |
Preston North End |
H |
0–0 |
4,952 |
|
33
|
21 February 1998 |
Burnley |
A |
1–1 |
10,097 |
Taylor
|
34
|
24 February 1998 |
Walsall |
A |
0–0 |
3,166 |
|
35
|
28 February 1998 |
York City |
H |
1–2 |
4,490 |
McGhee
|
36
|
3 March 1998 |
Bristol City |
A |
2–2 |
10,398 |
Bryan, Rapley
|
37
|
7 March 1998 |
Bournemouth |
H |
3–2 |
4,973 |
Hutchings, Bryan, Rapley
|
38
|
14 March 1998 |
Carlisle United |
A |
2–1 |
6,021 |
Hogg, Scott
|
39
|
21 March 1998 |
Northampton Town |
H |
0–0 |
5,746 |
|
40
|
28 March 1998 |
Oldham Athletic |
H |
2–1 |
4,547 |
Scott, Taylor
|
41
|
4 April 1998 |
Wrexham |
A |
2–2 |
3,654 |
Rapley, Hutchings
|
42
|
11 April 1998 |
Fulham |
H |
0–2 |
10,510 |
|
43
|
13 April 1996 |
Blackpool |
A |
2–1 |
3,926 |
Hutchings, Aspinall (pen)
|
44
|
18 April 1998 |
Wigan Athletic |
H |
0–2 |
4,480 |
|
45
|
25 April 1998 |
Luton Town |
H |
2–2 |
6,598 |
Scott, Hutchings
|
46
|
2 May 1998
|
Bristol Rovers
|
A
|
1–2
|
9,043
|
Rapley
|
FA Cup
Round |
Date |
Opponent |
Venue |
Result |
Attendance
|
Scorer(s)
|
SR2 |
13 January 1998 |
Luton Town |
A |
1–2 |
3,106 |
Townley
|
Playing squad
- Players' ages are as of the opening day of the 1997–98 season.
Coaching staff
Kevin Lock (1 – 12 August 1997)
Name
|
Role
|
Kevin Lock
|
Caretaker Manager
|
Graham Benstead
|
Goalkeeping Coach
|
Keith Allinson
|
Physiotherapist
|
Fergus Dignan
|
Medical Officer
|
Eddie May (12 August – 5 November 1997)
Micky Adams (5 November 1997 – 2 May 1998)
Name
|
Role
|
Micky Adams
|
Manager
|
Glenn Cockerill
|
Assistant Manager
|
Kevin Lock
|
Football Coordinator
|
Stuart Bevis
|
Physiotherapist
|
Fergus Dignan
|
Medical Officer
|
Colin Martin
|
Medical Officer
|
Statistics
Appearances and goals
- Substitute appearances in brackets.
- Players listed in italics left the club mid-season.
- Source: Soccerbase
Goalscorers
- Players listed in italics left the club mid-season.
- Source: Soccerbase
Discipline
- Players listed in italics left the club mid-season.
- Source: Soccerbase
International caps
Management
Name
|
Nat
|
From
|
To
|
Record All Comps
|
Record League
|
P |
W |
D |
L |
W % |
P |
W |
D |
L |
W %
|
Kevin Lock (caretaker)
|
|
9 August 1997
|
12 August 1997
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
000.00
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
000.00
|
Eddie May
|
|
12 August 1997
|
5 November 1997
|
19
|
5
|
5
|
9
|
026.32
|
15
|
4
|
4
|
7
|
026.67
|
Micky Adams
|
|
5 November 1997
|
2 May 1998
|
33
|
7
|
15
|
11
|
021.21 |
30
|
7
|
13
|
10
|
023.33
|
Summary
Games played |
53 (46 Second Division, 2 FA Cup, 4 League Cup, 1 Football League Trophy)
|
Games won |
12 (11 Second Division, 0 FA Cup, 1 League Cup, 0 Football League Trophy)
|
Games drawn |
20 (17 Second Division, 2 FA Cup, 1 League Cup, 0 Football League Trophy)
|
Games lost |
21 (18 Second Division, 0 FA Cup, 2 League Cup, 1 Football League Trophy)
|
Goals scored |
60 (50 Second Division, 2 FA Cup, 7 League Cup, 1 Football League Trophy)
|
Goals conceded |
84 (71 Second Division, 2 FA Cup, 9 League Cup, 2 Football League Trophy)
|
Clean sheets |
11 (10 Second Division, 1 FA Cup, 0 League Cup, 0 Football League Trophy)
|
Biggest league win |
3–0 versus Walsall, 18 October 1997
|
Worst league defeat |
4–0 on three occasions
|
Most appearances |
49, Carl Hutchings (43 Second Division, 2 FA Cup, 4 League Cup, 0 Football League Trophy)
|
Top scorer (league) |
13, Robert Taylor
|
Top scorer (all competitions) |
18, Robert Taylor
|
Transfers & loans
Players transferred in
|
Date
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Previous Club
|
Fee
|
Ref.
|
1 August 1997
|
MF
|
Paul Barrowcliff
|
Stevenage Borough
|
£60,000
|
[1]
|
1 August 1997
|
DF
|
Graham Benstead
|
Kingstonian
|
Free
|
[11]
|
1 August 1997
|
MF
|
Simon Spencer
|
Tottenham Hotspur
|
Free
|
[12]
|
1 August 1997
|
MF
|
Simon Wormull
|
Tottenham Hotspur
|
Free
|
[13]
|
22 August 1997 |
MF |
Charlie Oatway |
Torquay United |
£12,000 |
[14]
|
29 August 1997
|
FW
|
Derek Bryan
|
Hampton
|
£50,000
|
[15]
|
1 September 1997
|
FW
|
Ricky Reina
|
Dover Athletic
|
£50,000
|
[16]
|
17 September 1997 |
DF |
Leon Townley |
Tottenham Hotspur |
£25,000 |
[17]
|
7 November 1997
|
MF
|
Glenn Cockerill
|
Fulham
|
Free
|
[18]
|
20 November 1997
|
MF
|
Warren Aspinall
|
Carlisle United
|
£50,000
|
[19]
|
21 November 1997
|
FW
|
Andy Scott
|
Sheffield United
|
£75,000
|
[20]
|
19 December 1997
|
DF
|
Paul Watson
|
Fulham
|
£55,000
|
|
23 January 1998
|
DF
|
Graeme Hogg
|
Notts County
|
£5,000
|
|
18 February 1998
|
DF
|
Danny Cullip
|
Fulham
|
£75,000
|
[22]
|
27 February 1998
|
FW
|
Niall Thompson
|
Zultse VV
|
Non-contract
|
[23]
|
27 March 1998
|
MF
|
Steven Blaney
|
West Ham United
|
Free
|
|
Players loaned in
|
Date from
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
From
|
Date to
|
Ref.
|
29 August 1997
|
MF
|
Michael Black
|
Arsenal
|
29 September 1997
|
[25]
|
3 October 1997
|
DF
|
Gareth Hall
|
Sunderland
|
3 November 1997
|
[26]
|
16 October 1997 |
GK |
Nick Colgan |
Chelsea |
4 November 1997 |
[27]
|
17 November 1997
|
MF
|
Nigel Gleghorn
|
Burnley
|
24 January 1998
|
[28]
|
12 December 1997
|
DF
|
Paul Watson
|
Fulham
|
18 December 1997
|
[29]
|
21 January 1998
|
GK
|
Mike Pollitt
|
Notts County
|
21 February 1998
|
[30]
|
28 March 1998
|
GK
|
David Nurse
|
Millwall
|
End of season
|
|
Players transferred out
|
Date
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Subsequent club
|
Fee
|
Ref.
|
1 August 1997
|
MF
|
Paul Smith
|
Gillingham
|
£195,000
|
[1]
|
7 August 1997 |
FW |
Carl Asaba |
Reading |
£800,000 |
[32]
|
9 August 1997
|
DF
|
Barry Ashby
|
Gillingham
|
£140,000
|
[1]
|
22 August 1997
|
DF
|
Brian Statham
|
Gillingham
|
£10,000
|
[14]
|
8 January 1998
|
FW
|
Marcus Bent
|
Crystal Palace
|
£300,000
|
[33]
|
31 March 1998 |
MF |
Richard Goddard |
Woking |
£7,500 |
[8]
|
Players loaned out
|
Date from
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
To
|
Date to
|
Ref.
|
3 October 1997
|
GK
|
Tamer Fernandes
|
Peterborough United
|
3 November 1997
|
[34]
|
10 October 1997
|
MF
|
Paul Barrowcliff
|
Stevenage Borough
|
10 November 1997
|
[35]
|
10 October 1997
|
MF
|
Richard Goddard
|
Woking
|
31 March 1998
|
[36]
|
30 January 1998 |
MF |
Ryan Denys |
Yeovil Town |
28 February 1998 |
[37]
|
Players released
|
Date
|
Pos.
|
Name
|
Subsequent club
|
Join date
|
Ref.
|
1 January 1998
|
DF
|
Stuart Myall
|
Hastings Town
|
1998
|
[38]
|
January 1998
|
GK
|
Graham Benstead
|
Basingstoke Town
|
January 1998
|
|
January 1998
|
DF
|
Gus Hurdle
|
Plymouth Argyle
|
1998
|
|
January 1998
|
FW
|
Joe Omigie
|
Welling United
|
1998
|
|
January 1998
|
MF
|
Simon Spencer
|
Yeovil Town
|
February 1998
|
|
29 January 1998
|
GK
|
Tamer Fernandes
|
Colchester United
|
29 January 1998
|
|
25 February 1998
|
DF
|
Lee Harvey
|
Stevenage Borough
|
28 February 1998
|
[39]
|
25 March 1998
|
MF
|
Simon Wormull
|
Brighton & Hove Albion
|
25 March 1998
|
[40]
|
April 1998
|
FW
|
Ricky Reina
|
Dover Athletic
|
August 1998
|
|
30 June 1998
|
MF
|
Paul Barrowcliff
|
Hendon
|
1998
|
[42]
|
30 June 1998
|
MF
|
Steven Blaney
|
St Albans City
|
August 1998
|
[42]
|
30 June 1998
|
MF
|
Scott Canham
|
Leyton Orient
|
10 August 1998
|
[42]
|
30 June 1998
|
MF
|
Glenn Cockerill
|
Retired
|
|
[43]
|
30 June 1998
|
DF
|
Graeme Hogg
|
Retired
|
|
[42]
|
30 June 1998
|
FW
|
Malcolm McPherson
|
Retired
|
|
[42]
|
Kit
Supplier: Cobra Sports
Sponsor(s): Ericsson
Source: Brentford F.C.
Awards
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Croxford, Mark; Lane, David; Waterman, Greville (2013). The Big Brentford Book Of The Nineties. Sunbury, Middlesex: Legends Publishing. pp. 258–259. ISBN 9781906796723.
- ^ a b c d e "Brentford results for the 1997–1998 season". Statto.com. Archived from the original on 15 March 2016. Retrieved 17 April 2016.
- ^ a b James, Alex (22 May 2022). "Inside story of Burnley's last final day survival shoot-out". LancsLive. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
- ^ "Brentford Complete History". Statto.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 17 April 2016.
- ^ a b Brentford Matchday Magazine versus Northampton Town. Quay Design of Poole. 21 March 1998. p. 3.
- ^ Niall Thompson at the Canadian Soccer Association. Retrieved 11 November 2016.
- ^ "Graham Benstead". rdfc1992. 13 August 2012. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
- ^ Simon Spencer at Soccerbase
- ^ Simon Wormull at Soccerbase
- ^ a b Brentford Matchday Magazine versus Grimsby Town. Quay Design of Poole. 30 August 1997. p. 2.
- ^ Derek Bryan at Soccerbase
- ^ Ricky Reina at Soccerbase
- ^ Brentford Matchday Magazine versus Burnley. Quay Design of Poole. 27 September 1997. p. 2.
- ^ Glenn Cockerill at Soccerbase
- ^ Warren Aspinall at Soccerbase
- ^ Andy Scott at Soccerbase
- ^ Danny Cullip at Soccerbase
- ^ Niall Thompson at Soccerbase
- ^ Michael Black at Soccerbase
- ^ Gareth Hall at Soccerbase
- ^ Nick Colgan at Soccerbase
- ^ Nigel Gleghorn at Soccerbase
- ^ Paul Watsn at Soccerbase
- ^ Mike Pollitt at Soccerbase
- ^ Carl Asaba at Soccerbase
- ^ Marcus Bent at Soccerbase
- ^ Tamer Fernandes at Soccerbase
- ^ Paul Barrowcliff at Soccerbase
- ^ Richard Goddard-Crawley at Soccerbase
- ^ Ryan Denys at Soccerbase
- ^ "Stuart Myall". 11v11.com. Retrieved 17 April 2016.
- ^ Lee Harvey at Soccerbase
- ^ "Seagulls in signing blitz". The Argus. Retrieved 16 April 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Around the Hive". 10 June 1998. Archived from the original on 10 June 1998. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
- ^ Haynes, Graham; Coumbe, Frank (2006). Timeless Bees: Brentford F.C. Who's Who 1920–2006. Harefield: Yore Publications. p. 38. ISBN 0955294916.
- ^ Sewell, Albert, ed. (1998). News Of The World Football Annual 1998–99. Hammersmith, London: Invincible Press. p. 353. ISBN 0002188570.
|
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|
National teams | |
---|
League competitions | Level 1 | |
---|
Levels 2–4 | |
---|
Level 5 | |
---|
Levels 6–7 | |
---|
Levels 8–9 |
- Isthmian League (Two, Three)
- Combined Counties League (level 8 only)
- Eastern Counties League (Premier, One)
- Essex Senior League (level 8 only)
- Hellenic League (Premier, One)
- Kent League (level 8 only)
- Midland Alliance (level 8 only)
- Midland Football Combination (level 9 only)
- North West Counties League (One, Two)
- Northern Counties East League (Premier, One)
- Northern League (One, Two)
- Spartan South Midlands League (Premier North, Premier South, Senior)
- Sussex County League (One, Two)
- United Counties League (Premier, One)
- Wessex League (level 8 only)
- West Midlands (Regional) League (level 9 only)
- Western League (Premier, One)
|
---|
|
---|
Cup competitions | FA cups | |
---|
Football League cups | |
---|
|
---|
European competitions | |
---|
|
- Summer 1997 transfers
- Winter 1997–98 transfers
|