The Beesotted Brentford Pride of West London Podcast

Part Two of our special chat with Richard Archer from Hard-Fi, recorded at The Steam Packet in Kew, sees Billy "The Bee" Grant, Dave "Laney" Lane and Martin "The Dutchman" Holland settle in for one of those pub conversations that takes on a life of its ownRichard reflects on Hard-Fi's incredible rise from Staines to worldwide success, opening up on the highs, the lows and everything in between. He shares stories of touring the world, playing to crowds of almost a million people, working with Paul Weller and Mick Jones, his love of Brentford, and why AI will never write the next great football anthemBut this isn't just Richard telling stories. Around the table everyone gets involved. Billy recounts how he signed Vindaloo and ended up DJing soul and R&B at the VIP after-party after both of Oasis' legendary Knebworth concerts. Laney digs into the memory banks to recall a rather hazy tale involving a Shamen gig that he still can't quite piece together, while The Dutchman reminisces about New Order and some of the greatest football records ever madeWhat unfolds is less of an interview and more of a proper pub story-fest, with football, music, travel and life all colliding as one brilliant tale sparks another. It's the sort of conversation that only happens when four mates get together over a pintIf you enjoyed Part One, you'll love this - a funny, fascinating and wonderfully unpredictable conversation packed with stories, laughs and plenty of unexpected detours🎧 You can catch Part One here: https://shows.acast.com/the-beesotted-brentford-pride-of-west-london-podcast/episodes/hard-fis-richard-archer-joins-beesotted-bees-need-to-be-hard

Jacob "The Gowler" Gowler and Matt "The Allard" Allard are back for another deep dive into the numbers behind Brentford's summer and the season aheadBefore discussion the football, the lads reflect on their World Cup adventures with The Gowler watching England play Congo in Atlanta and they discused England's heavyweight clash with Argentina Then it's back to Brentford with a comprehensive statistical review of the 2025-26 campaign. As we delve into Brentford's 2025-26 campaign, what do the numbers really tell us? Do the underlying stats back up what we saw with our own eyes, or do they paint a very different picture? The Gowler and The Allard analyse expected points, expected goals, big chances and open-play attacking numbers to ask whether the underlying data backs up supporters' concerns. The discussion also covers penalties, deep passes, passing metrics, out-of-possession performance and the core principles that defined the Bees' seasonAttention then turns to the squad, with individual player analysis including Michael Kayode's impressive xG Build-Up contribution, Mikkel Damsgaard's drop-off, whether Igor Thiago's numbers flatter to deceive, and if Yehor Yarmoliuk is one of Brentford's most underappreciated performersThe Gowler and The Allard also discuss what they'd like to see from Keith Andrews' side this coming season, where Brentford still need to strengthen before the transfer window closes, and take a statistical look at new arrivals Jaidon Anthony and Callum WilsonPlus, they debate the rumours linking Jordan Henderson with a move to Chelsea and what that could mean for Brentford's plansLoads to pack into one bumper-sized episodeYou can read The Gowler's 2025-26 Brentford Season Review at BeesBreakdown.substack.com

In Part 2 of Beesotted’s chat with Brentford boss Keith Andrews, Billy TheBee Grant, Dave Laney Lane and Matt The Allard Allard continue the conversation down the pub at One Over The AitKeith looks back on Brentford’s big away wins at Aston Villa and Newcastle, the gritty performance after Kevin Schade’s red card at Villa Park, and whilst Beesotted question Schade's lack of consistency, Keith explained how certain parts of Schade's game sometimes goes unnoticedThe lads also dig into penalties, dodgy refereeing decisions, Aaron Hickey’s potential role in midfield, Vitaly Janelt’s importance, Yehor Yarmoliuk’s development, Michael Kayode’s infectious personality, and the young players Brentford have out on loanThere’s plenty of discussion around the frustration of narrowly missing out on Europe, that late chance at Anfield, the run of draws that cost the Bees, and why Keith still believes the season showed just how far Brentford have comeThe lads also ask Keith where Brentford need to strengthen this summer, how the club balances player development with Premier League-ready signings, and whether the Bees will finally get a bit more respect next seasonPlus summer transfer chat, World Cup plans and what’s coming up next from BeesottedCheck out all our podcasts including Part 1 at PrideOfWest.LondonGet your Beesotted World Cup Thiago, Henderson, Ajer and Ticket T Shirts at beesotted.com

The season is overBrentford came within a cat’s whisker of embarking on a European tour next season. It was close, but ultimately no cigar. Yet when you consider that plenty of pundits, bookmakers and rival fans had the Bees tipped for a relegation battle before a ball was kicked, finishing 9th in the Premier League - equalling the club’s highest-ever top-flight finish - represents another remarkable achievementWith the dust settling on the season, Beesotted sat down with Brentford Head Coach Keith Andrews for a wide-ranging and candid conversation recorded at the One Over The Ait pubAt the start of the season, Andrews could barely escape the "free-kick coach" label. Nine months later, he's guided Brentford to another top-half Premier League finish and established himself as his own man in the dugout. This conversation offers a fascinating insight into the thinking, personality and decision-making of a coach who faced plenty of challenges during his first season in chargeKeith discusses Thiago, World Cup call-ups, his journey from pundit to Brentford coach, his passion for Ireland and Irish football, and the pride he takes in helping develop the next generation of players and coachesHe also opens up about Yoane Wissa’s decision not to play for Brentford at the start of the season, dealing with the upheaval and uncertainty that surrounded the club during the summer, the opening-day defeat against Forest that left many supporters fearing the worst, what went wrong away at Fulham, the memorable victory over Manchester United, and his reflections on a first season that ultimately exceeded most expectationsAs with any honest football conversation, some questions are answered directly, others are explored in greater depth, and a few remain open to interpretation. But throughout the interview, Andrews provides genuine insight into the challenges, pressures and rewards of leading a Premier League football club with small budgetPart Two will be available shortly on PrideOfWest.London and all major podcast platformsMake sure you FOLLOW Beesotted so the podcast drops straight into your feed the moment it is releasedAnd get hold of your exclusive Thiago, Henderson, Hickey and Ajer World Cup T-Shirts at the Bees Megastore on beesotted.com

Brentford’s European dream came to an end at Anfield after a battling draw against the champions on the final day of the season.Billy TheBee Grant spoke to Bees fans in the stands and around the ground straight after the match as Brentford gave everything but ultimately fell just short of the European places after results elsewhere went against them.We look back at a season full of highs, near misses and what might have been - from the final whistle emotions to the bigger picture of just how far this Brentford side has come.Plus we hear from Brentford legend Paul Evans and Liverpool legend Bruce Grobbelaar who join the conversation on a dramatic final day at Anfield.Pride. Frustration. Perspective. One last ride this season with the Bees fans on the terrace

The final game of the season and it’s all on the line for Brentford. The Bees head to Anfield needing a result to keep those European hopes alive - and Billy TheBee Grant and Dave Laney Lane are here to chew over all the permutations, possibilities and pressure heading into the biggest game of the campaignThey look back at the draw with Palace and ask whether Oliver Glasner’s side managed to out-tactic the Bees on the day, plus whether there are lessons to be learned heading into Liverpool awayThere’s chat about the latest international call-ups ahead of the World Cup, including Jordan Henderson and Ivan Toney, and what that says about the journeys players connected with Brentford continue to makeNeil Atkinson from The Anfield Wrap joins us to give the Liverpool lowdown, what sort of mood they’re in going into the final day and whether the Reds will be fully switched on with Brentford needing a result.Plus Jonathan JB Burchill brings facts and funk in equal measure, whilst Matt The Allard Allard and Jacob The Gowler Gowler go deep into the stats and tactics from Palace and ahead to Liverpool.One last push. One last away day. Will the Bees make Europe?

Jacob “The Gowler” Gowler and Matt “The Allard” Allard are back digging deep into the numbers and tactics after Brentford’s draw with Crystal Palace and ahead to the final-day clash at LiverpoolThey break down how Palace’s box midfield caused problems against Brentford’s shape, the importance of the wing-backs and fullbacks in the game, and ask what tactical tweaks the Bees could have made to gain more controlThe pod also revisits the Manchester City match to ask whether the underlying stats painted a different picture to the scoreline, plus a look at Aaron Hickey’s intriguing role in midfield and what it could mean going forwardThere’s also a detailed scouting report on Brentford’s new signing Jannik Schuster – what the stats say about the young centre-back, the type of defender Bees fans can expect, and where he fits amongst Brentford’s growing crop of exciting young defensive talentAnd with Liverpool up next, The Gowler and The Allard analyse what has gone wrong for them at times this season, where Florian Wirtz could fit into their evolving setup, and the tactical blueprint Brentford could use to get joy at Anfield.

Brentford’s European hopes are still alive — just — after a dramatic draw against Crystal Palace at the Gtech.The Bees twice came from behind with Dango Ouattara grabbing both goals, including a late leveller that sent Lionel Road into full voice. Palace had looked sharp for long spells though, with Sarr’s early penalty and Wharton’s second-half strike putting the Eagles in control at different stages.Billy Grant spoke to Bees and Palace fans straight after the final whistle about the fightback, the nervy defending, the substitutions that changed the game, and whether it was a point gained or two dropped with Liverpool up next.European permutations. Frustration. Relief. Hope. It’s all still on the table.  

Brentford go into their final home game of the season with European dreams very much alive… but to achieve those this game is a must win in all honesty. Having gone down 3-0 at Manchester City last time out, three points will be in the players’ cross-hairs and if those are achieved, and one or two other results go our way, The Bees could know their fate even before the match at Liverpool in the final match.Billy ’The Bee’ Grant and Dave ‘Laney’ Lane hook up to talk about last week and this week, announce their end of season exclusive interview with Keith AndrewsThere are also contributions from Jacob Gowler with his stats and tactical analysis, Jonathan Burchill with some wicked Facts-n-Funk and Dee Kurnaz from Palace podcast ‘The Back of the Nest’ who gives is a great lowdown on events at Selhurst Park as The Eagles look ahead to a European Cup final. https://shows.acast.com/holmesdaleradioAnd dont forget the pre match quiz at The Steam Packet pub on Strand on the Green - 2.45pm this weekLots of good pre season vibes as we go into this match