Alan Bennett admits he is still mulling his options for next season despite Brentford boss Andy Scott offering him a new contract.

Bennett was a mainstay in the Bees defence as they claimed the League Two title, making 44 league starts and scoring one goal in his season-long loan spell.

But having been released by parent club Reading, the twice-capped Republic of Ireland international revealed it is not as easy a decision as some may think.

Bennett said: “Brentford have offered me a good deal but to be honest I am still undecided at the moment.

“A club in Ireland have also put an offer on the table and that is tempting.

“I would have no problem coming back to Brentford - I was really able to settle down there and last season was absolutely terrific.

“It is not even about money - I loved the enthusiasm and energy Andy and Terry Bullivant showed when they asked me to come back and that means a lot to me.

“It is very flattering to be wanted like that and I would be more than happy returning to Griffin Park.”

The 27-year-old was one of a handful of players offered new deals as Scott looks to mould a squad to challenge in League One.

And the Cork native admits he raised an eyebrow when the Brentford boss dumped the likes of Adam Newton and John Halls in his end-of-season clear-out.

Bennett added: “I was very surprised when Andy decided to let so many good players go but that is his decision.

“I think he proved through the season that he has his finger on the pulse when it comes down to what the side needs, and you cannot really argue with his success.

“Both he and Terry really cover the miles checking out players, so I reckon it is just a case of having faith in what he is doing.”

One thing that has raised Bennett’s ire though, is the League Manager’s Association’s decision to snub Scott in their end of season honours by naming Exeter City’s Paul Tisdale as League Two manager of the year.

But the centre-half insists that the Bees will continue to do their talking on the pitch.

He added: “To be honest I have given up trying to figure out how the system even works.

“How we can win the league in such style and then not have a single player named in the team of the year is totally beyond me.

“So Andy missing out on his award comes as no surprise I suppose.

“In my mind he deserves all the accolades he could be given as Brentford came from nowhere to win the league and he should be rewarded for that.

“For me its nice as when I am back in Cork people now know where Brentford is so I have helped to put them on the map in a way.

“I think we’ll be happy letting others win the popularity contests and we will just concentrate on picking up the trophies.”