Skipper Kevin O’Connor is used to having plenty to play for come the end of the season so even Brentford’s Mr Professional admits mid-table safety is an unusual position to be in.
The Bees 0-0 draw at Exeter City on Easter Monday saw them reach boss Andy Scott’s 52 point safety target with seven games of the League One season remaining.
O’Connor has seen his fair share of play-off heartaches, title glory and relegation battles in his 11 years at Griffin Park and with a top six slot well out of reach there is little more than pride to play for.
Scott has challenged his men to upset the apple cart for promotion chasers and relegation strugglers alike and his 28-year-old on-field lieutenant wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Most of my time here there has always been something to play for whether that be good or bad, so it is a bit of a funny situation to be in,” he said.
“If someone said to me at the start of the season that we’d be in this position with seven games to go I’d have been absolutely delighted.
“I’m really happy we are in this situation and am looking to get back for the last few games, however many that may be.
“Because there is nothing to play for it is tough, but the manager has said we can cause havoc in this league and that is what we have got to look to do.
“There are bonuses, win bonuses to play for and also our pride. We’ve also got our home record to protect, so there are lots of things for us still to focus on.”
O’Connor has been sidelined since the Good Friday Millwall clash with a cut to his leg that required six stitches, but is hoping to play a part in Saturday’s trip to Bristol Rovers.
Midfielder and internet blogger David Hunt stood in for him as skipper against Exeter City and he was pleased to see his friend get the honour of leading the team.
“Everyone knows we get on well. He has worked hard this season and hasn’t played as much as he would have wanted, so it was nice to see him given the armband,” he added.
“He is a good player and always makes an impact in some way.”
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