Still in just his second full season in the professional game, Brentford central defender Sam Sodje has made giant strides since his move to Griffin Park from non-league Margate. The 25-year-old has quickly established himself as a central figure in the Bees' back four and his impressive performances this term have seen him linked with a string of higher ranked clubs, not least Chris Coleman's Fulham as well as Premiership new boys Reading. Givemefootball's Mark Shail caught up with Sodje at the PFA awards and spoke to him about Brentford's chances of winning promotion, as well as his reaction to his inclusion in the League One Team of the Year.
Q:CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING NAMED IN THE TEAM OF THE SEASON, YOU MUST BE VERY PROUD OF THAT?
A:Yes, I'm very pleased and it's nice to think that my fellow professionals think that I'm good enough to be included in the divisional team of the year. It's great to be here and a real honour to get this kind of recognition.
Q:JUST A COUPLE OF GAMES LEFT FOR BRENTFORD NOW, WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS GOING INTO THE LAST TWO LEAGUE MATCHES?
A:When we started off the season the aim was to be promoted and we're still in with a good chance of going up automatically. We are only one point behind second-placed Colchester and there is still everything to play for. Hopefully we can do it.
Q:YOU'VE BEEN LINKED WITH A NUMBER OF OTHER CLUBS, I SUPPOSE IT'S JUST A CASE OF PRODUCING YOUR BEST FORM ON A WEEKLY BASIS?
A:Yes, the most important thing at the moment is that I keep playing well from Brentford, because this is a crucial stage of the season for us. I would certainly like to play at higher level at some stage and hopefully I can do that sooner rather than later.
Q:WHAT DOES MANAGER MARTIN ALLEN BRING TO BRENTFORD FOOTBALL CLUB?
A:He's different class, a one-off. I've got nothing bad to say about him. He gets the best out of his players and his man-management skills are excellent. I get on very well with Martin and am enjoying working with him.
Q:AND IT'S HARTLEPOOL AT HOME ON SATURDAY?
A:Yes, I know they are struggling down there in the relegation zone but these kind of games are never easy at this stage if the season because the Hartlepool players will be fighting for their lives to avoid relegation. In many ways, it promises to be a harder game than if we were up against a mid-table side that have nothing left to play for. But we have to go out there and produce the kind of form we are capable of and hopefully the result we go our way.
Q:YOUR PROFESSIONAL CAREER HAS COME A LONG WAY IN A SHORT SPACE OF TIME, WHAT ARE YOUR AMBITIONS FOR THE FUTURE?
A:Right now, all I'm concentrating on is trying to help Brentford win promotion – that's the short-term goal. Somewhere down the line, I would like to play at the highest level and if I keep working hard at my game hopefully I can get a chance in the Premiership at some stage during my career.
