Brentford’s
Kevin O’Connor is something of a rarity in this day and age – a loyal, one club man.
And, somewhat unusually, Kevin is currently enjoying his testimonial year...at the ripe old age of 27!
Perhaps even more remarkable is that, during his ten years as a pro at Griffin Park, versatile Kevin, Brentford’s PFA delegate, has played in every outfield position for the Bees.
A striker to begin with, then a midfield player, Kevin is back in his favoured central role after starring at full back for a number of seasons. He’s played centre back too, so just needs to be handed the goalkeeper’s gloves to complete the set!
Despite the fact that he has played all his career in League Two, Kevin insists he has never really given a move away from Brentford a second thought.
Two failed assaults on the play-offs are as close as he has come to getting out of the bottom tier, but he has no regrets about sticking with a club currently enjoying the best season of his tenure.
“It’s going great at the moment and, having started the season with the play-offs in mind, we are looking firmly at automatic promotion now,” says Kevin.
Not surprising really, given that only this week Brentford hit top spot in League Two, taking over from long time leaders Wycombe, thanks to a last-gasp equaliser at Accrington.
The Bees are buzzing under manager Andy Scott, and Kevin adds: “It would be great if we could win promotion in my testimonial year. That would be an added bonus and cap a great 12 months.”
Promotion without the need of the play-offs would also guarantee a bumper gate at Griffin Park, although at this stage the testimonial organisers are unable to fix a date for the tribute match.
Reading will be Brentford’s opponents on Kevin’s given day, and he explains: “Because there’s a chance both us and Reading will be involved in the play-offs it’s impossible to set a date just yet.
“Ideally, we would both get automatic promotion and the game would represent a treble celebration – for the two clubs, and me personally.”
Reading were Kevin’s chosen opponents for a couple of reasons. He explains: “Steve Coppell was my manager at Brentford for a time and he was a great boss to work under. I learned a lot from him.
“I also know a few of the Reading players pretty well, so I’m really looking forward to catching up with a few old faces and enjoying a good night out.”
