Match Centre

Interview By Eric Beard

On Tuesday night, League One side Brentford FC made the world take notice thanks to their incredible 4th Round Carling Cup victory against Everton. The Bees were buzzing last night at Griffin Park with the result, but what does it feel like to be a Brentford player after a result as immense as that? Well, I asked David Hunt, a Brentford midfielder who has captained the side and led them to be promoted from League Two to League One just two seasons ago. Sadly, David could not play a part of Tuesday night’s game because he is still recovering from a torn ankle ligament and will return to play in about a month, just in time for the Carling Cup’s 5th round.

Eric: Top clubs often don’t do justice to the Carling Cup, but what does the competition mean from Brentford’s perspective?

David: It’s a massive game for the club as  a whole, for the players and fans it’s not every week you’re able to test yourself against Premiership standard. The team wants to prove that there isn’t much of a difference between the divisions and upsets always happen.

Brentford got on the world’s radar last night as the lovable giant-killer. What is it like knowing that this result won over a few new supporters?

It’s great for everyone involved at the club. Fans have gone to work the next day with huge smiles on their faces, management and players can take credit from what they’ve achieved and use that confidence for their next league game. If you’re not an Everton fan I’m sure you’re wanting to see the underdog win.

Jermaine Beckford, who was playing in League 1 with Leeds just last year, missed the penalty that led to Everton’s loss in the shootout. Do you feel for the guy?

It’s never nice to be the one that misses a penalty but I quite honestly only cared about Brentford winning the shootout and that meant Everton missing penalties.

You’re an Arsenal fan as well, so a 4-1 victory for them against Spurs must have felt like the icing on the cake, right?

What’s your dream draw? Arsenal or a smaller team that gives you more of a chance to make it to Round 5?

I’d love to get Arsenal away or at home. This is what makes the cup extra special, the lads deserve a treat for the next round and no matter who we are drawn against they’ll be in for a battle that’s for sure.

Have you ever wanted to be on the pitch more than last night?

Last night was an amazing experience and one I was gutted to to miss through injury. As soon as we’d won the match I ran down to the changing room to celebrate with the lads.

The Carling Cup’s Round 4 matches are in late October. Is it a personal goal to be fit for that match?

Obviously I’d love to be fit for the next league game as I hate missing any fixture but yes I’m sure game will be one I’d love to be part of.

Thanks so much David. Again, good luck with your recovery.

(David Hunt runs his own excellent blog, entitled Life of Another League. You can also follow him on Twitter @davidjhunt)