A CROWD of more than 4,000 for his testimonial game is testament to the regard Brentford fans hold Kevin O'Connor in, according to boss Andy Scott.
Although the score put a dampener on things, Fulham winning 5-0, there was a healthy turnout to pay tribute to a Bees stalwart with 10 years service to the club.
Scott said: "A crowd of more than 4,000 shows how much Kevin means to the fans here, and they showed their appreciation for what he does for the club. He always gives 100 per cent and is a role model not just to our young players, but also to our young fans who turn up to watch him."
The game featured debuts for new signings Richard Lee, Craig Woodman, David McCracken, Nicky Forster, Michael Spillane and Kirk Hudson, before an almost complete change of personnel at half-time. And Scott admitted, although his new-look side was up against quality opposition, there is still some gelling to be done.
He said: "It was a brand new back five, including the keeper, only one of which was playing here last year.
"I wanted to see where we were defensively, and there is clearly still some work to be done, but they understand what is required.
"But Fulham are a decent side and brought all the stars along, so we shouldn't be too downhearted, and we improved a lot in the second half.
"Losing by five goals was a harsh lesson to learn, but they will learn from it, and it's all geared towards being ready by August 7."
Staines News
FULHAM began life after Roy Hodgson with an emphatic 5-0 hammering of Brentford at Griffin Park.
Fulham put in a confident performance in their first fixture since Roy Hodgson swapped Craven Cottage for Anfield, with American Eddie Johnson and Zoltan Gera among their best performers.
Fulham were without their World Cup players and injured Andy Johnson, but still named a relatively strong line-up for the match, which doubled up as the testimonial for Bees skipper Kevin O'Connor.
Damien Duff, Brede Hangeland and Paul Konchesky were all named by temporary boss Ray Lewington, who saw his side tear into their npower League One opposition from the start.
David Elm should have put Fulham ahead in the third minute but he sent a point-blank header wide.
Leon Legge then denied livewire Johnson inside the box before Chris Baird broke the deadlock with a 25-yard low drive which beat off-balance Brentford stopper Richard Lee after 14 minutes.
The Bees were handed a way back into the game seven minutes later when Stephen Kelly clumsily fouled Charlie MacDonald in the box. Referee Keith Hill pointed to the spot but David Stockdale saved the striker's drive.
Brentford were made to pay for the miss soon after when Elm curled a 20-yard strike inside Lee's right-hand post to double the visitors' lead.
Duff raced through to poke past Lee on the half hour to make it 3-0 as Fulham continued to dominate possession with some neat passing.
Gera, one of four half-time substitutes, made an immediate impact by playing through Johnson, who coolly rounded the keeper to make it four just after the break.
Brentford began to exert more pressure on the away side, with Stockdale having to save from substitute Carl Cort, but Fulham always looked like adding more.
They soon found themselves five up when Gera's cross was met by Simon Davies at the back post, who beat Lee from six yards.
O'Connor was given a standing ovation as he was substituted two minutes before the end as Fulham played out the closing stages to seal a comfortable win.
Daily Express
