Sunday 1 September will be a special day for a number of Brentford supporters.
That day sees the second Bernie Watson Memorial Match between teams representing Brentford fanzines HEY JUDE and BEESOTTED. The game this year, sponsored by Barclays Bank, has extra appeal, as Brentford FC have given their permission for the match to be staged on the club's Griffin Park pitch.
It is hoped that the spectacle of 22 fans displaying their skills, or lack thereof, on the same turf on which their heroes strut their stuff will boost the main purpose of the game this year: to raise funds for Supporters' Trust, Bees United. The Trust is amongst many fans groups formed up and down the country recently, working to secure the future of local clubs and, thereby, the national game. Independent supporters' association BIAS is underwriting the costs of the day.
Organiser of the BEESOTTED team, Dan Suh said: "This event fulfils the ambitions of all the players, in that we are playing at the theatre of our dreams, and helping raise money to save our club. I hope the nation takes notice of what we are doing, and sees that with fan power, we can help save football, which is so important in our communities.
His opposite number from HEY JUDE, Paul Stedman, added: "Everyone I have spoken to about this game is really excited, and not surprisingly a great deal of interest has been shown. Brentford supporters have, once again, shown great imagination and resourcefulness in dealing with the club's ongoing problems."
Ann Keen, MP for the area, and a local resident, has weighed in with her support: "This sounds like a really exciting day for Brentford supporters. I am sure that a number of them will be fulfilling a lifetime's ambition in playing on their club's pitch. I hope the day is a big success and that they are able to raise much needed funds to help secure the club's future."
A number of fund-raising initiatives are being pursued; in addition to an admission fee for supporters each participant will be raising a significant sum to earn the privilege of playing on the hallowed turf; the organisers are also looking for matchday and matchball sponsorship. An 'alternative' matchday programme is being produced, for which advertising is being sought. (£100 for a full page / £50 for half page).
Anybody interested in assisting this event in any way can contact the organisers:
Dan Suh: 079 3217 4186 dan@koreafoods.co.uk
Paul Stedman: 079 0437 5051 paul.stedders@btinternet.com
Pete Johnston: 079 6616 7755 JohnstonHEYJUDE@aol.com
Bernie Watson was a familiar face to all those who follow Brentford FC, colourful, and larger than life his passion for the club was both legendary and infectious. Bernie was tragically killed last year and is sadly missed by his loving family and by his many friends at Brentford. The first Bernie Watson Memorial Match was played last December, when a close game saw BEESOTTED victors by two goals to one.
The game will kick off at 12 noon on Sunday 1st September. Ground admission is £5, concessions £2 (including free matchday programme).