Bucket collections have become a part of the landscape on matchdays at Griffin Park: a fitting symbol, if it were needed, of the severe financial hardships facing Brentford FC.
Over the past three-and-a-half seasons, the hard-working team of bucket collectors have raised more than £75,000.
Last season the bucket collectors decided they would like to do more to support Martin Allen and his squad in their various exploits and, as a result, launched the BRENTFORD PLAYER FUND. This saw half the funds raised in bucket collections going to the Bees United general fund and the remainder bolstering Martin Allen's playing budget.
At the beginning of the current season it was decided to temporarily suspend the Player Fund in order to maximise fundraising for the BACK THE BEES Campaign and support the efforts to acquire the majority shareholding in the Football Club. With the historic supporters' takeover just days away, it has been decided that the bucket collections will resort to their former 50:50 split, commencing with the Huddersfield game on 21 January.
With this in mind the Playing Fund organisers have, along with their friends at the Lifeline Society, given approval to a request for funds to support the loan transfer of Darren Pratley for the remainder of the 2005-6 season.
One of the Player Fund organisers, John Anderson, summed up his feelings: "Just because Bees United are taking control of the Club does not mean the fundraising stops, far from it in fact, it simply starts all over again.
"We are all mindful, however, of the importance of results on the park in drawing supporters to Griffin Park and how this in turn will contribute to the financial well-being of the Club.
"Darren Pratley is a great player, with an immense future in the game, anyone who has seen the team play over the last year will be aware of the important part Darren will have to play in driving the Club forward in its FA Cup exploits and, hopefully, promotion to the Championship.
"I am proud that our initiative has been used in such a way and I hope that this will encourage more supporters to contribute to our matchday bucket collections or to get involved in rattling a bucket".
For more information on the BRENTFORD PLAYER FUND www.beesunited.org.uk
Paul Stedman
BU Member