Scott steers Bees to mid-table comfort

LATICS NEWS: 

ATHLETIC will on Saturday entertain a side boasting mid-table security despite operating on a limited budget.

Andy Scott has done a fine job as manager of Brentford who, like Athletic, have been forced to rely on loan signings to bolster their squad.

The Bees have 34 points and are currently in tenth place, eight points ahead of fourth-from-bottom Athletic, but having played two games more.

Brentford drew 1-1 at home to Southampton on Tuesday night, when they equalised with a goal from defender Leon Legge seven minutes from time.

Saints goalkeeper Kelvin Davis was in fine form, saving a penalty from Kevin O’Connor and making several other fine stops.

Scott has been an astute player in the transfer market this season during which his loan signings have included Ipswich defender Tommy Smith and Peterborough midfielder Toumani Diagouraga.

Scott is looking to extend the deals for both players, but has seen midfield man John Bostock return to Tottenham.

Brentford’s ranks include 6ft 4in striker Carl Cort who, in his pomp, was signed by the late Sir Bobby Robson for £7m when he was manager of Newcastle.

Cort had made his name at Wimbledon and earned his big-money move in 2000.

But he has been unable to command a regular place at Griffin Park this season and came on as a 56th-minute substitute against Southampton.