Is Alan Bennett going to do the decent thing and sign on the dotted line for the Bees?
That seems to have been the most pressing concern for Brentford’s coaching staff and supporters since the start of the close season.
It is not quite a ‘will he, won’t he?’ saga to rival the protracted transfer of that little winker Cristiano Ronaldo but, considering how vital the Irishman was to us last season, it is perfectly understandable that everyone is desperate for him to stay.
So imagine my delight when I logged on to the Brentford website on Tuesday and saw the main story was a “training ground update” with a big picture of Benno grinning at me.
Surely this was the moment? When I clicked through to the story, I would be greeted by another snap of him, this time holding aloft a nylon scarf and there would also be a report confirming his signing, packed with quotes in the vein of “I’m delighted to finally put pen to paper” and “I’m champing at the bit like an excitable puppy at the prospect of pitting my wits against the big guns of League One and I’m literally bursting with pride at the fact that... (That’s enough – Ed)”.
Silly me. In fact, the club had actually posted a somewhat cryptic and ultimately useless update on what the tabloids are already not calling the Bennett Situation.
According to the update from the training camp in Marbella, Bennett has been “very much part of the squad out there”, “involved in every training session” and “is showing his commitment to Brentford in everything he does”.
I know Alan is a whole-hearted player and seems to enjoy playing for us but I certainly wouldn’t expect him to show his commitment to the cause in “everything he does”.
How would he brush his teeth and show his loyalty to the club, for example, unless we are bringing out a Bees-themed toothbrush?
I am sure Brentford are responding to requests from fans to be kept as up to date as possible with what is happening over the summer and they would say they are damned if they do, damned if they don’t.
However, this latest update was more than a little pointless as the situation with Bennett seems fairly clear.
He has been offered a good contract and is taking a sensible approach by keeping his options open before committing himself. Until that changes, for better or worse, there isn’t much to discuss.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article