For many, the big story emanating from Brentford over the past couple of weeks has been the news that a bunch of out-of-work crusties (don’t you mean ‘brave squatters’? Ed) spent some time trashing the vacant primary residence of Mr and Mrs Expenses, aka the MPs Alan and Ann Keen.

From my point of view, however, the only show in town is Brentford FC and the fact that the start of the League One season is nearly upon us.

So far, the close season has been a fairly quiet one. There has been a minor kerfuffle over our new deckchair kit but the strangest incident by far occured last week, when some toe-rags stole into Griffin Park for an impromptu kickabout on the hallowed turf.

In what was the most unwelcome incursion on to the GP pitch since a load of overexcited school kids ruined the end-of-season lap of honour, the intruders trampled weedkiller into the goalmouths, leaving the area “bare and devoid of grass”.

I don’t want to overdramatise the situation but, clearly, the hard work of the groundstaff has gone to waste and repairing the damage will cost the club money it can ill afford.

Our pre-season schedule is now well and truly under way and, true to form, Brentford are yet to win a game.

I’m not too worried – the Bees are about as useful in these situations as an Italian in the trenches and, thankfully, I have got an old football adage to back me up – it’s the performances, not results, that count.

According to reports, the lads acquitted themselves very well against Ipswich Town on Wednesday night despite the 3-1 reverse, and it was pleasing to hear that Jordan Rhodes got a warm welcome from the Brentford faithful.

Andy Scott apparently had a chat with Roy Keane about the possibility of bringing the youngster back to the club on loan this season, although, if he carries on scoring goals for the Tractor Boys, then Keano may be inclined to keep him.

It seems Ipswich have a conveyor belt of young striking talent and next in line is Connor Wickham, a 16-year-old man-child who scored a cracker against us on the night.

He shares the name of Bees commentator and Times reporter Chris but, while I doubt he could describe a Charlie MacDonald goal while reeling off 12 facts about Darlington’s ground, I’m assured he can play football a damn site better.

If Rhodes is a no-go, could Connor Wickham be our man?