Fulham won the race to sign Brentford goalkeeper David Button on Tuesday, but Bees head coach Dean Smith has nothing but respect for his forme rnumber one.

The 27-year-old sealed a three-year switch to Craven Cottage having made 141 appearances for the Griffin Park club.

Button switched to the Bees from Charlton Athletic in 2012 and has been a virtual ever present during three seasons in west London where he helped Brentford to fifth and nineth place Championship finishes.

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The move, for an  undisclosed fee, opens the door for new signing Daniel Bentley and Button's understudy Jack Bonham to stake first claim for his jersey when the season starts in August with a trip to Huddersfield Town.

Smith: “I would personally like to wish David well and thank him for his contribution in both performances and attitude since myself and Richard joined the club.

"His save in our win at Preston in January, as well as many others, will live long in the memory, but as the way in football, things move on and David has chosen to further his career elsewhere.

“I have nothing but respect for the way he acquits himself to his profession and his departure will leave big gloves to fill.

"But I feel we have replacements in Daniel Bentley and Jack Bonham who are eager to fill the position that David had made his own.”

Brentford's co-director of football Phil Giles added: "As with the recent transfer of Jake Bidwell, I understand if there are some fans who will be disappointed that we have sold a player to our local rivals.

"However, I'm confident that we've made a decision that is in the best long term interests of the club."