Brentford trialist Bentley Graham is hoping boss Andy Scott remembers more than just his name after being handed a dream shot at landing a role with the League Two champions this summer.
The 18-year-old Sutton United midfielder has spent pre-season training full-time with the Bees, featuring heavily in friendlies with Farnborough Town, Staines Town, Sutton United and Croydon Athletic.
The former Greenshaw High School student has only made a handful of first-team appearances at Gander Green Lane, but was approached by Scott in May over a experimental spell in west London.
The Griffin Park chief has been impressed with the youngster, but admits he is a little way off the finished article he needs for the coming League One campaign.
A spot in the newly established Bees reserve team or a return to Ryman League Premier Division football is more likely for Graham, but the trainee electrician insists it has been the experience of his life whatever happens.
“Playing football is all I want to do and it has gone well. I’ve learnt so many things. Training every day is really hard, but I love doing it full-time,” he said.
“I’ve got a lot fitter and working with better players has really helped my game.
“There is always room for improvement, but working with the professionals really brings it home.
“Even if I go back to Sutton it has been a brilliant opportunity for me. Either way I’ll definitely be a better player for it.”
Graham, who lives in Carshalton Beeches, chose Sutton ahead of the Robins because United’s youth set-up had a better reputation and has since played at virtually every level at Gander Green Lane.
He made his first team debut against Croydon Athletic in February and ironically faced them again in Saturday’s friendly clash that saw the Bees run out 1-0 winners.
Graham’s distinctive christian name is often the first thing people remember about him, but he is hoping his football ability isn’t the last.
“People do tend to remember me because of my name. It stands out. It is nice to be remembered easily. It helps but it isn’t the only thing about me,” he added.
“I haven’t been given any idea whether I’ll be taken on but I’d like to think I’ve made a good impression for the right reasons.
“It was strange being in the away dressing room at Sutton. It took a while to get used to. The game was quite physical, but it didn’t put me off. If a tackle is there to be made, you make it.”
Factfile:
Name: Bentley Graham.
Age: 18.
Position: Centre midfield.
Job: Apprentice electrician and works for his uncle.
School: Carshalton College, Greenshaw High School.
And another thing: Graham’s mum and dad named him Bentley after the luxury car manufacturer although the family don’t own one.
Ambition: To become a professional footballer.
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