THE BRENTFORD PLAYER FUND has got off to a flying start, and after the first week's collecting the fund now stands just two pounds shy of £1,000.
The scheme will see half the receipts from matchday bucket collections being "ring-fenced" for strategic strengthening of the playing squad at Griffin Park. The other half will be donated directly to Bees United, the Brentford Supporters' Trust, to help their continuing efforts to keep the club afloat. With Martin Allen's blessing the normal army of collectors have been bolstered by the club's young Scholars, who have got in on the act, with their own collections at half time.
Since the beginning of the 2002/3 season, Matchday Bucket collections have raised more than £40,000. This year, however, the supporters who organise the Collections have expressed a wish to be doing more to directly assist the playing side. One of the fund's administrators, John Anderson summed up
his feelings: "This has been a great start to the scheme, and a vindication of our decision to be doing more to help Martin Allen. Brentford fans have always been known for their generosity and their commitment to the club's future and our scheme is a great way of demonstrating this"
The £998 total represents a half-share of the £1,146 raised at the Hartlepool fixture on 19 October, plus the £850 raised at the Blackpool game on 23 October.