Keith Andrews believes Brentford made a very smart decision when they signed Ben Mee as he reflected on the retiring defender’s career.
The 36-year-old hung up his boots this week after successful campaigns at Burnley, Brentford and Sheffield United – helping both the Bees and the Clarets achieve their highest ever Premier League finishes.
Mee made 60 Premier League appearances in west London before leaving last summer, but Andrews was impressed with his work at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Andrews said: “He was a brilliant signing.
“I remember looking from afar thinking ‘that was a very smart signing by Brentford’ at the time.”
Mee even chipped in five goals for Brentford, including one as they claimed a famous 4-0 victory at home to Manchester United.
Andrews said: “The experience that he had, the way he defends – I think he’s a very shrewd, streetwise defender and he’s had a really, really impressive career.
“I think he’s a really good fella. I enjoyed working with him.”
Mee made his name at Burnley, where he made over 350 league appearances before his move to west London.
He was part of Sean Dyche’ Burnley’s side which earned widespread acclaim after finishing seventh in 2018, the club’s highest Premier League finish.
The Englishman also played every minute for the Clarets in the 2018/19 Premier League season.
Andrews said: “The team [Burnley] did so well during that period, mainly under Sean Dyche.”
The Brentford boss still keeps in contact with Mee and plans to share a drink with him at the hotel in Manchester before Brentford’s crunch match against Manchester City on Saturday (5.30pm kick-off).
Photo credit: Dicken Richards
