Sport

Brentford FC prepare for final season at Griffin Park

Brentford FC will begin their final season at Griffin Park on Saturday with a new stadium due to open next year.

Work started on the 17,500-seater stadium in 2017 and the club plan to move in time for the 2020-21 season.

Brentford owner Matthew Benham said: “I am absolutely confident that the unique nature of the site will result in a stadium that is still different to the majority of new stadiums, is small enough to create a fantastic atmosphere yet big enough to enable the continued growth of our supporter base and offers a brilliant matchday experience for all fans.”

Brentford have played at Griffin Park since 1904 but planned to move to the new Brentford Community Stadium near Kew Bridge since 2002.

It was also announced in December last year that the stadium would be shared with rugby union side London Irish.

London Irish have played at Reading’s Madejski Stadium since 2000, but will become tenants at Brentford’s new stadium when it opens.

London Irish president Mick Crossan said: “The stadium will be an outstanding venue. It is the right size in a great location and will provide a superb matchday experience for our supporters and sponsors alike.”

Brentford will face Birmingham City at Griffin Park on Saturday on the first weekend of the new season.

The Bees finished pre-season with a 3-1 home defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday.

Goals from Jordan Ibe, Dominic Solanke and Sam Surridge gave the Premier League side a 3-0 lead, but Marcus Forss gave Brentford a late consolation.

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