E(R)C blog: Bees hope they are singing the Blues (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

E(R)C blog: Bees hope they are singing the Blues

2:51pm Friday 11th January 2013 in Football By Stuart Amos

European champions Chelsea potentially visiting Griffin Park sounds inviting to the average punter.
 

But to the trained ear of any Brentford fan, the words ‘if they get past Southend’ may as well be uttered by the Grim Reaper.
 

As soon as I saw the Blues pulled out of the hat, my initial delight at a home tie  in the fourth round was immediately replaced by a sense of foreboding.
 

It pretty much guarantees Brentford’s cup interests this year will grind to a halt – probably after extra-time and penalties – on January 15, when the Shrimpers walk away with the spoils and a televised tie with Chelski at Roots Hall in their back pocket.
 

Too many times in the past, hopes of glory have been cruelly dashed.
So let us forget about the cup and revel in the fact that the Bees are fourth in League One, unbeaten at home since August and have just pinned manager Uwe Rosler to a new two-year contract.
 

This will prove to be the most significant bit of business the club does in January, as it should help persuade some of the club’s stars to commit their long-term futures to the cause in a similar way.
 

When the 44-year-old German took over in 2011, sceptics has their doubts over his credentials and the ability to get the best out of the resources available to him.
 

Having revamped the squad he has proved he is one of the most capable managers in League One and has persisted with sticking to his footballing principles in the hurly burly world of the lower leagues.
 

Of course, it has not been all plain sailing, but for now – in my mind – the Bees, who travel to Oldham Athletic tomorrow, would test any side.

I base this on the fact both Aston Villa and Arsenal have succumbed to Bradford City in recent weeks, while Brentford bettered the Bantams.
 

A similar logic sees Swindon Town as European football’s most dangerous team on current form – and pigs might fly.