MacDonald: I never wanted to leave Brentford (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

macDonald: I never wanted to leave Brentford

2:30pm Friday 6th January 2012 in Brentford FC By Stuart Amos

Former Brentford favourite Charlie MacDonald has revealed his silent goal celebration on Saturday was out of respect to the club and the fans.

The 30-year-old scored MK Dons’ third goal from close range in a thrilling 3-3 draw at Griffin Park, which saw boss Uwe Rosler’s men come from 3-0 down to level matters late in the piece through Leon Legge’s header.

MacDonald left west London in August, having failed to impress Brentford’s German chief, and was on the scoresheet for his new team in the 3-3 Johnstone’s Paint Trophy draw at Stadium MK the same month.

The former Charlton Athletic trainee never had the chance to say farewell to the Bees faithful and insisted the weekend was his way of saying goodbye.

“I didn’t celebrate because there is a mutual respect between me and the fans,” he said.

“I had a great three years at Brentford and I was treated very well.

“Stories have come out that I forced my move, but that is not true.

“I don’t think I got a fair crack of the whip.

“I wasn’t playing and wasn’t in the gaffer’s plans. Once I was told I could move it all happened quite quickly.

“MK Dons came to my rescue and I was delighted to make the move.”

Brentford travel to MK Dons again in March and the two teams could yet face each other a fourth time this season in the League One play-offs.

But that eventuality is far from MacDonald’s mind.

“There is a long way to go before we can think about that,” he added.

“We are only three points off second place, so automatic promotion is not out of the question for MK Dons. It is nice to be in the race.”

Brentford followed up Saturday’s draw with a 2-0 defeat at league leaders Charlton Athletic on Monday.