Season 2001/2 and 2002/3
When Steve Coppell took over as Brentford manager at the start of the 2001/2 season, he asked Roberto to come to the club as first-team coach and reserve team manager. This proved a real success, as the team saw a young side almost clinch promotion on the final day of the season, only to see a home 1-1 draw against Reading put the Alan Pardew’sRoyals into automatic promotion. Brentford, meanwhile, had to go through the playoffs only to get beaten at the Millennium Stadium by Stoke City.
The team included Paul Smith (Nottingham Forest), Gavin Mahon (Watford), Ivar Ingimarsson, Steve Sidwell, Stephen Hunt and Ibrahima Sonko (Reading)
The reserves, incidentally, had their best season in 70 years. And a highlight was that during the season, every sub was used for at least 20 minutes, and the team developed true flexibility in formations, having tried every strategy possible at one stage or another!
Major Achievements:
Reaching Play-Off Final at Millenium Stadium
Increasing points stats from 47% (Season 2000/2001) to 60% (Season 2001/2002)
Nationwide Division 2 Play–Off Final, Brentford v Stoke City, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, 11/5/02 Brentford players huddle together.
Action Images: David Slater