Episode 6 Late Kick Off London and the South East

Hello and welcome to the show. Still so much to play for in the season.

Our Brentford Championship bound? Mark Warburton joins us in the

studio. The Watford boss leaves us in no

doubt who is calling the shots at Vicarage Road. I am the gaffer.

Whitcomb and the Daggers go head`to`head. Somebody could be a

hero. It is a wonderful feeling. And the addict whose love for Charlton

was rewarded with a job there. Double marking tonight, joining Mark

Bright and myself is the Brentford manager, Mark Warburton. Ten years

ago, you were working in the city as a trader, if you ever imagine you

would be sitting next to the great Mark Bright? Not for a moment. It

was always a dream. A distant dream, but thankfully it has only been

there. Brentford could be playing QPR in the Championship next season.

They went to Bournemouth on Saturday, needing a win to keep

alive their fate hopes of automatic promotion to the Premier League. But

it was another difficult day. Welcome to the south coast.

It is an early chance. And the goal! 20 seconds into the second

half, and didn't he take it well? He is watching here because Bournemouth

have a chance. They may still have a chance. A real chance for Queens

Park Rangers. That could be trouble. Green is in there, heads up. Harry

Redknapp on his return to Bournemouth.

QPR are now ten points off the automatic promotion places, it looks

like it will be the play`offs. Why have they struggled this season?

They had a great start. Two losses in 20. And I think you can look and

say that they have had a horrific injury list. But the list goes on.

Having a look at the squad, the players out on loan, they are the

players he has let all alone, the club with the biggest budget are

there or thereabouts and it is disappointing for QPR but I think

they can do it through the players because of the quality. We saw a

really high quality goal there. Mark, you have gone for the young

and hungry approach at Brentford. What is the missing ingredient? We

have some young players, but is the role of the senior pros. I am sure

it is getting the balance right. Harry Redknapp has pointed to the

fact that Reading and Wigan came down from the Premier League. No one

is talking about them as much. `` Wycombe. We talked about it at the

end of the season, they increased the budget by 17 million. They have

huge Premier League experience in their squad. You would have to look

at that, QPR, nearly 1500 Premier League starts. Double the amount of

virtually anyone else. Looking at Leicester, what a fantastic job they

have done so far, getting promotion. Everyone expected Harry to do it,

and I still expecting to do it. With the budget they have had, QPR fans

will expect it as well. Well, they can still do it. Mark Warburton is

not the only person who began his first managerial job in December.

When Zola resign, Watford town to another Italian. But he is not quite

as well as acquainted with Britain. Pepe, welcome to the British

institution that is the greasy spoon cafe. Can we interest you in some

liver and bacon? Beef, I eat always. He says, if I keep eating, I have to

change my suit. We will stick to the copy then! What has been your

highlight since arriving? If you are able to take off the last ten

minutes of each game we play... We might be on the top three of the

league. But this is football. So many players have come and gone over

the last couple of seasons, it looks chaotic. Lucas Neill arrives and

plays eight minutes, then goes off on loan to Doncaster. Does that make

life difficult for you, that level of instability? This is a good

reflection, but you have to know what is behind each season. Lucas

Neill joined the club, we had some problems with suspension and

injury. We would like to underline that at Watford, I am not acting as

a manager, my contract is head coach. We decide together how to

build the team. But on the pitch, he does the choosing. Would you want to

have more of a say this summer, because some of the signings that

have arrived here, they have not worked out. I think the window of

the market is always very difficult. My career, I always was head coach.

Because in Italy, you have always a sport director, that works with you.

Can you be your own man here, can you be brought in as a yes man, to

do the bidding of the owner? Yes`man? I don't know a yes man. I

am gaffer. Always. I think I got that one. We asked some fans to send

us some questions. We got a question from Mark saying, which there has

impressed you the most since you're right? `` since you're right.

Troy is a striker, I think he deserves to be mentioned. When it

comes to the songs and the chance from the fans on the terraces, Mike

is asking, what is the Italian for Pepe, give us a wave? We would like

to underline to the supporters that it is to focus on the pitch and not

hearing from up above the pitch. So when he gives a wave, it is because

someone from the front of the bench is calling him. This is the

translation. Did they use in wish when they are

chatting at you? Not too much, unfortunately. Looking at Watford,

better things were expected of them this year. What is happening there?

Obviously, some of the players are out. Some of the players they

brought in this time did not have the effect it had last year. They

almost pulled it off. I think the coach looked at last`minute goals or

goals in the last period, they would have been a lot happier. They are

ten points off the play`offs and I do not think we can do it this year.

He mentioned Troy. Scoring 20 goals, he has been excellent. But

they have not been effective this year with their loan signings. He

has been scoring goals. People might not be aware that you were at

Watford for four years or so in various `` and the various

interesting characters, tell us about your time there. Brendan

Rodgers came in, and Sean Dyche. For me, it was a fantastic time to learn

so much. But a bit short of cash at times. You had to put you hand in

your pocket. I had to do lots of different jobs. But it is part of

the game. It is a rude awakening but it gives you a grounding.

To our other three Championship teens. A crucial win for Millwall.

It is Emma Jones and Ian Ramsdell. `` here is.

Nothing but victory would do for a Millwall team who are in the last

chance saloon when it comes to avoiding relegation. They made seven

changes to the team, and it paid off. Scott Malone's shot took a

deflection to give them the lead. They were 2`0 up before the break.

Jimmy Paterson did manage to get one back early in the second half for

the home side, but Millwall clung on for the third away win this season.

If they can beat Wigan on Tuesday, they could be out of the drop zone.

Charlton are hovering above the danger line. Neither the addicts nor

Reading had a goal`scoring chance in the first half. The second half

improved. Danny Guthrie's free kick forced a fine stop. However, the

Charlton keeper could do little to prevent this powerful strike from

Danny Williams. Brighton are five points of the

play`offs after fifth game without a win. And they could have, we from

Barnsley with nothing. Brian McLauchlin was inches away from

heading them ahead but was denied by the crossbar. The home side were

down to ten men when one of the players worse sent off for two

yellow cards in two minutes for two files `` fouls. The first booking

for a shoulder charge, the second for pulling back the midfielder.

Oscar Garcia felt his team was better on the day but did not take

their chances. Well they have more away at Leicester on Tuesday?

Mixed fortunes for our chum act clubs. Mark, back to you `` our

Championship clubs. We talk about pressure in the game, but can you

give your players are some prospective? It is important to give

them an idea that it is not just the football world that has the pressure

and the words etc. I took the boys to Canary Wharf. They thoroughly

enjoyed it, it was a real eye`opener. We almost what happened

at the end of last season, crucial penalty, it didn't happen. They see

how other young guys deal with pressure. The focus during the

course of everyday. For me, it was a worthwhile expense. `` is billions.

`` experience. We had three games up north, and three games we did not

really fulfil our abilities. A great ball here. A great touch and a good

finish. Delighted with that one. After half`time, the second and the

third. A good all`round team performance. When Uwe Rosler left,

did you have to persuade Matthew ben and that you were the man? We played

Carlisle on Saturday and there were talking about potential and it is, I

spoke to Matthew on the Sunday morning and his first words were to

offer me the job. He has been very supportive at a difficult time. What

will you have to change if you get promotion? We want a balance of

players that are young and hungry and some senior players in there.

But we have to look to instead of being a fire fronts a, looking at

the school, I am sure they will support the playing squad and look

around, what we need to go up there and make a real impression? We do

not want to be one year up in one year back down again. We have to

look at all areas and look at where we are. I am sure the support will

be there. Will it be a case of getting in a lot of on loan players

from Premier clubs? It has worked well in Division 1. You have to make

sure your players can develop, that is the key point. They have come to

your club for education. In the Championship, it is a different

level of player we are looking at, every second or third level for

certain players. Another of our clubs, Leyton Orient, has been

alongside Brentford all season in the race for automatic promotion.

It's with them that we begin our round`up of Saturday's League One

action. Russell Slade celebrated four years

in charge of Leyton Orient with a point against one of his former

clubs. He would have hoped for all three, having seen them take the

lead courtesy of a cool finish from Dean Cox but United had their

equaliser when Jamie Murphy latched onto a loose ball to dribble around

Jamie Jones and tap home. It is now five games without a win for Orient

who are seven points off the automatic promotion spots. A late

goal for Crewe would mean a fifth straight defeat for Crawley. In the

battle to avoid the drop from League One, Crewe went ahead with this

close range finish. John Gregory knows his side have not scored

enough goals recently. This cracking equaliser would count for nothing.

Instead, this goal ten minutes from time would give the visitors a vital

three points. Crawley visit second place Brentford on Tuesday.

There were going to be seven goals in the game at the Priestfield and

so they had to start early. Very early in fact with Gillingham

conceding just 13 seconds from kick`off. The equaliser was headed

in on the half`hour mark before Myles Weston put them in front but

the headlines will be made by the substitute Tom Hitchcock, getting

the first of his hat`trick after beating the offside trap. With six

minutes left, Bradley Dack made it 3`2 with a goal worthy of winning

the match but Peter Taylor was left frustrated as his side threw away

all three points. Hitchcock grabbing his second to make it 3`3 and then

in the last minute, he lifted the ball over Stuart Nelson to claim the

win and the match ball. High`scoring Rotherham are now assured of a

play`off place. On Tuesday the Gills visit another team hoping for

promotion, Peterborough. After that match, Kent police

confirmed three Gillingham fans were arrested after allegations they

racially abused Rotherham's manager, Steve Evans. They have been bailed

until May seven. In the Crawley Crewe match, police ejected a fan

from the stadium amid suspicions he was aiding an illegal betting

syndicate. An investigation is ongoing. Now to matters on the pitch

and this is how the top of League One looks at the moment. Brentford

looking good, they have a six`point cushion in second place. We saw

Rotherham scoring there, do you see them now realistically as your main

rivals for automatic promotion? They've had a fantastic run. But

many twists and turns so it is still very tight there. A huge win for you

at Orient. We saw what that meant to you, something Russell Slade wasn't

too happy about. Tell us what was going through your mind. I went over

to shake his hand but it was a big game and much was at stake. A

tremendous performance by the boys and we were delighted with the

result. You have Crawley next at home and they have somehow managed

to lose five games in a row after that victory over Wolves. Is this a

good time to play them? No, it is a dangerous time to play them. A very

experienced manager and lots of pace about this team. A tough game and we

have to be at our best but we're hoping for the right result. A shame

you're at home on a night Chelsea are at home in the Champions League

but you will be hoping for a decent turnout. If you are joining us even

later tonight and you have missed the first part of the show, you can

see it all on the BBC iPlayer. We are here all week, as are the other

six regional versions of the show. Two of our clubs met each other on

Saturday. In the four previous seasons we have been on air, Wycombe

have changed divisions three times and Dagenham Redbridge twice. A

potential exit from different ends of League Two still a possibility

for both of them, we sent our reporter along to see who could move

closer to their end of season target.

A split loyalty today with two of our teams going head`to`head. One

struggling for survival, the other can have a more relaxed meal as they

try to sneak into the play`offs. It's all about momentum and we are

unbeaten in eight games. We have great momentum going into the game.

We were in Wycombe's position last year and it is not nice. It is an

emotional roller`coaster. We know we are only five points off with six

games to go and we want to get in there. We were hot favourites to go

down at the start of the season. We are in a position now where I think

we are safe so we are looking up and it's a wonderful feeling. We have to

win the game and that means we have to work hard but we have no pressure

whatsoever. We go out there, express ourselves and we want to win the

game. We are on a wave at the moment and hopefully that will continue. A

happy Daggers camp but what of Wycombe, just three points above

relegation with six games to secure their football league status. It's a

worrying time for us on and off the pitch here so we have to trust the

players and the desire and the want to be a football league player next

year and the battle we are in, you've got to relish it. These

things are designed to test you and it's hard work at the minute. We are

not where we want to be in the league but we will approach it

head`on. Our defensive record is good, it's just the goal`scoring we

need to address. It is in our hands, we have to not worry about whatever

the other team's doing. If we get the points, we will be safe. We can

be a hero and we can keep this club in the football league. We have to

make sure we go out there and do it. Hopefully today we will see some

free`flowing goal`scoring. COMMENTATOR: Saunders goes for a

dodgy header. It's all going off here now. Scott Doe is being

wrestled by his own team. Scott Doe is being sent off. Going forward,

looks for a penalty and he gets the penalty! Craig steps forward and

they have the lead! Wood, to the edge of the area. The shot is in!

Wycombe double the lead and it looks like Wycombe are going to get all

three points. A major talking point, the sending

off, five or six minutes before half`time, of Scott Doe. Our keeper

got the ball and their striker is not even near the ball and left his

boot in on the keeper. I was just protecting him, saying, you can't do

it. I walked over to him, he headbutted me. You raise your hands,

your arms, put it around someone's neck, you get a sending off, I have

no problem with that. With the sending off, think we gave them a

good game. Our midfield dominated their midfield. Going down to ten

men may have helped us a little but I believe we would have got the

result. I apologised but I have never reacted like that in my life.

It is just the passion and I want to win games but you want to protect

your own as well. It's a big three points for us. If we had not won

today, it would have been difficult. We are six points off. We have five

games to go. There's still a chance, isn't there? We have done well

today. What he has achieved at Dagenham is really good. Today

belonged to us and I am really proud of the boys.

A huge win there for Wycombe. A difficult week for them? Stephen

Craig voices disapproval of not being paid bonuses, him and some of

the team. I think they showed their displeasure to him saying that and

giving him boos. When he scored the penalty that secured the three

points, those boos turned to cheers. A goalless draw for Wimbledon

against Bristol Rovers. Jack Midson in particular had a personal dual

with the goalkeeper. He goes around him here and he takes his time. It

is one of those where they created a lot of chances and dominated the

game but they couldn't get the ball into the back of the net. Six points

and six places above the relegation zone, I think they are going to be

OK. Going back to Brentford, you've got a very fancy new stadium coming

up in the next couple of years which you could really do with some

championship football there. Our long`term aim is to have football

that brings the fans in to fill that stadium. It is a very real target

for the team now. A bit disappointing there's not a pub on

each corner! Are there going to be pubs nearby? I am sure they will

find a few nearby! What has the owner said to you about what the

targets are? Is Premier League football a realistic possibility?

He's a very ambitious man, fantastic supporter of the club. He supports

us in every way possible so I can't speak highly enough of him. For us,

we know how ambitious he is and we have to match that in a structured

way. Hopefully we can achieve our target. We have some tweets coming

in and Simon says, who are the best team you have played this year? We

were beaten 3`0 by Rotherham last week and they were very strong,

powerful team. They were impressive. There are some very accomplished

teams. You have Frank McParland from the Liverpool Academy, what has he

brought? He has come in as Sporting Director. He has a fantastic

knowledge of the game and is highly respected. Delighted to get him on

board and David Weir as well. Immediate respect for the players.

Two great acquisitions for the club. Marcello Trotta has been fantastic

for you. We know what happened at the end of last season but is he

somebody you can keep hold of bearing in mind that Fulham might

well be in the same division as you next year? Who knows, he learned

from last year, he came over that disappointment and all credit to

him. It's difficult in West London with all the competition with big

clubs, how hard is it to get the players and fans in? It is very

hard. But it is a great location for the new stadium. Hopefully good

access and hopefully football will attract the fans.

For many of us, following our football team is an addiction. That

is certainly the case of Charlton fan Paul Ellis who went to 800

consecutive games in the mid`1990s. When they realised he could not stay

away from the valley, they ended up giving him a job. Good night.

My name is Paul Ellis and I first came down here in 1961. I used to go

to home and away every season for quite some seasons. From about 96 to

2008, I must have seen 800 matches. The final ` I'll never forget that.

COMMENTATOR: Only a minute of stoppage time to be added on. We

were behind them, then back level. Then the penalty shoot out. Mark

took the penalty and he just saved it. The whole ground just went mad.

We knew we were in the Premiership. COMMENTATOR: He is their hero! My

main role here is to do the post. I used to come down here every day to

help out. I used to do the programmes, take them to the

dressing rooms and get all the stuff ready. I am due to retire shortly

but dreading the day I can't come down here. It will be hard not to be

here every day. I just love it!