He grew up as an Aston Villa fan – but beating Birmingham City would mean no more than beating any other team, to Brentford boss Dean Smith.
The Blues, who visit Griffin Park tomorrow, are bitter rivals to the one he used to watch from the Holte End growing up.
However, not only is it a rivalry Smith never really subscribed to, but he believes 30 years in the pro game dulls any personal anomosities.
He said: “It was hard not to have noticed the Villa-Birmingham rivalry growing up in the city, but it wasn't always as much as a rivalry as it is now. My dad was a steward at Villa Park for 25 years, but told me he used to go there one week and St Andrews the following week. That's how football was back then.
“But I'm not connected to Aston Villa now, I'm all about Brentford Football Club now now, and I'm looking forward to getting our season back on track. I've also been involved with professional football since I was 16, and I'm now 45, so it's been a long time since I was a supporter.”
Indeed, a home win against anyone would do nicely for Smith, following three games without a win at Griffin Park.
Since putting nine goals past Preston and Reading in the space of 10 days, the Bees have been held to a drab goalless draw by Wigan and lost to Barnsley and Fulham in front of their own fans.
Smith added: “It's been a difficult few games for us at home. We were on a good run and everyone expected us to beat Wigan comfortably.
“Against Barnsley we didn't take our chances whereas they took the few that came to them, and against Fulham we were outplayed. I thought they were very good on the day and we weren't. The last three results at home haven't been good enough, and we need to put that right on Saturday.”
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