There is more to Marinus Dijkhuizen than just the Brentford head coach as the Dutchman revealed he was a big fan of darts.

The Bees have had a turbulent start to the season with the departures of key players such as Andre Gray, Moses Odubajo, Stuart Dallas and Jonathan Douglas, injuries to Jota, Josh McEachran and Andreas Bjelland, having to rip up the pitch after two competitive games and unhappy fans from the performances served up at Griffin Park.

The head coach has met these struggles with a smile amid difficulties and has retained his calm demeanour.

Speaking to GetWestLondon , Dijkhuizen opened up about his life away from football and some of his favourite hobbies and memories.

First job

Organic vegetable stall at Riverside Market, Cardiff
First job: Vegetables

"I was working a holiday job with vegetables to earn some guilders (the Dutch currency that preceded the Euro) to get some beer in the night. It was hard work. We started at 5-6am until 12-1pm and then in the afternoon we would go to the beach."

Hero growing up

Hero: Marco Van Basten

"Marco Van Basten. I'd been to Euro 88 and watched games against Ireland and Germany where he scored the winning goal. I was with my father and it was a good experience and he made a good impression on me."

Favourite today?

"I don't have favourite player today. I went to Arsenal-Liverpool. It was 0-0 but could have been 3-3. It was a very high tempo and good quality. I went to AFC Wimbledon-Cambridge. It was a big difference. I like to go to the football though.

"The standard of Arsenal-Liverpool might be the highest standard. We went with Excelsior to Barcelona-Manchester City and Messi is fantastic but when you see it live in the stadium. It's not normal. He's by far the best player in the world."

What are your hobbies?

A man playing golf
Hobby: Golf

"I play golf. It fits with the English culture. I haven't had a chance to play golf but I hope to get a chance. We'll go in September with Roy (Hendriksen) and Simon (Royce). My handicap is 14. It's not so bad but not as good as the players over here.

"We had a couple of rounds in Portugal. Simon's handicap is six. Alan McCormack is very good. I like to watch Phil Mickelson. I like to see him. We have a good Dutch guy Joost Luiten (ranked 64 in the world – August 31). Last year he was okay but is struggling this year. I think he can be in the top 10 maybe. He's only 28."

Any others?

Barney Army: Dijkhuizen is a fan of the arrows star

"I like darts although I lost to Roycey. I played darts in the Netherlands. I've had some 180s. Last season, I had four 180s. I'm a Barney (Raymond van Barneveld) fan. Van Gerwen is brilliant. I'll try to get to a game. I'll try and get to the finals in December. Maybe I can arrange some tickets."

Favourite foods?

The meals over here are very good. I went to the Caribbean restaurant in Ealing. There's a lot in Ealing.

Films?

I'm not into films. I went with my wife to Les Miserables in London. I like the city. The musicals – I don't go every week but once in a while.