Harlee Dean has revealed that Dean Smith's influence led to him signing a new deal at Brentford, as well as the departure of James Tarkowski.
The defender appeared to be leaving Griffin Park in the summer as contract talks had broken down.
But, since Tarkowski refused to face the Clarets in January before moving to Turf Moor, it has made Dean's position within the club much stronger.
And Smith had also pushed his case with co-directors of football Rasmus Ankersen and Phil Giles, which has left Dean grateful to his boss
He said: “It was never my side as I always wanted to sign here. If we're going to be honest, Tarky leaving made a big difference but, at the same time, Dean Smith really pushed for me and that made the difference with Rasmus and Phil.
“I owe a lot to the gaffer as he has told me I was his number one priority and we've made it happen.”
Dean is the only natural right sided centre back available to Brentford, with both Yoann Barbet and Jack O'Connell more suited to the left side.
After forging a relationship with Tarkowski, the former Southampton man is looking to build one with his two team-mates.
He added: “It was frustrating to be suspended and then the boys did well. I was always going to have to wait but luckily it was only one game.
“I've been back in the team but I maybe haven't played as well as I wanted to and neither has the team.
“Relationships are a big thing in football and Tarky and I had a good one on the pitch and it's about forging a new one with Jack and Yoann.
“I think (changes in defence make it) difficult for the whole team. The spine of the team needs to be the same so you can work off each other and everyone knows what that person is going to do.
“There's been a lot of in and out at the minute. The gaffer has lost some players as well and nobody has come in.
“I think where we are in the table represents the strength in the squad at the minute. We can get better and we've got to start against Derby on Saturday by keeping a clean sheet.”
The Rams are set to provide a stern test with Dean naming Bradley Johnson and Chris Martin as two of the toughest players he has faced in his career.
He added: “They're a top team and have got great players who have got good physical players.
“They've got a great team with the likes of Bradley Johnson, Chris Martin, Tom Ince but we've got to focus on ourselves and make sure we're solid and not give away sloppy goals.
“Bradley Johnson and Chris Martin are up there with the toughest forwards I've faced in my career. Bradley got promoted with Norwich. Chris is big and strong and knows how to score goals.”
