Sam Saunders wants to help Brentford's young players develop after signing a new one-year deal at the club.

The 32-year-old, who is the club's longest serving player, agreed the extension in the run-up to the Bees' 3-0 loss at Brighton.

And he is keen to pass on his knowledge to the younger players in the Brentford squad and help them develop.

Saunders said: "I never knew if I was (getting a new deal) or not. I spoke to Phil and the gaffer and they said they'd like me to stay. It was a decision I had to make as I wasn't playing.

“I got a sniff and was enjoying playing again. I had the offer and the club said if you want to go, we're not going to stand in your way.

“I felt, after a few discussions, I felt, with the fact that we are such a young squad and needed experience, it'd be good for me to stay and help the club.

Needs guidance: John Swift

Saunders, though, does not see himself going into coaching at this point in time, although being a mentor is something he is keen on.

He added: “I'm only 32 – I don't want to go that (coaching) side yet. I'm a player that's trying to pass my knowledge onto the younger lads and help them out that way.”

Saunders was brought crashing down to earth as Brentford produced a limp performance to lose 3-0 at high-flying Brighton.

He explained: “It's a disappointing end to the day. I felt until the goal we were more than in it. I felt when they scored we lost confidence and, with the way we play, we need that.

“When we lost the ball we were open to the counter-attack. It was a pretty disappointing end to the day.

“As a team, we stopped moving the ball as quickly as we can. I don't think anyone today can say they had a good game.

“We had chances before they scored and they look to sit in. They looked to back up their wingers and hit us on the counter.

“We have to go again, pick ourselves up and train hard all week.