RETURNING Brentford hero Darren Powell knows the value of experience when it comes to league title run-ins.
The giant centre back lived through what Sir Alex Ferguson now dubs 'squeaky bum time' as part of the Bees' Division Three winning team in 1999 - a side which also included current boss Andy Scott.
Powell recalls the crucial part stalwarts like Jamie Bates and others played in helping younger players like him through that successful campaign.
Now 33, and a member of the Crystal Palace side promoted to the Premiership in 2003, he's back to return the favour - though being the oldest head in the dressing room is taking some getting used to.
"Forget the daddy of the dressing room. I'm more like the grandpa," he joked.
"Back in 1998-9, we had a young side, but we had afew experienced heads like Jamie Bates and other people who had done a bit.
"Andy Scott also had leadership qualities even back then and he's done a fantastic job
in his first full season here with another young side.
"And now he wants my experience to hopefully help them over the line."
Powell received the biggest cheer of the day when coming on for the last five minutes of the nervy 1-1 draw with Gillingham on Saturday.
And he said: "It's great to be back and nice to be appreciated."
However, as someone who has been there, done it and got the T-shirt, when it comes to winning this league, he warned fans not to expect champagne football, stressing it was all about getting results.
He said: "At this stage, it's all about not being too fussed about the overall performance.
"Now it's about grinding out results, because people will look to make it hard for us whether we are at home or away.
"It's all about us being focused and getting three points."
