EX-BRENTFORD defender Darren Powell has wished the Bees all the best in the play-offs on the eve of their semi-final first leg at Swindon.
Powell was part of the Brentford team who blew automatic promotion in a winner-takes-all last day clash with Reading 11 years ago, conceding a late equaliser to see their hopes shattered.
The veteran centre-back, who has just been appointed joint player-manager at Hampton & Richmond Borough, could not believe it when lightning struck twice last Saturday.
Marcello Trotta's injury-time penalty miss saw Doncaster promoted at Brentford's expense, and the Bees will have to go through the end of season lottery once more.
Following that Reading defeat, Powell and Brentford made the play-off final before losing to Stoke City at the Millennium Stadium, but this time he has backed the Bees to go one better.
Powell said: “I didn't see the results come through last Saturday, but when the Hampton lads told me what had happened in the dressing room I rushed to see the highlights and could not believe it.
“I really feel their pain as I have been there before. I wouldn't say it brought thoughts of that Reading game back though as I have buried those memories very deeply somewhere.
“Hard though it was, we picked ourselves up for the play-offs, but it was shattering to then lose in the final. I'm sure Brentford will go one better this time though, they deserve it.”
Powell insists he bears his former club no ill, despite a brief second spell there ending in acrimonious circumstances a few years back.
Having been brought back to Griffin Park by Andy Scott, Powell was sent off at Bournemouth for fighting with his own team-mate, Karleigh Osborne, and quickly bombed back out of the club.
Powell added: “It was just one of those moments of madness, but I have spoken to Karleigh a few times since and we are fine about it.
“I still have a soft spot for Brentford though as they gave me my first break in the game, and I would love for them to come and play my Hampton side in a friendly this summer.”
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