Brentford legend Jamie Bates reckons his former side are nailed on for League Two glory.

Bates played more than 500 appearances during a 16-year stint at Griffin Park before moving to Wycombe Wanderers in March 1999.

The central defender, who now works as a courier driver, made an emotional return to watch his old clubs play out a thrilling 3-3 draw on Saturday that kept the Bees clear at the top of the table.

Bates was a member of Brentford's last two championship winning teams (in 1992 and 1999), and has tipped Andy Scott's side to write the next chapter in Bees folklore.

He said: "I think Brentford have got a great chance of winning the league. I think up front they're very sharp, and Sam Wood's a great player in midfield.

"They're steady at the back, and I can't really see anyone stopping them. I think Wycombe will be up in the top three with them too."

The 41-year-old enjoyed an eventful career in west London. He came through the ranks before making his debut at Carlisle in September 1986.

After helping them to the old Division Three title, he was relegated the following season, and missed a penalty in the play-off defeat to Huddersfield in 1995.

He suffered play-off heartbreak again three years later as Brentford lost to Crewe at Wembley, and things got worse when they dropped down to England's fourth tier the following season.

But Bates bounced back under Ron Noades, before his switch to Wycombe on transfer deadline day the same season.

"There was loads of highlights," Bates said. "The FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool, promotion to the old Division Two, and playing at Wembley in the play-off final. It's a great club."

And he thinks Bees fans are in for more of the same under Scott and his assistant Terry Bullivant.

Bates played for two seasons with Scott in the late nineties, while he was coached by Bullivant during the same spell when he was part of Noades's backroom team.

"Andy was quiet as a player, but he'll put people straight if they need it," added Bates.

"Bully's got brains, and he was a good player as well. I think they've got a big future in the game. It's a good combination."