Former Brentford midfielder Sammy Moore credited the Bees for giving him the knowledge of how professional football really worked.

The 29-year-old, who has been appointed as Leatherhead player/manager, had a loan spell at Griffin Park 10 years ago while at Ipswich when the west Londoners were in League Two.

During his time in TW8, Moore scored twice in 24 appearances in all competitions but Brentford struggled in the league and Terry Butcher, the man who brought him in, was sacked in December.

Ipswich recalled Moore in the January window but he still credits England legend Butcher for helping him learn his trade.

“I went to Brentford on loan when I was at Ipswich and I learnt my trade at Brentford under Terry Butcher, who is a top manager, a top bloke and someone I am still in contact with now.

“They gave me my first real opportunity in professional football and I enjoyed my stay there. I wanted to stay longer than the six months but Ipswich called me back and that's when I went on to make my debut.

“My time there was very good and I met some great people who I'm still in contact with now.

“The highlight of my time there was probably making my first team debut in League Two and really getting the knowledge of how the professional game really worked.”

Sammy Moore celebrates his goal against Lincoln

Brentford don't loan players from Ipswich anymore and have finished above the Tractor Boys twice in the last three seasons and Moore has been impressed by how far the club have come.

He added: “When I was at Brentford we were in League Two, so to now be in the Championship and top half at that is a great achievement.

“They have some top quality players there at the moment and a top quality manager who knows his stuff.”