For the last two games I've been watching Brentford from a different vantage point; the Ealing Road terrace.
Having seen the majority of games in the last six years from the Griffin Park press box it made a nice change to be back standing at a game again.
Needless to say, I am a supporter of legalising safe standing as you can move around more and ensure you are with your friends.
Of course, watching behind the goal, rather than from my seat in Braemar Road, provides an alternative view.
It is harder to see what is happening up the other end and, depending on your position, the opposite corner flag but it is where the atmosphere is created.
The Millwall and Sunderland games won't live long in the memory atmosphere wise as it would never be up there with the FA Cup game against the Black Cats and the League Cup tie with Everton.
Certainly, the final few minutes against the Lions was a tense period, especially when the visitors were awarded a penalty. Dan Bentley earned himself the title of terrace hero for that save.
Indeed, the view around me after his error against the Black Cats was that he'd earned the right to make a mistake with his recent performances.
Overall the atmosphere was good on the terrace but it could be improved and lead the team more, rather than waiting for the team to improve the atmosphere. At least it's not artificially enhanced with drums or brass instruments.
The matchday experience was a positive one as well and I enjoyed my afternoon at Griffin Park.
On the one hand, it was weird not to be working at a Brentford game but on the other it made a nice change to not have to worry whether the electronics would behave themselves or what would be said after the match. The obvious advantage was I could enjoy a game with my friends while discussing the game.
The Brentford press team are excellent at what they do and, from what I saw, the other staff show the same level of professionalism whether on the turnstiles, in the bars and around the ground.
Personally, I felt the fan experience has improved immeasurably from the days in Leagues One and Two.
That's even with the increased attendances, which have increased the queues for the facilities, and the heightened security situation.
It's sad that it's necessary for people to be searched when they enter a sporting venue (you go through airport-style security at Yankee Stadium in New York) but the stewards do a careful job with owner Matthew Benham and co-directors of football Rasmus Ankersen and Phil Giles not exempt from the patdown as they entered the ground.
The club have worked hard to make it easier for fans to buy refreshments in the ground with kiosks and people walking around with Carlsberg beer for supporters to purchase which have improved wait times.
Overall, the whole matchday experience was a highly positive one and, next time I'm on annual leave and the Bees are at home, I'll be back on the terraces.
