UWE Rosler admitted his preparations for today's game against Sheffield United were affected by Gary Alexander's controversial departure to Crawley.

Brentford's 14-goal top scorer departed on Thursday for the Sussex side, who offered the 32 year old the two year deal the Bees were reluctant to.

All of which left Brentford with just two recognised strikers for the visit of the promotion-chasing Blades to Griffin Park.

Bees boss Rosler said: “Our preparations were not ideal with Gary Alexander leaving, as we only now have two strikers on the books, and goals win games.

“I don't think Crawley played a very good role in the whole thing. Crawley did not play it perhaps the way they should have done.

“I've said what I have to say, and anyone who has read what the club said and what Gary Alexander has said will know exactly what happened.

“What happened during the week influenced us and what we needed today, but I don't think we could have been more attacking than we were in the second half, when we sacrificed midfielders to bring on attackers.”

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