PETER Farrell admits he's relishing the return to his old club when Brentford kick-off their League One campaign at Port Vale this afternoon.
The Bees first-team coach spent four years at Vale Park as a player, clocking up almost 100 games for the Valiants between 1978-82 after arriving from Bury for a then club-record fee of £40,000.
And 56-year-old Farrell is looking forward to seeing some familiar faces when the new season gets underway.
“I've still got friends in the area and I know a few people who still work at the ground,” he said.
“It was a good little club and I always keep my eye out to see how they're getting on.
“Micky's done a great job there. I'm pleased they got promotion and it was one of the first fixtures I looked for.”
Farrell admits he never lived up to expectation following his move to Staffordshire and spent spells out on loan at Doncaster and Shrewsbury before signing for Rochdale.
“It was a difficult move for me because I had been injured quite a bit at Bury,” he recalls.
“I got myself playing again and Dennis Butler took me to Port Vale.
“I was the record signing back then – I think the fee was around £40,000, which was a lot of money at the time for the club to invest.
“Expectations were high. I don't think I was a failure, but I certainly never fulfilled my potential.
“The first season was disappointing, Dennis got the sack. It's always sad when the person who signs you gets fired so early on.
“I enjoyed my time at the club and am looking forward to going back there.”
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