Silk Scarves and Chomp Bars

By Brentford Fans, For Brentford Fans

A new Brentford FC book, Silk Scarves and Chomp Bars, was launched in The Griffin last Saturday.

The book, the brainchild of dedicated Bees fan Matt Casey, was the culmination of a year’s hard work.

Some hardy fans braved the blizzard, which had crippled West London, in order to get their hands on a copy, which had been signed by former Brentford boss Martin Allen.

Mr Casey said: “The snow couldn’t have happened at a worse time but we’ll do something again on the 28th December.

Silk Scarves and Chomp Bars is a book written by Brentford fans for Brentford fans. It features stories from before World War Two to Brentford’s draw at Elland Road last season. The book can be read in any order the reader wants to and they can select games they are interested in reading about or stories from the past that they have heard so much about.

Mr Casey said: “I couldn’t sleep before a Brentford game one day and thought I want to do this book.I told my friend about the idea and he looked at me as if I was mad.I think about 85 different people have submitted stories and some have submitted more than one.

“Everyone said to me “I know this is boring” but they weren’t boring. Brentford favourites Gary Roberts, Gary Blissett, as well as Allen who has contributed six stories to the book.

“It opened up avenues to talk to people like Roberts and Blissett. Bliss was a perfect gentleman”

It will appeal to Brentford fans young and old as it provides different accounts of days fans have been on and the so called “good old days”.

Mr Casey reserved special praise for Dave Rush for his help and support on the book as it progressed from idea to its final printed form.

The book has appealed greatly to overseas Brentford fans and there has been considerable demand for the book.

Northampton Children’s Hospice will benefit from some of the sale proceeds.

Tom Moore

December 22, 2010