The latest in our series of 2021/22 programme reviews is published today with a look at Brentford’s issue. Our full review is shown below. Click here to see our page for the 2021/22 programmes, and check back soon for more reviews.
Brentford mark their first season in the top-flight since 1946-47 with an 84-page, perfect-bound issue, which features 72 pages of content – among the highest in the division. The Bees won our Merit Award for the best programme in the Championship for the 2019/20 season, and they’ve clearly maintained those high standards with this year’s issue.
The first thing to note with Brentford’s issues is the eye-catching, high-class cover design, featuring an illustration from David Flanagan. Among the best of this season’s designs were the Crystal Palace issue, which played on the Bees v Eagles theme, and the Norwich City issue, which marked Remembrance Day with an image of former Brentford player Thomas Pryce Hamer, who lost his life in the First World War. Inside, each programme is well laid out, with four columns across each page. The design would perhaps benefit from less white text on red backgrounds, and the font size is a touch small – although this does help to provide the space for some lengthy articles.
Each issue includes various historical features, all offering detailed analysis of their subject. ‘We’ve Met Before’, for example, looks at past encounters between Brentford and their opponents, including reproductions of programme covers from particular games. ‘From the Archive’ sees club historian Rob Jex telling the story of a notable match from the past, with the text accompanied by several retro images, as well as press cuttings and reports. ‘History Boys’ is another in-depth article, which profiles the players who represented the club during their 1991/92 3rd Division title triumph, with the memories of each player featured prominently.
‘Back In Time’ recalls memorable matches for both teams, while ‘Great Brentford Goals’ looks back at memorable strikes from the past. Each issue also includes an extensive interview with a first-team squad member, as well as ‘View From the North Stand’ – penned by season ticket holder Nick Bruzon – and ‘The Last Word’ from Ben Burgess.
The visitors’ section is a real highlight of the programme, with 14 pages of dedicated coverage including several highly readable features. ‘Spotlight’ opens the section, giving an overview of the visiting club’s recent form, while ‘No Place Like Home’ provides a view of the club’s home stadium. There is a brief profile of the opponent’s manager, a squad list in ‘Roll Call’, and information about four key players in ‘Four in Focus’. ‘Hot Off the Press’ features the opinions of one journalist who covers the team and ‘The Away End’ has a Q&A with a supporter of the team. ‘A Strip Down Memory Lane’ looks back at four kits from seasons past, which are memorable for either good or bad reasons.
Each issue includes a good level of detail about the club, including coverage of Brentford’s B and Women’s teams, plenty of first team stats, several pages of news, and a couple of pages on the work of the Community Sports Trust.
Brentford’s issue is certainly among the most impressive in the Premier League, packed with reading – including several fascinating historical pieces – all of which are complemented by some fine design work.