Lewington puts on brave face

Brentford manager Ray Lewington today pledged that internal Griffin Park problems will not hinder on-field performances by the players.

Reports that Bees supremo Ron Noades is ready to sell his controlling interest in the club has angered fans who are already stunned by the knockdown sale to Oxford of 15-goal leading scorer Andy Scott and Irish Under-21 midfielder Rob Quinn for a combined initial fee of just £150,000.

Lewington said: "It is out of my hands if other players are sold. When and whatever Ron decides to do is fine, but as a team and individuals, we have just got to carry on playing and try to achieve results.

"They are a great bunch of players who are determined to keep their heads up and keep plugging away.

"I can assure our supporters that the players are not affected by off-field events and all we ask of them is that they keep applying themselves."

So far as Lewington's position as caretaker manager is concerned, he added: "That is an on-going thing with me."

Brentford have lost only twice in 11 games since Lewington took over the managerial reins from Noades. The Bees battled bravely at the Britannia stadium last night after falling behind to a Rikhardur Dadason goal on 22 minutes, one of seven Icelandic players involved in the game.