Old boys return to Griffin Park

"They have got the new stadium and the crowds are

"At Brentford they are talking about a new ground in Lionel Road.

"But it is taking a long time. I never saw any signs of progress in the last year I was there." Downes credits his mentor Coppell as the driving force behind the player migration. He added: "When managers go to new clubs, they often take players they know with them because they understand their level of ability."

Sidwell, Owusu and Ingimarsson were part of Coppell's team that lost out on promotion from Division Two two years ago, when they failed to beat Reading on the final day of the season.

They subsequently missed out in the play-offs leading to Coppell's resignation and the break-up of his promising young side.

A highly rated coach, Downes was promoted in his place and, amid a financial crisis that almost forced the club out of business, steered Brentford to safety the next season.

His blend of emerging youngsters and loan signings struggled last year and Downes was sacked - and replaced by Martin Allen - with the club deep in relegation trouble.

Allen averted the drop but the board's ruthlessness still rankles with Downes, who felt he did not get enough recognition for "picking up the pieces".

He said: "Steve had identified that his players were leaving and he had done as much as he could.

"It was a baptism of fire for me. Ron Noades (former chairman) had decided the club had to pay for itself, which meant cutting the wage bill from £1.3million to £500,000.

"The club was in danger of going bust. I was told the No1 priority was to keep the club afloat.

"The No2 priority was to keep them in the division.

"We did both in my first year - even though the budget meant I could only work with youngsters. And I still think we would have stayed up last season.

"Anyone who saw the performances would have seen we were playing well and just needed a bit of confidence.

"I was told if I sold Paul Smith ( to Southampton for £250,000), it would keep the club going for another year.

"I then brought in three new players but did not get the chance to play them."

The goalposts had shifted and the board decided to change the manager to get a short-term lift in results. I was disappointed with the decision.

"Last summer I shook hands with a director after signing my contract and he made me promise that I would not leave during the year. I said I wouldn't and by the same token they shouldn't sack me.

"Even though I had offers to coach at two Premiership clubs, I kept my end of the bargain."

A section of fans protested against Downes towards the end of his tenure, but he is not expecting a hostile reception on his return to Griffin Park.

He said: "I understood their reaction. But the rest of the time they were great with me. I really enjoyed my time at Brentford and I think I left the club in a healthier state. I wish I was still there."

Downes and his Reading colleagues won't be the only familiar faces on Sunday with the club inviting back around 70 former players - including Jimmy Hill, Dean Holdsworth and John O'Mara - to mark the occasion.

Some of the younger exprofessionals will play in a special exhibition match after the final whistle.