Jake Bidwell

Jake Bidwell targets fond Griffin Park farewell

24th December
First team

Jake Bidwell hopes he will be able to sign off from an old stomping ground with a victory when Swansea City face Brentford on Boxing Day.

Bidwell had two loan spells with the Bees before completing a permanent move from boyhood club Everton in the summer of 2013.

He ended up making 211 appearances in total, scoring three goals, and helping the West London club reach the Championship by clinching the 2014 League One title.

He continued to be a mainstay for Brentford in the Championship before making the move to QPR in 2016.

Bidwell’s old club are enjoying a fine season – they are just above the Swans in the final play-off spot – in what is their final campaign at Griffin Park.

Next season they will play in the new Brentford Community Stadium, moving stadium for the first time in 116 years.

Jake Bidwell Brentford

And Bidwell wants his last outing at a ground where he has such fond memories to end on a positive note.

“Brentford are going very well at the moment. They’re a good footballing side and always have been,” he said.

“As for Griffin Park, it will probably be the last time I’ll play there. I’ve had some good times there; getting promoted from League One along the way.

“So, I have very fond memories of the place. Hopefully, my last game there will be a win with Swansea.

“It’s a tight, old-fashioned ground where the fans get right behind the team. They’re pretty much right on top of the pitch.

“It’s a Boxing Day fixture between two good footballing teams that everyone will be up for, so it should be one to look forward to.”