Pontus Jansson has message for friends at Leeds United as defender reflects on tough end for Brentford

Brentford made huge inroads in the Championship's automatic promotion race by notching up seven-straight wins coming out of lockdown for a joint club record eight victories in a row.

Yet Thomas Frank's side then ended the campaign with back to back defeats meaning the Bees had to settle for a third-placed finish behind runners-up West Brom and runaway champions Leeds.

Brentford then overcame Swansea City in their play-offs semi-final to set up a Wembley final against fourth-placed finishers Fulham who progressed past Cardiff City in their semi-final.

Yet Jansson's Bees were then left heartbroken by a 2-1 defeat to the Fulham after extra-time which put the Cottagers back in the Premier League at the first time of asking and denied Brentford Premier League football for the first time in their history upon their imminent move to their new ground.

Bess captain Jansson had dreamt of taking Brentford up alongside his former employers Leeds with whom the talisman defender spent three years with.

"Really tough to put words the end of this season," said Jansson, writing on his Instagram page.

"We were so close but couldn’t take it over the line, and of course it feels tough.

"What I know is that this will give us extra motivation into the next season.

"I will also congratulate Fulham, West Bromwich and of course all my friends at Leeds for what you achieved. All the best next season!

"I am so thankful for all support I’ve got from all friends, family and people back in Sweden and of course to all Brentford fans that have supporting us over the season! See you soon!

"The biggest thanks to all players, staff and people around the team, we have given it all and never stopped believing! You have been unbelievable."

A message from the Editor:

Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890.

We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds.

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/why-yorkshire-evening-post-needs-your-support-laura-collins-yep-editor-2913382

Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app.

With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Click here to subscribe.

For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you Laura Collins