Bernie Watson Memorial Trophy

[Leicester Bee]

Dear Hey Jude,

Please would you guys have a think about when you might want to contest the Bernie Watson Trophy again? We must have a winner for 2003, and therefore it must be played out fairly soon, preferably when the weather is not so cold!!!
If you guys might want to start a discussion about it here, and by Wednesday, Beesotted FC should know our full fixture list for the season.

Many thanks and best wishes for this season.

Dan

[JonnoTheBee]

I personally think that the Griffin Park event was a bit of a one off, and that it shouldn't be an annual event. I for one think that the success that last years game created could be taken away if we had it as an annual event at Griffin Park with crowds getting lower and players not being able to raise so much. I think that we should aim to be the first teams to play at the new stadium. I might be the only one who thinks this but last years game was very memorable for the crowd and the ground that I wouldn't want those memories to be wiped by playing infront of Peter Gilham and his dog.

Instead however, I think we should play a tournament given the name of The Bernie Watson Cup in aid of Bees United, it might not be the best fundraiser but still a fitting way to remember Bernie. It could either be a Brentford exclusive cup or could have be a Supporters tournament. Just an idea any way.

Or we could revert to playing the one-off game at Warren Farm!

[Leicester Bee]

Jonno, as lovely as your memories were, can we remember that this is the Bernie Watson Memorial trophy. IMHO, Bernie wouldn't have cared where this game was being played, so long as it was Brentford, and so long as we enjoyed ourselves.
I'd play this trophy out in Noades' back garden for all I care. So long as we honoured a truly great Brentford fan.
In addition, tournaments are arduous to organise. I couldn't see someone taking this on year after year. It'd fade out. Between Hey Jude and Beesotted, it'd make a fitting regular game.

The only other alternative I can think of is to set up a mini-league, and invite other Brentford supporters' teams to enter, and play out the Bernie Watson League. Anyway, my preference is for the one-offs.

[JonnoTheBee]

All I am saying is that a game at Griffin Park is never going to happen every year.

[stedders]

BIAS decided to sponsor the trophy as an annual event.

The first was played on a cold December morning in 2001 at Warren Farm (Beesotted winning)

The second in 2002 was at GP, as we all know. (Hey Jude)

As far as I know there is every intention to have it in 2003, it's just that no-one has bothered to organiser it yet. Obviously it cannot be at GP, due to problems with the pitch. I should have thought Warren Farm/Gunnersbury Park would be suitable venues, it is just a question of when . . .

On both occasions Bernie's wife (Mandy) and son (George) were present to proudly award the trophy. I think if we do it for no one else, we do it for Mandy and George to let them know that Bernie is not forgotten.

[Spender Bee]

For a one off game, you could probably find a better pitch than the two that you mentioned.

I know that there is a very nice pitch owned by GSK, now do you know anyone who works for GSK who is a Bees fan, who could pull a few strings?

[stedders]

Originally posted by Spender Bee
For a one off game, you could probably find a better pitch than the two that you mentioned.

I know that there is a very nice pitch owned by GSK, now do you know anyone who works for GSK who is a Bees fan, who could pull a few strings?

We could play anywhere, it's not an issue, I just think we can forget about Griffin Park for this year.
Yes, there are a few people I know who work at GSK. I'll have a word.

[JonnoTheBee]

Originally posted by Leicester Bee
Jonno, as lovely as your memories were, can we remember that this is the Bernie Watson Memorial trophy. IMHO, Bernie wouldn't have cared where this game was being played, so long as it was Brentford, and so long as we enjoyed ourselves.


I was simply saying that Griffin Park was a one off - not the game. If you look back you'll see some similar names were the ones who actually got the original Bernie Watson game idea up and running.

[West Ealing Bee]

We've got an IFA Cup game to arrange first, but I'll be on to it soon.

Anyway we've already played in 2003!

[Zippybee]

Originally posted by West Ealing Bee
We've got an IFA Cup game to arrange first, but I'll be on to it soon.

Anyway we've already played in 2003!

But not for the Bernie Watson Trophy! ;)

Oh, how I'm looking forward to playing against my old Beesotted team mates............................................. ...............:D

[Andy Mutton]

Originally posted by Leicester Bee
IMHO, Bernie wouldn't have cared where this game was being played, so long as it was Brentford, and so long as we enjoyed ourselves.
I'd play this trophy out in Noades' back garden for all I care. So long as we honoured a truly great Brentford fan.

I quite agree that Bernie would just want us to all enjoy the game. Although I think he would have a few choice words to say if it was played in his much loved friend, Ronald's back garden... words that are probably not best repeated on here;)

My preference is for an annual event between Hey Jude and Beesotted to mark the memory of a Brentford legend. I just feel a league would make it less special.

Anyway more short-term, the 2nd anniversary of Bernie's death is this Saturday, so if you can please get to Rushden and pay Bernie the best tribute possible, by singing your hearts out for the lads:)

We'll never forget you Bernie