Ben's Banter: Brentford's David Hunt
English Football League
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Ben Herd /
01 September 2009 /
David Hunt is known as much for his Rory Delap-style throws as his silky footballing skills.
From a defensive point of view, I don't feel that there is much between the leagues. "However, club's attacking players seem to have a bit more quality to their game. Pretty much every week opponent's wingers will be more pacey and have a better delivery than in League Two."
Ben Herd is still out injured but he managed to catch up with former League Two foe David Hunt, who was promoted to League One with Brentford last season to talk about his season and off-field interests.
Unfortunately, for the second week running I was unable to play in Aldershot's victory, away at Grimsby. On the injury front, the knee's getting better, altough progress is not as quick as I would like it to be! However, I was lucky enough to catch a few words with League one's answer to Rory Delap, David Hunt. David is in a rich vein of form as he anchors Brentford's midfield. Andy Scott's Bees are making the transition from champions of League Two to a solid League One side with relative ease as they maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
You have been promoted twice from League Two, what are the key ingredients for a club to achieve promotion in your experience?
It is no coincidence that the two clubs I have experienced promotions with both had the same kind of make up and plan. The biggest thing is consistancy; there were times when we didn't play well and still managed to nick a win, which is important because you do get games when you play well but lose. Away form, being really difficult to beat, being well organised and not giving much away, are where you need to defend as a team and really stop teams from playing. Luck, rub of the green here and there can maybe set you on your way to an unbeaten run.
What are the most notable differences between Leagues One and Two?
From a defensive point of view, I don't feel that there is much between the leagues. However, club's attacking players seem to have a bit more quality to their game. Pretty much every week opponent's wingers will be more pacey and have a better delivery than in League Two. Also, mistakes get punished a bit more often as the strikers seem to have that bit more composure and quality in front of goal.
How good is Andy Scott, and how far do you believe he can go in management?
For me, he is the best manager I have had - I hope none of the lads read this! Seriously though, his attention to detail and organistion are second to none in my opinion. An example of this is when I first joined the club, he had me in his office for a couple of hours going through where and what he wanted me to do in any given scenario on the pitch. Man management is another attribute that sets him apart. He knows when to have a go at you and when to be a bit softer. As a player himself, he played in every League, so he knows what is required at each level and it's not surprising seeing him linked with Championship clubs.
If you could single one player out of the current Brentford squad that could go on to a much higher level, who would it be?
We have a few, but Myles Weston is the one I would go for. He's only 21, left footed, genuinely rapid, got a decent delivery on him and can play in a number of positions. The biggest thing for me though, is his hunger to improve. He wanted to leave Notts County and all their cash, in order to come to Brentford to play in a higher League - that says it all really!
Finally, how does it feel being labelled the lower League Rory Delap?
I wouldn't mind his wage! It's good in a way, because at least people know me and are talking about me, but I would like to be talked about for my good footballing ability, as Rory Delap probably does, not just being able to throw the ball really far! I can't knock it too much because it has probably got me a few more appearances over the years!
Football
Favourite Premier League Player: Steven Gerrard
Favourite player outside the Premier League: Richie Wellens
Manager you'd most like to work under: Apart from my own, Arsene Wenger
Club you'd most like to play for: Arsenal/Barcelona
Best mate at the club: Mr Brentford, Kev O'Connor
Messiest eater: Sam Saunders
Biggest ladies man: Karleigh Osborne
Who's best at putting away the pints: Sam Wood
Non-football
Dream date: My Mrs, or if she's busy, then Angelina Jolie
Favourite TV programme: Katie and Peter
Favourite shop: Foot Asylum
Worst vice: Never knowing when to stop winding people up
Biggest pet hate: Bad drivers
50/50
Meat or fish? Fish
Wine or beer? Wine
Blondes or brunettes? Brunettes
"Friends" or "The Office"? Friends
PS3 or newspaper? PS3
Frank Sinatra or Fifty Cent? Frank