MARCUS GAYLE says his daily trips to the laundrette to ensure the Brentford players’ kit was sparkling helped shape his career – but now he wants to take his former club to the cleaners!
The Staines Town boss returns to where it all began for him in the FA Cup on Saturday and the former Wimbledon centre-forward can’t wait to show the Griffin Park faithful how his managerial career is taking off.
Gayle, 43, started out at Brentford as a wide-eyed 14-year-old and the grounding he was given as a kid is still helping him today.
He said: “When I first walked through the gates at Brentford aged 14, I was taught the ropes – and boy they were tough ropes!
“I was on £27.50 a week, which is a laughable figure compared to what teenagers are earning now. I remember one of my daily tasks was to take the laundry baskets in. It wasn’t easy! But it really shaped me, it was a proper 9-5 job. You learn things, and you learn to respect the game you are playing.
“It’s an all-Middlesex game, and there are about a thousand connections between the two clubs. We get a fair few Brentford fans watching us when we are away, hopefully there will be a good crowd and we can cause a big upset.”
Skrill South Staines are “progressing” in their manager’s second season at the helm, and Gayle doesn’t believe a game against opposition three leagues higher will bring out any nerves.
He said: “We will go there to enjoy the day. I actually think we will be more relaxed in this environment. We have a young squad and they’re all wanting to make a name for themselves.”
