JAMIE Fullarton, who made a big impact as a substitute to help unbeaten Second Division leaders Brentford come from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Notts County at Meadow Lane on Saturday, spoke of his delight at signing a one-year contract for Bees (writes TONY FLOOD).

Brentford boss Wally Downes, named Nationwide Second Division Manager of the Month for August, has also persuaded centre-half Leo Roget to sign until December 30th. Arsenal central defender Ben Chorley has agreed to an extension of his loan deal from one to three months, while Rown Vine's loan has been extended to a year.

But centre-back Ibrahima Sonko, formerly with Grenoble, is likely to turn down Brentford's contract offer to join Millwall or Reading.

Downes says: "Sonko's agent has hinted that he may go elsewhere and he has had an offer from Millwall. Fortunately, we have signed Roget, who was released by Stockport, until the next transfer window and have also increased Ben Chorley's loan, while Scott Marshall is now fit to return."

But the capture of former Crystal Palace midfielder Fullarton - now recovered from a knee ligament injury - could be the most vital to Brentford.

The 27-year-old Scot, released by Dundee United, said: "No matter what age you are, uncertainty about your future never helps you when you're playing football. I'm pleased to be working with the players and staff at this club. Hopefully, I can settle in well and contribute to the team.

"We've had a reasonable start, but that's what it is, a start. The most important game is not the one you've just had, it's the next one. But you've got to be happy to come back to get something when you've looked down and out."

Fullarton could play his first full league game for Brentford in Saturday's home game against Luton (3pm). Chorley is also standing by for his debut as Roget is likely to be ruled out after being hit in the eye by the ball against Notts County.

It is feared that Roget has damaged an optical nerve and he has been referred to a specialist.

If both Roget and Sonko are missing against Luton then Chorley could be partnered by another former Gunner Scott Marshall, who is now recovered from the back injury which ruled him out all of last season, or by Ijah Anderson.

The draw with County left Bees top with 14 points from six games, but Downes had probably already clinched the Manager of the Month award for his achievements in the first four matches, in which Brentford did not concede a goal - a club record set by Bees' youngest ever team.

Brentford: P. Smith, Dobson, Roget, Sonko, Somner, O'Connor (Williams), J. Smith (Fullarton), Hutchinson, Hunt, McCammon, Vine. Subs not used: Julian, Evans, Chorley.

On Tuesday Brentford are away to Bournemouth in the Worthington Cup (7.45pm) when Downes may be tempted to give Iljah Anderson and Steve Evans a chance.

September 6, 2002 13:00