Flekken: I have found my place at Brentford | OneFootball

Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken believes his first year at the football club has been one of steady progress - and he is ready to take his game to a higher level next season.

The Netherlands international has provided an honest and open assessment of his campaign in west London and believes that it has provided him with the perfect platform to push on with the side in the future.

“The second half of the season was better for me, for sure,” he began.

“But I wouldn’t say the fans have seen the best of me and I still think there is more to come.

“I feel comfortable now and good within the team. I feel like I have finally found my place in the side, and I think that has shown on the pitch.

“I hope I can bring more of those performances next season over the whole year and add an extra level on top of that.”

The 30-year-old has made 36 Premier League appearances so far during his debut campaign in England’s top flight, keeping seven clean sheets in the process.

“It’s been exactly what I expected, but I didn’t think it would take me as long to adapt,” he admitted openly.

“It’s been a challenge I have enjoyed and loved. It makes you stronger and better as a player and as a person.”

The Dutchman also spoke glowingly of the impact that head coach Thomas Frank has had on him this season, as well as the positive environment that he and his staff have created.

“The manager has been massive, you run out of words to describe the trust that both he and the staff have shown,” he continued.

“People have stuck with me when it wasn’t an easy time and of course that meant a lot.

“It’s an environment that allows people to be honest, open and make mistakes which you can learn from and grow.

“You analyse things in a calm and professional way and that has helped me a lot, it has kept me confident and definitely allowed me to reach a level I knew I was capable of.”

The Bees host Newcastle United at Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday afternoon and Flekken knows that a positive result would be the perfect way to bring the current season to a close.

“Like all the games in this league, it will be tough, we know they are still pushing to play in Europe next season.

“We have the support of our home fans behind us, we’ve had a good week, and we feel good ahead of Sunday.

“We have played well in recent weeks, so we’ll be looking to sign off in front of our fans in a good way.”