Josh Stephenson: Wales pre-season tour, working with Sam Saunders and Brentford’s pathway | OneFootball

Having joined the club midway through the 2024/25 campaign, Josh Stephenson sat down to discuss his first pre-season with the Bees, working under new head coach Sam Saunders and his ambitions for the upcoming campaign.

Stephenson moved to west London from across the capital in November, making the switch from Millwall, and made his mark in a title-winning inaugural season in red and white.

The B team are currently on a pre-season tour in Wales, having reported back in late August.

“It's been tough," says the defender. "I've been between the B team and first team, so I've enjoyed it.

"When I've gone and trained with the first team, I’ve tried to show what I can do, and the coaches have been really good to me there.

“We've come to Wales now with the B team and I'm just trying to lead the group and see how far we can push ourselves and go this season.

“I like it here. It's a nice resort and the facilities are top, so everyone is working hard in training. I've been really pleased with how it’s gone, and I think everyone is.”

The sun has been shining in the Vale of Glamorgan, in what’s been an intense physical and mental camp for the young Bees.

“It's something that you just have to do. Normally the running isn’t nice, but you've got to get it done," he interjects.

Last year's B-team captain Ethan Brierley has joined Exeter City on a season-long loan, with another leader in the group, Benjamin Arthur, being promoted to the first team alongside goalkeeper Julian Eyestone.

Stephenson is hoping he can step into that void and use his experience of captaining Millwall at Under-18s level to help guide the team to another silverware-winning season.

“I feel like last year when I was coming in, I was lucky to have Ethan [Brierley] as captain," he continues.

"He was a good leader within the group. Now I want to step up and help the younger lads.”

The 19-year-old centre-back made 30 starts and one substitute appearance for the B team last year, registering two assists.

“It was a really good year," Stephenson explains. "Obviously, being injured when I came in at the start wasn’t ideal, but when I came in and had a run of games, I feel like I performed well and showcased what I can do.

“It was an amazing group last year, and we showed that especially towards the back end of the season. We were unfortunate not to win the Premier League Cup as well, but we did excellently to win the league.”

One of his aforementioned assists followed a mazy run from defence against Southampton in the Premier League Cup semi-final at St Mary’s Stadium.

“I was playing on the left of a back three that game, so I did have license to go," he recalls.

"As I stepped out, I saw more and more space, so I thought, 'Why not keep going?' Then the pass opened up and it was a great goal.

“The Premier League Cup run was a great experience. That was one of our main objectives of the season and it will be again this year so hopefully we can go all the way.

“I think everyone was and is really together. We’re a very tight group and we just had a lot of quality within the group, so I wasn't surprised about getting to the final.

“Of course, the ambition is going to be the same this season. I think we’ve got another good team this year. We've got to go and push on and be even better.”

Stephenson is versatile, and can play across the backline, but is naturally a left-sided centre-back.

“I prefer centre-back but I've been learning [to play] left-back, so I’m happy if the coaches want me to fill in," he says.

“Within the tactics, it’s a bit different to a standard left-back, so I still kind of feel similar to a left centre-back, but obviously I just have a bit more license to get forward and create which I enjoy.”

As previously stated, one of Stephenson’s defensive team-mates and good friends Arthur was promoted to the first team after a standout season which saw him named the Under-21s Player of the Year.

“Benji was top last year as a friend and a player for me since I've come in," he adds.

“I'm not surprised he got his move to the first team. He did very well, and it was nice to see the pathway to the first team as well. Hopefully I can be the next to make that step.

“I saw the pathway when I joined the club and how we like to play and it’s lived up to expectations so now I'm working hard to keep pushing on.”

Saunders is taking charge of his first pre-season as head coach of the B team after Neil MacFarlane joined the first-team coaching staff.

Stephenson spoke about his relationship with the former Bees midfielder.

“Nothing changes," he clarifies.

"I think, we were made aware of that when Sam was appointed, that nothing is going to change; it’s still going to be very similar to last year in terms of styles and ideas because Sam and Neil worked really well together.

“When Sam came in, I didn't really expect anything less. He's been really good, just trying to push everyone every day, which he does, and I'm sure he will do really well, too.”

The B team end their pre-season camp with a clash against Cheltenham Town on Monday, a test that Stephenson believes the young Bees will thrive in.

“We’re looking forward to it," he concludes.

"It's always a challenge for all the lads playing against a first team but I'm sure we will rise to it, we'll show our quality and hopefully we can get a win."