Beesotted History
31 Jul 2009

The first Beesotted FC was originally formed in 1992 by Dave Lane. They pretty much pillaged their way through most of the country, playing other supporters' teams, boasting a proud record at the time. Most of their players have now moved or retired, although the Original Beesotted are not done and dusted quite yet and can still be spotted on various home and away terraces, following the Bees !
In June 2002, Brentford fan and Beesotted contributor, Dan Suh, set up a new Beesotted. Their first ever encounter, was against a QPR supporters team, to re-establish the name of Beesotted in the footballing world. Played in front of around 100 supporters, raising over £250 for Bees United (the Brentford Supporters' Trust) in the process, and getting to watch England thrash Denmark in the World Cup with over 100 potty football fans, Beesotted FC was re-born and ready to take on the world.
Beesotted went on to be a massive part of the largest single fund-raising event at Brentford FC (correct at time of writing) and with the other Brentford supporters' team, Hey Jude, raised in excess of £8,000 to go towards Bees United, by playing at the home of Brentford FC, Griffin Park, in front of over 500 fans. Despite losing 5-2 on the day, it was obvious that Beesotted had a lot of potential, and a football club was re-born.
Our first season was spend playing friendly matches against fellow supporters' teams, or anyone who fancied playing against us. Indeed, we faced the Original Beesotted team, but lost dismally. We take comfort from the fact that we had only played a few games together, against a team that had played with each other for years. This prompted the first change in personnel as Dan Suh sacked himself to make way for Jan Pratt, our very own "Fergie". Slowly recruiting other Brentford fans into the squad, whilst continuing to play other supporters' teams, Beesotted took the vital decision to join the Chiswick & District Sunday League for our first competitive season for 2003/4. Slowly building up a core of players, proud to wear our own Brentford strip, training started to improve and Beesotted started to become a real football club.
Having joined a league, Beesotted set about recruiting more players, still recruiting many Brentford fans, but not discriminating against players of slightly dubious persuasions. However, this improved the standard of our football, and having picked up players who have played at a semi-pro level, Beesotted was moving forward as a team, but just as importantly, the team spirit has remained.
In January 2005, Beesotted Reserves were formed, with Dan Suh taking the reigns In 2007 the first team won their Divisional Title for the first time. Not bad for a club less than five years old. Jan Pratt took the glory with a team full of individual brilliance and a strong team ethic.
For the 2007/8 season Richard “Wilf” Smith took control of the club and the reserves, from Dan Suh, due to Dan’s re-location. Andy Owen stepped into Jan Pratt’s shoes as A team boss, as Jan sought to prolong his playing career.
The 2009/10 season will see just one Beesotted team competing in the Chiswick and District Sunday league.
Beesotted are massively supported by Ralph, Sue and Betty and all the staff and regulars at the Griffin Public House, in Brentford. Beesotted are very grateful for all their help and support over the years.