BRENTFORD'S new manager Wally Downes is giving a two-week trial to stiker Leon Constantine from Millwall, who released him at the end of last season (writes TONY FLOOD).

Ray Harford recommended Constantine to Downes, who has lost striker Lloyd Owusu to Sheffield Wednesday and defender Ivor Ingimarsson to Wolves, both on Bosman free transfers. Owusu, 25, Bees top marksman with 20 goals, joined Wednesday this week in preference to Crystal Palace.

Downes, having accepted Brentford's offer to take over from Steve Coppell, says: "We have also lost our skipper Paul Evans and loan players Ben Burgess and Steve Sidwell. But this gives the likes of Kevin O'Connor, Mark Williams and Jay Tabb the chance to break through."

Brentford start the new season against Ryman League Premier Division side Aldershot Town on Saturday July 13 (k.o. 11.30 a.m.) in Kingstonian's four-team tournament at Kingsmeadow.

Hosts Kingstonian face Darlington on the same day at 3 p.m. and all four teams will play again the following day.

Brentford chairman Ron Noades is confident that Downes, a former member of the Wimbledon Crazy Gang, can do a good job for his cash-strapped club. He comments: "Wally is an excellent coach who has a good rapport with the players and has proved his ability during the 25 years I have worked with him. I gave him his first pro contract as a Wimbledon player."

July 8, 2002 17:30