BRENTFORD chairman, Eddie Rogers, has revealed that departing managing director, Gary Hargraves, has agreed to continue on a part-time basis for two more months, to ensure a smooth hand-over' (writes TONY FLOOD).

And he stressed that the club will stay at Griffin Park until they can move to a new permanent home, hopefully at Lionel Road, near Kew Bridge Railway Station, within four years.

Brentford have now lost two key figures following a major boardroom reshuffle. Hargraves announced he was quitting last week - just two months after chairman, Ron Noades, was virtually hounded out by fans' criticism.

The club is unlikely to appoint another managing director. Rogers told me: "Gary was one of three executive directors we appointed seven weeks ago, together with Stephen Callen and John McGlashan, and they will carry out the policies which the board decide upon.

"There has been a fundamental change since Ron left, which has seen Gary working more closely with fellow directors than in the past. It is also our intention to work in closer liaison with the fans and the local authority."

Rogers issued a statement saying: "Following the announcement by Gary Hargraves of his decision to leave Brentford FC, I wish to express, on behalf of the club, my appreciation for all that he has achieved over the past five years.

"Running a football club has changed dramatically during Gary's term as managing director, and his vital contribution, in difficult circumstances, has been invaluable in the fight to maintain the club's viability.

"He has also been a valuable ambassador for the club, especially in his dealings with supporters' groups, the media, and the Football League. Gary's departure has been amicably decided, and although he will be officially vacating his post at the end of this month, he has agreed to continue to attend, on a part-time basis, for a further period of two months to ensure a smooth hand-over."

Rogers added: "There have been a number of recent changes at the club, but with the recent strengthening of the board, I am sure we have the ability to pursue our future goals for the club, with confidence.

"Gary has discussed with me some of his plans for the future and I would like to wish him every success in whatever he eventually decides to do."

The 58-year-old Rogers, who is chairman of a property development company in Carshalton, revealed: "The Brentford board is committed to remaining at Griffin Park while pursuing the opportunity to develop a new stadium at Lionel Road, hopefully within four years. That means we are no longer considering sharing Kingstonian's Kingsmeadow ground.

"It is intended that supporters' trust, Bees United, will take over the club within the next two years and we already have three of their members on our board in John McGlashan, Stephen Callen and Andrew Wainwright.

"Ron Noades is still guaranteeing the club's overdraft for the next two years and has done a lot for Brentford, which some people have not appreciated."