BRENTFORD stars Matt Somner , Kevin O'Connor and Jay Smith have all agreed to sign new contracts, but Steve Hunt and Jamie Fullarton have rejected the offers made to them (writes TONY FLOOD).

New chairman Eddie Rogers revealed: "Steve and Jamie felt they could not accept the terms we offered them and asked for more money. We've told them we cannot afford to better these terms and they are now considering whether to accept them or go to other clubs.

"But Republic or Ireland international Kevin O'Connor has agreed a new three-year deal, while Matt Somner and Jay Smith are signing two-year contracts. It is a tribute to our youth policy that we've developed players of this calibre who are now the lifeblood of the club."

Meanwhile, Brentford have given manager Wally Downes the go-ahead to make an offer to non-leaguers Eastbourne Borough for striker Scott Ramsay, believed to be around £25,000. Downes is also hoping to persuade striker Rowan Vine to join the Bees on another season's loan from Portsmouth.

That only leaves the centre-half position to be resolved. Brentford have told Ibu Sonko they wish to take up the one year option on his contract and extend it by a further year as well.

Defender Michael Dobson and goalkeeper Paul Smith, already under contract for next season, are discussing the possibility of signing for a further year.

Brentford's reserve goalkeeper Alan Julian is on standby for Northern Ireland's Under-21 fixture with Spain on June 10th at Glenavon's Mourneview Park ground in Lurgan.

Julian, 20, has represented Northern Ireland at Under-18 and 19 level but has yet to do so at Under-21.

Brentford supporters wishing to purchase season tickets have until May 31st to gain a reduction. This is also the same date for existing season ticket holders to renew their allocated seats.

For application forms telephone the football club on 0870 900 9229.

Brentford's Under19 squad will face Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest as part of their pre-season build up. The Under 19s, who retained the Football League Merit Division One Southern Section title, kick-off their campaign at Aldershot.

Brentford youth teams' pre-season games are: Friday July 18th Away Aldershot Town (U17s and U19s) (2pm at Bourley Road); Wednesday July 23rd Away Crystal Palace (U18s) (2pm at Beckenham Training Ground); Saturday July 26th Away Tottenham Hotspur (U19s) (11am at Spurs Lodge); Wednesday July 30th Away Nottingham Forest (12pm at Forest's Training Ground); Saturday August 2nd Away Reading (U18s) (11am at Bisham Abbey); Saturday August 2nd Away Millwall (U17s) (11am Millwall's Training Ground).

May 30, 2003 11:00