Brentford have signed defender, Ben Mee on a free transfer following the 32 year-old’s departure from Burnley last month.
Mee began his career at Manchester City where his only senior appearance for the Citizens came in a Third Round defeat at West Bromwich Albion in 2010-11 League Cup, which led to a loan spell at Leicester in the second-half of that season.
City then sent Mee on loan to Burnley in July which ultimately saw the Clarets convert the loan deal into a permanent transfer in January 2012, with Mee going on to score 12 goals in 376 appearances across 11 seasons at Turf Moor.
During his time at Burnley, Mee helped the Clarets win two promotions from the Championship to Premier League amidst two relegations – including at end of last season – as well as play in the 2018-19 UEFA Europa League Qualifying Rounds.
Mee however opted to depart Turf Moor at the end of last season and has signed a two-year contract at Brentford until June 2024.
Brentford manager, Thomas Frank addressed club supporters on Mee’s arrival as he stated that he is “very happy” to sign the experienced defender, who had served as assistant manager at end of last season following Sean Dyche’s sacking as manager in April.
On what fans can expect from Mee this season, Frank added: “He will add a lot of quality and experience to the squad. He had six good years for Burnley in the Premier League.
“I really love his defensive mindset; he knows how to defend the box, he knows how to block a shot and he knows how to win duels.”
Frank went on to add that Mee will also provide “leadership and communication to the team, alongside current captain – Pontus Jansson as the Bees look to build on their 13th placed Premier League finish of last season.
Brentford last season produced the least total number of corner kicks across 38 league games, having produced 159 corner kicks, which has led Frank to iterate that Mee’s “very good left foot” will help boost quality in set pieces.
Mee could make his competitive debut for the Bees away to his former loan club, Leicester in an untelevised match on Sunday 7 August at 2pm BST.
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