Pinnock determined to help improve Brentford’s defending

Ethan Pinnock is determined to help eliminate Brentford’s defensive flaws – and help them challenge for a spot in the play-offs this season.

The centre-back has arrived from Championship newcomers Barnsley this summer.

Brentford ranked 10th in the league for fewest goals conceded last season, with 59 shipped, and the defence has been an area of concern for Thomas Frank.

And following the departure of Yoann Barbet, who would later join rivals QPR, Bees boss Frank was keen to strengthen.

Pinnock, 26, played 45 minutes in the Bees’ 3-0 friendly win over AFC Wimbledon on Friday and acknowledged the defence has been a problem area for his new team.

Asked whether he has any targets for the upcoming campaign, he said: “On a personal note it’s just to try and concede as few goals as possible.

“I know that it’s been highlighted that’s been one of the weaker points in the last few years, so hopefully I can come in here and help to change that along with the rest of the players.”

A difficult run to begin Frank’s tenure, following the departure of Dean Smith to Aston Villa, hampered Brentford’s play-off hopes last season.

But there will be renewed hope around Griffin Park given the arrivals of Pinnock, Christian Norgaard and keeper David Raya.

Pinnock added: “I think that’s what football is all about [being in a team with high expectations].

“When it comes to the latter part of the season you always want to have something to play for, you always want to be pushing for something.

“Being in a team where that is the aim, that’s part of the attraction that made me want to come here.

“There’s a lot of quality in the side and I think if we take everything on board, and really work hard for each other, I don’t see why we can’t be battling for a place.

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