Matthew Benham

Growing up:

Matthew Benham is a life-long Brentford fan. 

He went to his first "Bees" game aged 11 and when he was 14, Benham skipped school to watch Brentford play Nottingham Forest away. 

Gambling:

Matthew was hired by Tony Bloom to work at Premier Bet in 2001 but after a falling out between them, Benham founded Smartodds.

Saving Brentford Part 1:

In 2005, Matthew Benham read an article in "The Independent" that said that the Supporters' Trust "Bees United", (who had taken over the running of Brentford FC) were "desperately seeking a few wealthy supporters to invest". 

Saving Brentford Part 2:

After reading this, Benham initially participated as an anonymous mystery investor.

Buying Brentford:

In June 2012, Bees United voted to transfer full control of Brentford FC to Benham. Ten days later, he purchased the land that now houses the "Gtech Community Stadium".