Wally Downes celebrates his birthday today.

Our first team coach was born 47 years ago in Hammersmith, London.

He started his playing career with Wimbledon, and made more than 200 appearances as a defender.

He then had brief spells with Newport (loan), Sheffield United and Hayes before retiring through injury.

He first started coaching at Crystal Palace under Steve Coppell, then followed him to Brentford as assistant boss.

He took over at Griffin Park when Coppell left, before following Steve again to Madejski Stadium in 2004.

He won a Coca-Cola Championship medal with us in 2005/6, and kindly donated his medal to long-serving kitman Ron Grant.