BRENTFORD have won the race to sign non-league goal machine DJ Campbell.

The 23-year-old banged in 86 goals in 111 games during a two-year spell with Yeading and now Bees boss Martin Allen has signed him on a one-year contract with an option for another 12 months.

And Campbell can't wait to fight for his place next season.

He said: "I'm so excited and can't wait for it all to start. I was born to play football and it's fantastic.

"It's sad to leave Yeading but I want to improve and be a better player and score goals and go even higher."

Campbell started his career with QPR before linking up with Premiership giants Aston Villa, where he trained alongside the likes of England striker Darius Vassell.

But he didn't make the grade as a trainee at Villa Park and returned to his home in White City.

And now Campbell is still pinching himself after being snapped up by Allen.

He said: "Before it was me cleaning the pros' boots and now I've got people cleaning my boots.

"But the main thing now is to get in the team."

Campbell linked up with current Yeading boss Johnson Hippolyte at Chesham United before spells with Billericay and Stevenage Borough where he won an FA Trophy runners-up medal.

He finally joined Ding in February 2003 and renewed acquaintances with Hippolyte.

In his first full season at The Warren, Campbell scored 33 league goals and clinched the Golden Boot.

And last season, his goals helped Ding make history when they reached the third round of the FA Cup and took on Newcastle United.

He also netted 24 times as Ding wrapped up the Ryman Premier title.

Last month, Campbell played for an England National Game XI in a tournament in Ireland.

And he is excited about the prospect of working with Allen who has established a reputation for putting his faith in players who learned their trade in the non-league game.

Former Northwood player Scott Fitzgerald arrived at Griffin Park last season while central defender Sam Sodje was a former teammate of Campbell's at Stevenage.

Campbell said of Allen: "He's a man who doesn't want to be messed around but he's a good guy and he likes me."

The striker, who was being chased by a string of league clubs, was still under contract at Yeading and the club have received an initial fee, which could rise to a five-figure sum depending on his appearances for Brentford.

There was more good news for Bees this week after midfilder Kevin O'Connor agreed a two-year extension to his contract.