After an injury-hit campaign that included nervy moments of flirting with the drop zone, Brentford finished comfortably above the relegation zone in 16th place, 13 points ahead of 18th place Luton. 

Finishing ninth last season meant Brentford came into the 2023-24 campaign with optimism, however after injuries to several key players their focus switched to avoiding relegation. 

Brentford suffered big injuries to Bryan Mbeumo, new signing Kevin Schade, Aaron Hickey, Rico Henry, Josh DaSilva and Mikkel Damsgaard. 

The Ivan Toney narrative took centre stage as he returned from his ban for betting against Nottingham Forest and scored a memorable free kick in a 3-2 win. 

Brentford dropped 30 points from winning positions, which is more than any other team and also accumulated 20 fewer points than they managed during the 2022-23 campaign — the biggest drop-off from any team.

After Thomas Frank’s father’s passing, the Brentford players displayed their togetherness by celebrating Mbeumo’s opening goal against Bournemouth by running over to and hugging their manager. 

The 2023/24 season has also been a season full of speculation surrounding the futures of Thomas Frank as it is said he has suitors at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford. 

Player of the Season – Vitaly Janelt  

Vitaly Janelt was an ever-present figure and leader in Brentford’s side this season, featuring in every Premier League game this season and displaying his versatility playing as a No.6, No.8 and at left-back. 

The midfielder’s teammates show similar sentiment as the German was voted as the Players’ Player of the Year at Brentford’s end of season awards. 

Goal of the season - Saman Ghoddos 

Saman Ghoddos’ half-volley from outside the box in a 3-0 victory over Burnley won Budweiser’s Premier League Goal of the Month for October. 

His strike has also been nominated for the goal of the season gong, with the result yet to be determined. 

Highlight 

Ivan Toney’s return was akin to what you would see in the movies as a compilation of the forward’s best bits played on the big screen while  ‘The Undertaker’s’ theme tune was considered to be the most appropriate way to welcome back their hero. 

Toney duly obliged to the script, equalising with a free kick and leading the Bees to a 3-2 win. 

Lowlight 

Brentford endured many testing moments during the scene, with the lowest arguably being a 2-1 defeat to Burnley in March that, at the time, left them only four points above 18th-placed Luton Town. 

Frank described David Datro Fofano’s challenge on Mathias Jorgensen as ‘murder in the box’ as relegation loomed for the Bees. 

Best signing  

Mark Flekken joined in the summer from Freiburg and successfully filled in the David Raya-shaped vacancy, representing the only figure of stability to the Bees’ defence. 

Flekken’s stop against Pedro Neto won February’s save of the month and has also been nominated for save of the season.

Summer to-do list

Brentford will have to try their best to secure the services of Thomas Frank for the fourth consecutive Premier League campaign as Frank has suitors from teams in the top half of the league. 

A verdict needs to be made around Ivan Toney’s future as the striker has 12 months left on his contract and Brentford will not want to see him leave on a free transfer with a potential club record transfer fee for the striker.