Thomas Frank faced the challenging task of altering his starting lineup almost every week due to a tumultuous season of serious injuries at Brentford.
This barrage of injuries significantly impacted the Bees’ form, preventing a repeat of last season’s ninth-place finish, where they were a mere two points away from qualifying for Europe for the first time in their history.
Struggling with injuries, Brentford found themselves flirting with relegation at times, suffering defeats to teams like Sheffield United, Burnley, and Everton (twice). However, despite these setbacks, they never seemed in danger of dropping down to a lower division.
The season in one word
Disappointing.
Star of the show
Mathias Jensen: No stand-out contender unlike 20-goal Ivan Toney last season, but Jensen has been reliable in midfield and possesses genuine technical quality.
Biggest let down
Ivan Toney: Can only blame himself for his absence until January, but after a few goals soon after returning ended on a goal drought, damaging his valuation.
Most improved player
Mark Flekken: Looked nervy and had a mistake in him until the new year, but has become key to the Bees since.
Game to remember
Brentford 3-2 Nottingham Forest: The 5-1 win at Luton was Brentford’s biggest-ever Premier League win, but the Forest victory ended a seven-game winless run.
Game to forget
Manchester United 2-1 Brentford: Painful. Leading a dominant United since the 26th minute at Old Trafford, Scott McTominay’s stoppage-time double meant the Bees left with nothing.
Rising star
Keane Lewis-Potter: Eyebrows were raised when Brentford spent £16m on the Hull man in 2022 but game-time has increased this term and he has impressed.
Manager verdict
Admired by Manchester United and Bayern Munich, Thomas Frank remains committed to Brentford. Strongly believes injury hell limited what his team could achieve this season.