Just before the final whistle blew on the 2025/26 campaign, Brentford found themselves on the brink of a historic achievement: a chance to secure European football for the first time. The Bees were locked at 1-1 with Liverpool at Anfield, fully aware that a single goal would lift them into seventh place and guarantee a Europa League berth. In the dying moments of added time, the drama unfolded.
Mikkel Damsgaard released the ball to Vitaly Janelt on the left edge of the penalty area. Janelt delivered a first‑time, curling cross that drifted perfectly into the heart of the box. Kevin Schade timed his run, but Dango Ouattara arrived first and inadvertently nudged the ball away from goal.
Keith Andrews, overwhelmed, sank to his knees with his head in his hands. His inaugural season as head coach had concluded in the most agonising fashion imaginable.
"That moment summed up the journey we’d taken last season – how we began, how we grew, and how we fought," Andrews reflected three months later. "Everyone gave everything.
Missing out on Europe was disappointing, but it also sparked a hunger for what comes next in the pre‑season." During a holiday break Andrews had time to savour the progress the club had made. "I felt immense pride in what we accomplished, and the next question was instantly how we build on it," he said. Speaking to Sky Sports at the time, he promised a step‑up in 2026/27, calling the previous season a "baseline" and insisting the club would "continue to push hard." Roughly two weeks after that fateful Anfield night, Andrews returned to the Brentford training ground with a fresh perspective.
"You get rare thinking time when you’re not in the weekly grind. It lets you dissect everything – training methods, preparation routines, squad dynamics – and pinpoint where we can improve," he explained. "There was no need for massive meetings about the upcoming season; the ambition was already palpable day‑to‑day." A significant development arrived on 12 June when former Republic of Ireland teammate Damien Duff was appointed as Andrews’ assistant.
"Damian is an incredible daily support. He brings impact and responsibility, and his presence has been invaluable," Andrews praised.
The summer transfer window saw a different approach to squad building. While star forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Nørgaard departed for Manchester United and Arsenal, and Yoane Wissa’s protracted exit to Newcastle caused some disruption, there were no blockbuster sales.
The only notable first‑team departures were centre‑back Ethan Pinnock – limited to four league appearances last season – and midfielder Frank Onyeka, who moved to Coventry for under £12 million. Instead of splurging, Brentford focused on adding depth.
The club ranked eighth‑lowest in Premier League spending, allocating £112.5 million. "Last season we sometimes lacked senior experience and tactical options within games," Andrews admitted. "Our players gave everything, but at times they needed a little extra support." The recruitment strategy was precise.
Young centre‑back Jannik Schuster arrived with a lower‑age profile and settled quickly. Experienced forwards Callum Wilson and Jaidon Anthony added proven Premier League quality, offering both on‑field ability and off‑field leadership.
Mamadou Sangaré proved an eye‑catching signing, making an immediate impact, while Malick Diouf, recruited from West Ham, was another addition the club celebrated. "We’ve strengthened an already strong squad, kept the core players we needed, and I’m extremely pleased with the deals we completed," Andrews said.
Improvement remains the mantra, and Andrews is candid about the next target: Europe. "Naturally the next step is to break that ceiling and get back into European competition," he asserted, acknowledging that this ambition will dominate press‑conference questions for months.
What does that ambition look like in practice? Andrews emphasises individual development.
"Take Michael Kayode – he had a fantastic season, now we want to make him even better. When every player improves, confidence spreads and the whole team benefits," he explained. He also highlighted tactical evolution.
On set‑pieces, Brentford aims to be a dominant threat. In open play, the goal is to create chances through varied approaches rather than relying on a single pattern. Defensively, the team will balance high‑pressing intensity with the ability to sit deep, absorb pressure, and transition quickly, all while defending the box with collective aggression.
The early signs of this next step are already evident. On the opening weekend Brentford hosted Tottenham at the Gtech Community Stadium and delivered a commanding 3‑0 victory, a result that could have been 4‑0 if Igor Thiago’s penalty had hit the post instead of the base. Sky Sports analyst Jamie Redknapp praised the performance: "When a player was out of position, the team found a way to fill the gap.
Their back line is fearless, pressing high and preventing opponents from getting out. "Roberto De Zerbi had warned about long balls, but Brentford played total football." Andrews echoed that sentiment, noting the squad’s versatility. "We can control games now because of our technical quality. Our individuals thrive within the system, and if opponents want a battle, we’ll give them one.
We have many attributes that allow us to challenge opponents unpredictably while respecting every phase of the game." The atmosphere at the stadium also left a lasting impression. Andrews highlighted the fans’ energy, the organised flags from the TW8 Casuals, and the palpable connection between supporters and players, which he felt fueled the on‑field performance. Subsequent results have reinforced the positive trajectory: a 6‑1 demolition of Birmingham City in the Carabao Cup, followed by a hard‑fought 1‑1 draw with Leeds United at Elland Road, where Andrews felt Kevin Schade deserved a penalty after a challenge by Jayden Bogle.
Looking ahead, Brentford travel to face Sunderland in London on Saturday. "We’re in a good place – the players have freedom, verve, and personality. The only way to maintain that is to keep demanding more from each other, pushing the group forward," Andrews asserted. "Nothing is guaranteed in this league, but we can keep raising the bar and see how far we can go." Having come within a single goal of European qualification at Anfield, Andrews is determined to bring Brentford even closer this season.