Football Season Guide

Uwe Rosler's debut season as Brentford manager was a successful one - the former Manchester City player didn't manage to guide his club into the Play-Offs, but came relatively close and definitely made the Bees improve. Now, he will be expected to make a step forward and make the top six. The Bees definitely look stronger than they were last season - Gary Alexander had left before the end of the previous season and has now turned his loan into a permanent move, while Karleigh Osbourne was injured during the majority of the season. The departures of Marcus Bean and Sam Wood do come as a bit of a surprise, as both were frequently used in midfield, but the addition of Adam Forshaw, who spent time on loan with the Bees last season, gives the side an important new option in the middle. Another last season's loanee has been snapped up on a permanent deal in the likes of Harlee Dean, while Tony Craig and Ryan Fredericks will provide Rosler with additional defensive option. However, the biggest question mark regarding Brentford is definitely in attack, as the Bees lost their two top scorers last season in the likes of Charlie MacDonald and then Gary Alexander. Clayton Donaldson has been blowing hot and cold last season, and, with Clinton Morrison no longer being at the club as his loan from Sheffield Wednesday ended, there will be huge pressure on new signings Stuart dallas and Farid El Alagui, who are both unknown in English football, to perform. El Alagui will be the man with the most expectations on his shoulders, as he is coming from a great spell at Falkirk, where he scored 28 goals in 44 games last season. If he can repeat that kind of form in League One, the Bees will be very strong Play-Off candidates.