'Only one bad performance in 12 games'

Ian Westbrook, Beesotted podcast

There can be few complaints from Brentford fans about our season so far, given the circumstances with which we have had to deal.

Without key men Ivan Toney, David Raya, Rico Henry and Ben Mee, for various reasons, for all - or most - of the campaign, it is a huge achievement to be sitting comfortably halfway up the table.

Add into that injuries to several more first -team squad regulars and it is clear Thomas Frank continues to do a remarkable job.

There has only been one bad performance in 12 games, and with the injury list finally starting to ease, and Toney due back in January, continued improvement could be on the cards.

Brentford actually have a less hectic Christmas period than every other Premier League club.

With Manchester City's involvement in the World Club Cup forcing the postponement of our trip to Etihad Stadium on 23 December, we only play two league games between the 10th and 28th of the month - both at home.

Meanwhile, the Bees may have to dip into the January transfer market, which they usually try to avoid, to buy a left-back.

Brentford are making do there for now, but if Aaron Hickey’s spell on the sidelines becomes an extended one, alongside Henry, we may need to invest.

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