By Ross KilvingtonOf course, Brentford fans were under no illusion that Frank wasn’t a wanted man, but the Spurs job simply didn’t feel like the correct fit.The Dane had led the Bees into the Premier League after winning the Championship play-off final in 2021. Finishes of 13th, 9th, 16th and 10th across the next four seasons cemented Brentford’s status as a top flight team.Brentford’s Premier League finishes under Thomas FrankLosing the manager that had presided over this impressive run was always inevitable and this led to plenty of pundits and former players tipping the club for relegation this season.Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa, and Christian Nørgaard were also sold during the summer transfer window, adding to the relegation fears.Having spent the 2024/25 campaign as Brentford’s set-piece coach, Keith Andrews stepped up to replace Frank in the dugout.Nine months later, Brentford stand on the cusp of their highest ever Premier League finish and qualification for Europe. A decision which was ridiculed across the country is now looking like a masterstroke.Andrews has the Bees flying right now and the next few weeks could be special indeed.The table prior to Monday’s game vs. WolvesAndrews’ summer recruitment was spot onThe loses of Mbeumo, Wissa and Nørgaard for a combined fee of approximately £136m may have been excellent business from a financial viewpoint, but having scored 46 goals between them, Andrews knew that replacing the trio would be imperative to survival.Recruitment, then, had to be near perfect. In came Dango Ouattara, Michael Kayode, Antoni Milambo, Caoimhin Kelleher and the experienced head of Jordan Henderson during a busy window.Ouattara has since scored five top flight goals, including against Aston Villa, Liverpool and Newcastle, while chipping in with six assists.The winger also leads the way in terms of penalties awarded (4) in the Premier League, while ranking in the top 15% compared to his peers for big chances created (8), aerial duels won (44) and headed shots (12).Kayode has also impressed, ranking in the top 1% for successful dribbles (41) and in the top 3% for duels won (168) in the top flight, demonstrating his effectiveness both going forward and defensively.Henderson has added plenty of experience to the heart of the midfield, while Kelleher can be the ideal long-term heir to David Raya, who departed in 2024.All of these summer signings have contributed in one way or another, but it was a player signed way back in February 2024 that has been responsible for the club’s lofty position in the Premier League this season.Igor Thiago is firing Brentford to their highest ever Premier League finishIgor Thiago struggled with injury during his maiden Premier League season, making only eight appearances without finding the back of the net.With the departures of Wissa and Mbeumo, Andrews knew that those in the squad would have to step up and contribute from an attacking point of view.Undoubtedly talented, Thiago has exceeded all expectations and more this season for the Bees. At the time of writing, he has scored 21 goals in 31 matches across all competitions, with 18 coming in the top flight.Igor Thiago’s Premier League shot mapOnly Erling Haaland has scored more league goals than the Brentford forward this term, while Thiago has already broken the record for the most goals scored in a Premier League season by a Brazilian, surpassing the previous total of 15 back in January.Among his peers, Thiago ranks in the top 5% for shots on target (36) and for total duels won (151) along with ranking in the top 8% for touches in the opposition penalty area (127) in the top flight during the current campaign.Given his form and with a World Cup on the horizon, Andrews lavished some high praise on the player at the start of 2026.“It’s not for me to pick the Brazil squad, but I know what I think of Thiago and I hold him in the highest regards.“I wouldn’t be swapping him for anybody. I only see the trajectory going one way and that’s upwards.”Final few weeks could hold the key for Brentford’s European hopesBrentford welcome Wolves to London on Monday evening in what is an excellent chance for them to bounce back to winning ways after FA Cup heartbreak.Following that tie, the Bees take on Leeds, Everton and then Fulham and if Andrews could lead his side to three wins from three, they would be in an excellent position heading into the final five matches.The Bees face away trips to Old Trafford, the Etihad and Anfield between April 27 and May 24, although they should take confidence in the fact that both Manchester United and Liverpool were put to the sword earlier on this term.Brentford’s difficult final five gamesNevertheless, it is a difficult final stretch of fixtures for the Bees. Considering how low the morale was before a ball had even been kicked this season. However, the fact that they have a chance to make history proves that appointing Andrews was the right call.Much could still depend on the results from the clubs just above and below Brentford in the table. But should the club continue to perform consistently, the supporters will be looking forward to an away European trip or two next summer.Andrews has ushered in a new era at Brentford, one that could go from strength to strength over the next 12 months.(Cover image from IMAGO)You can follow every game from the Premier League with FotMob this season – with in-depth stat coverage, including xG, shot maps, and player ratings. Download the free app here.