Dean Smith believes that Brentford need to add more consistency to their game, as well as a strong summer window, in order to challenge at the top of the Championship.

The Bees finished 10th in the second tier with a total of 64 points, 16 behind sixth placed Fulham and 29 behind second placed Brighton.

Brentford struggled to put a strong run of wins together with their longest streak being just three (Burton, Bristol City and Leeds).

And Smith knows that will need to improve if the west Londoners are to challenge at the top of the table.

He said: “In terms of recruitment we need to add quality as well as being more consistent.

“I think we will become more consistent as the players have played a lot of football in the league and they understand what it takes and what's involved in committing to this league.

“A lot of midweek games is a lot of commitment and you have to be committed to becoming a top player.

“Looking at the players, their attitudes have changed and I see a lot of players who want to get better.”

The Bees have the second youngest side in the division and 15 players used this season were born after legendary forward Francesco Totti made his debut for Roma.

Smith added: “It is a young squad but they're getting better. With young players you have a group that want to get better.

“Harlee Dean is 25 and has nearly 300 games under his belt with 100 in the Championship. It shows that if you blood them early enough they can come through for you.”