Dean Smith believes that, while Brentford don't have the money to compete with the Championship's big spenders, their recruitment policy can match anyone in the division.
Wolves and Middlesbrough have splashed out £15million on Ruben Neves and Britt Assombalonga over the summer, while Aston Villa will be paying hefty wages to the likes of John Terry and Chris Samba.
If budget determined finishing position, then Brentford would be scrapping at the bottom of the table but Smith and everyone connected to the club knows that it's what's on the pitch that actually matters.
The head coach said: “I feel our recruitment policy is as good as anyone's as we don't have to spend the amount other clubs do.
“We feel we can develop players into Premier League players. If it was all about money we may as well pack it in now.
“It's about a team spirit, quality, group, willing to fight for each other. I feel we're on an upward curve and we want to continue that.”
Championship transfer fees are now matching the world record £15million fee Newcastle paid for Alan Shearer in 1997.
That world record fee though has now hit €222m (c£200m)after Neymar was sold to Paris Saint-Germain by Barcelona.
That fee is approximately 10 times more than Brentford paid for their entire squad and Smith knows the Bees must be sustainable.
He added: “When you talk about the sums Neymar is going for it'd give you sleepless nights if you're thinking about spending that sort of money.
“Our business is what we can afford. We're thankful to an owner who has put money in out of his own pocket to make us the force we are. We have to be a sustainable club and that's moving to the new stadium as well.”
Despite Brentford's financial disadvantage, Smith believes that his side can challenge at the top of the table and is optimistic ahead of the new season.
He explained: “When I start the season, I always state our aim is to finish first. I'm always optimistic.
“I'm probably as optimistic as I've been with the group of players. But you have to temper that with the amount of money that the likes of Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Hull and Sunderland can go and spend.
“There are only four or five teams in the Championship who haven't been in the Premier League and we're one of them.
“It'll be tough but we have a squad that believe and if you have that then every point you go and fight for it.”
The build-up stops now and Smith believes the preparation the club have done in pre-season has given due cause for optimism.
He said: “There's optimism through the football club through the board, players and staff. There's an optimism because of the quality of the squad we've got.
“We've had a good pre-season with varied games starting against Aldershot, Lausanne and then Southampton and Celta Vigo.
“We've been challenged in each game and the players have answered them and that'll hold us in good stead.”
