Ryan Woods knows that Brentford can't use inexperience as an excuse next season after a strong Championship campaign.

The Bees finished in the top 10 for the third successive season and, although there were bumps in the road along the way, the year must be considered in a positive light.

The west Londoners had the second youngest squad competing in the second tier, after Barnsley, but will return for pre-season next month one year older and wiser.

And Woods believes that, as long as the club can keep hold of their leading players, Brentford can challenge at the top of the table next season.

“Next season we are not going to be relying on the fact that we are a young side in this division because we have all played a lot of Championship football now,” Woods told the club's official website.

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“We have a lot of quality and, with the experience that we have got now, I am sure that we can have a good go again next year.

“We are all looking forward to next season already. It is nice to have that break but we are raring to go for it.

“It is an exciting group. If we can keep hold of the core of the team, and add a few very good individuals, then I don’t see why we can’t be pushing for at least the play-offs.

“Everyone knows that we are a good side and that we pass the ball around well. It is a joy to play in sometimes.”