Andre Gray has backed Marinus Dijkhuizen to lead Brentford into a successful new era once his new-look Bees side has settled.

Gray's departure to Burnley last Friday was the latest in a string of blows the new Bees boss has had to endure since taking the reins at Griffin Park.

Key players Moses Odubajo, Stuart Dallas and Jonathan Douglas also left in the week leading up to the new season, leading to rumours of unrest at the new system, which also led to previous manager Mark Warburton's departure.

Then came the long term injuries to new signings Andreas Bjelland and Josh McEachran, as well as to star player Jota, not to mention the pitch having to be relaid and a League Cup humbling by Oxford United.

Saying his goodbyes: Gray departs

Gray said: “It is hard to say how Brentford will do this year. People were still saying we would be fighting relegation this time last year because we were struggling, and look what happened then.

“It will help when the transfer window closes as that will take away some doubts. They just need a turning point, like we had against Derby last season (Brentford came from behind to win 2-1 in the last minute).

“After we beat Derby we went on that run (seven wins in eight games) and we never looked back, we were so full of self belief and believed in each other too.

“Listen, it's always difficult for a new manager to come in. There will always be certain players that aren't his cup of tea or that he won't get on with, but I always got on fine with Marinus. He was a striker too, so we would do extra work together after training.

Curtain call: Gray in his last appearance for Brentford

“We had a good relationship and kept it honest and open. He's a good manager who knows his football, the boys listen to him and respect him, and I think he will do well for Brentford.

“Everybody will have their doubts (about the new system), but if he won his first four games nobody would be saying anything. Because of how well Warbs did there was always going to be questions, but that wasn't the reason I left.

“It was a very difficult decision to make, and I didn't expect that level of interest in me. I spoke to my family and agent, who is like family, but there was never any disrespect to Brentford.

“It's hard when a lot of players leave. The old team was breaking up, and it was was always going to be difficult without them. It wasn't the defining factor (in him leaving), but played a little part.”

Striking a pose: Gray celebates another goal

Gray, who plundered 20 goals in just over 50 games for the Bees, admits it was strange the way his departure panned out.

Brentford played Bristol City just after he was linked with a move to Ashton Gate, then played Burnley the day after he finally moved to Turf Moor.

In fact, the running joke amongst Bees fans was if that move didn't come off, Reading would be in for Gray next (the Bees host the Royals on Saturday).

He said: “It was weird, especially as I was staying in the same hotel in Burnley as the team. It led to a bit of banter, but it was also a good chance to see everyone and say goodbye. It's funny how it worked out, but that's football. It's the best thing for the club and for me that it's over now, I just want to concentrate on my football.”

New face: Gray makes his Brentford debut a year ago

Gray also wanted to clear the air over the opening day game against Ipswich, when following mounting speculation about his future, the striker declared himself not in the right frame of mind to play. When he did come on as a sub, his goal helped inspire a late Bees comeback.

He added: “I just didn't feel I was right in my mind. I was honest with the manager and the players and made it clear I didn't want it to affect the club.

“They would have been playing with 10 men, and thought it wasn't fair on them. But when I came on I forgot about everything and gave my all, I thought I can't let the boys down.

"I just want to thank the club, all the staff, the fans, Warbs and the boys - they all stuck with me through some tough times, and that is massive for me."