Brentford are proving that they weren't one-season wonders last year and have every chance of reaching the play-offs this season, according to Ryan Woods.
The Bees had a nightmare start to the season and were a point above the relegation zone after 10 games, which had seen Marinus Dijkhuizen sacked in September.
Lee Carsley turned things around and Dean Smith has overseen continued development with Brentford now in a battle for a play-off spot, rather than scrapping to avoid a return to League One.
Woods said: “People saw what a good season Brentford had last season and maybe wondered if it was a one-off, but hopefully we are proving that is not the case.
“We lost a couple of players, but brought good players in and are showing everyone what a good side we are. We are playing some really good football.
“And when we get in the lead, we know how to defend it, which is really important.
“I wasn’t here last season but you get a feel from the other lads and around the club, and even when we weren’t doing so well at the start there was a good feeling around the place.
“The results have started picking up now and the mood has lifted even further, but everyone is good mates.”
Woods has earned comparisons to Paul Scholes and has also been referred to as the Ginger Pirlo.
And he is flattered to be compared to luminaries of the game, especially the Italian midfielder, who was referred to as the conductor.
He added: “I know the Shrewsbury fans called me the ‘Ginger Pirlo’, I’m not sure if I have got one here yet. That wasn’t a bad nickname, and if I can be half the player he was I’d be happy.
“Maybe one or two more goals like the one against Reading would help.”
Woods was named as one of the 10 best players in the Football League last season and he hopes to continue improving and help Brentford into the top flight.
He added:“Being named as one of the top 10 Football league players as a great honour after a really good season for Shrewsbury. That’s why I am here.
“And I just need to keep working and training hard and doing the best I can.”
