As much as Brentford FC fans were glad to see the back of 2007, they will look forward to next year full of hope after a turn-around in fortunes in 2008.
At Christmas last year, Andy Scott was taking his tentative first steps in management with the Bees following an annus horriblis for the club.
Relegated to Division Two after their worst season ever on record, Brentford continued to flop under Terry Butcher and were nervously eyeing the Conference before Butcher was sacked last December.
Scott, his assistant, took over and made an immediate impact with a win at Wrexham and a draw at champions-elect MK Dons.
Even a Boxing Day defeat against Wycombe couldn't spoil the party as the Bees won four straight games and went nine unbeaten to shoot up the table.
Excited talk of the play-offs tailed off as spring turned to summer and the season ended with a damp squid of three straight defeats.
But a string of exciting summer signings saw optimism rise among the Griffin Park regulars, and with Christmas approaching, the Bees are nicely poised for a promotion push.
Not even an FA Cup shock exit to Barrow could dampen the spirits as Brentford look to reclaim their place in League One.
