Since Brentford beat QPR on October 30, the club has undergone further transition.
Lee Carsley's reign came to an end at the end of November with the appointment of former Walsall boss Dean Smith.
After such a positive start, including wins against MK Dons, Huddersfield and Reading, it has all gone downhill for the Bees.
James Tarkowski's strike action cast a shadow over the January transfer window and his departure to Burnley was inevitable, although Yoann Barbet has shown he is a capable replacement for the defender.
The departure of Toumani Diagouraga has been more problematic, leaving Brentford with a weaker midfield with no replacements forthcoming.
In pictures: Brentford fans during the defeat to Charlton
Brentford have lost to every side chasing promotion and have now also started losing to sides scrapping at the bottom.
The only victory in recent weeks came against Wolves, who are destined to finish in mid-table.
One positive is Alan McCormack is on his way back from injury and his commitment and drive are desperately needed at Griffin Park.
Fans have grown frustrated with the quality of football on display and with the club needing two more wins to virtually assure their Championship status there are some nagging fears that the Bees could get sucked into the bottom three.
The rest of the season is about consolidating their position in the second tier but the players have been left in no doubt that this is a game they can't afford to lose.
