[7] Brentford started the First Division season with two wins and a draw – the second victory being played in front of a club record 38,535 home crowd versus London rivals Arsenal.

[10] Brentford's form picked up slightly after McCulloch's departure, losing just three of the following 12 matches,[8] but two other regular starters departed in the midst of the run – forward George Eastham to Blackpool for £5,000 and long-serving captain Arthur Bateman was forced to retire.

[13] Brentford's bad form continued through to February 1939 and again the team was hit by the loss of a key players, with Scottish international forward Bobby Reid moving to Sheffield United and Gerry McAloon departing for Wolverhampton Wanderers the following month.

[14] Manager Curtis brought in two new forwards, Tommy Cheetham from local rivals Queens Park Rangers and Les Boulter from Charlton Athletic for £5,000 each.

[15] Cheetham scored on his second appearance to begin a run of five wins and a draw,[6] which took the Bees up to 13th position and effectively saved the club's top-flight status.