There was the perception around Griffin Park during the 1969 off-season that after the financial austerity of the previous two-and-a-half years, the extreme cost-cutting measures enacted by former chairman Ron Blindell had reduced Brentford's target to merely staying in business, rather than challenging for promotion to the Third Division.

[1] Manager Jimmy Sirrel once again had his hands tied in the transfer market, releasing experienced campaigners Denis Hunt, Pat Terry and Ron Foster and bringing in three attackers, two on free transfers (Bill Brown and Micky Cook) and one on trial (Roger Frude).

[1] Despite the early-season transfer of the versatile John Richardson to rivals Fulham for £10,000, Brentford had an excellent start to the season,[1] with goals from Allan Mansley, Bobby Ross and Micky Cook helping the club stabilise its position in the promotion places.

[3] The Bees moved as high as 2nd position in late January and early February 1970 and manager Blunstone went for broke, finally signing a recognised centre forward (Roger Cross from West Ham United for £10,000) and bringing winger John Docherty back for a third spell with the club.

[1] Three defeats in four matches in late March and early April effectively ended the promotion charge,[2] with the three-point gap to 4th-place Port Vale proving to be insurmountable.