Frank: Brentford will come back stronger

Thomas Frank insisted it was too soon to discuss the futures of Brentford’s star players after the play-off final defeat against Fulham.

And the Bees boss predicted that the club would “come back stronger” after missing out on promotion in such a painful manner.

Brentford not going up is bound to increase speculation that the likes of Said Benrahma and Ollie Watkins could be snapped up by top-flight clubs.

But boss Frank said: “I must say it’s not my biggest concern right now.

“The reason I’m down at this moment in time is mainly for the fans, (owner) Matthew Benham and people who have been at the club for many years. They deserved so much to be in the Prem.

“I also care and believe so much in this group of players and I’m just disappointed that we’re not going to have the opportunity to attack the Premier League.

“Nobody knows what’s going to happen tomorrow. I just know one thing: we will have a very, very strong side going into the Championship next season.”

Brentford were superb for much of the campaign but losing their final two matches of the regular season cost them a place in the Premier League.

And two extra-time goals by Joe Bryan at Wembley meant Fulham pipped the Bees to promotion in dramatic fashion.

“Of course it’s tough when you lose a final like this in a very, very tight game,” Frank said.

“But I’m extremely proud of my players and extremely proud of this club and what we have achieved this season.

“We were very fine margins away from the Premier League, which is an incredible achievement from us.

“This is football and you don’t always get what you deserve. There needed to be a loser tonight and unfortunately it was us.

“I know we’re coming back stronger next season. I’m 100% sure of that.”