It's all over: Wayne Brown gets in a tangle during Brentford's season-ending 1-0 defeat at Stockport County. Andy Scott has signalled a summer of change. Photo: Gary Paul
Bees boss Andy Scott did his best impression of Sir Alan Sugar as he fired five players and sent a message to those who survived the cull that they must do better or face the same fate.
The 35-year-old showed his ruthless side this week, three months after axing 10 players in the January transfer window - a move that helped inspire a nine-match unbeaten run.
Right-back Craig Pead, goalkeeper Simon Brown and young winger Charlie Ide have been transfer-listed, while John Mousinho and Ricky Shakes were told on Black Wednesday they would not be offered new deals.
Scott spent the day meeting his squad face-to-face to point out where they went wrong this season and show the door to those he believed were not fit to wear the shirt under him.
Pead, named in the PFA League Two team of the year last month, and Shakes can count themselves unlucky, but Scott has revealed he would not lose any sleep over the massacre, providing it got results.
"I have been in their position and it has been a bit harsh for some of them, but the league table does not lie and something needs to be done," he said.
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"Some were not expecting it, like Ricky Shakes. He has done a fantastic job for us and played the vast majority of games under me.
"To tell him he is not playing for me next year was very difficult, but it is part of my job.
"I have used the meetings to challenge those who are going to be with us next year to find the consistency needed.
"Wednesday was harsh but, hopefully, it is a reality check.
"We have not been good enough. The fans expect more and so do the board."
Scott goes into the summer with only nine players under contract and, with Matt Heywood stalling on a new deal, defenders top the list of priorities.
Loan players Wayne Brown, Alan Bennett and Ruben Reid have returned to their respective Premier League clubs, while Osei Sankofa - out of contract at Charlton Athletic - will not be returning to Griffin Park.
The Bees are monitoring keeper Ben Hamer's situation at Reading, and are hoping to take him on loan for the season should he earn a new deal at the Madejski.
Scott admits he may have to play the waiting game in landing the 11 players he needs to complete his squad.
"I cannot say when we are looking to bring more on board because players are holding out for the best deals," he added.
"I just hope we have got in early enough with some of them."
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