Brentford boss Andy Scott says it is not simply Nathan Elder and Moses Ademola who have something to prove this season - his whole squad does.

Elder is in the final year of his contract - as is non-League recruit Ademola - as the Bees return to League One football after lifting the League Two title last year.

The 24-year-old former Billericay Town striker, who has 12 league goals to his name, has admitted this season is pivotal to his career if he wants to establish himself as a force in the game.

And Scott, who tasted success in his first full-season in charge, insists the entire playing and management staff at Griffin Park must adopt a similar attitude to life at a higher level.

“It is not just individuals in the playing squad who have something to prove, we all have - including me,” he said.

“We are in League One now and what happened last year counts for nothing. We need to establish ourselves in this division and become a force. We can’t just be content with staying up.”

Scott reckons his men are a month ahead of schedule after his players returned from the summer break in peak condition.

And the Brentford chief, who added former Tonbridge Angel defender 24-year-old Leon Legge to his squad this week, admits he couldn’t be happier.

“I’m absolutely delighted with the boys. There is a real buzz about the place already,” he said.

“There is no room for complacency. All the boys have the desire to improve themselves and it is that sort of character we have been looking for when we get players on board.

“I’m still looking at bringing three or four players in, but I’d say we are about a month ahead of where we were this time last year.”

Centre back Legge, formerly a support worker for adults with learning difficulties, was watched nine times last season by Scott and celebrated his birthday by putting pen to paper on his first professional deal.

It is likely he will start his Bees career in the newly formed reserve team as he adjusts to the challenge of jumping four steps up the football pyramid.

“I never thought I could be playing against such high profile teams as Leeds United and Charlton Athletic, but I’ve worked hard and earned the opportunity,” he added.

“I spent a week on trial at Charlton a while back. It gave me a taste for it and I’m looking forward to fighting for my place in the team.”