 Former Barnet manager Martin Allen took over on 18 March 2004 and was tasked with retaining Brentford's Second Division status.Allen released a number of players, installed his own backroom team and immediately galvanised the squad, winning three and drawing three of his first six matches to lift the Bees above the relegation places.A priceless point salvaged at already-relegated Wycombe Wanderers on 24 April kept the Bees above the relegation places, but a 1–0 defeat away to fellow strugglers Grimsby Town in the penultimate match of the season meant the club would need to secure safety on the final day with a victory over Bournemouth or favourable results elsewhere.