Keith Andrews' appointment as Brentford head coach was always going to have its challenges, but he would not have expected to face such adversity before his side has even kicked a ball in a competitive match.
Replacing Thomas Frank, who is one of the most successful and widely-adorned managers in the club's history, was going to be an arduous task in itself - even more so in what is his first managerial role.
Frank spent almost seven years in charge in West London and secured the club's return to the top-flight for the first time since 1947 in 2021, plus two top-half finish in four Premier League campaigns.
The Dane took on the vacant managerial role at Europa League winners Tottenham Hotspur in June, with Andrews stepping up from his position as set-piece coach to lead the team into a new era.
Frank's departure proved a catalyst in what is panning to be the biggest summer of change for the club since 2019 as the Bees contend with the departure of key players and club personnel.
Andrews and the club's first task was piecing together a new backroom team after assistant coach Justin Cochrane, analyst Joe Newton, and head of athletic performance Chris Haslam also moved to north London, while assistant Claus Norgaard stepped down from his role.
Then followed the surprise departure of captain Christian Norgaard to Arsenal in July - the third senior figure to leave the squad after Mark Flekken returned to Germany to join Bayer Leverkusen and Ben Mee was released.
Andrews was left with a squad consisting of one player above the age of 30. The arrival of Premier League and **Champions League**-winning captain Jordan Henderson from Ajax on a free did provide a much-needed boost of experience - an elite level in that.
Bryan Mbeumo's departure to Manchester United was a drawn-out inevitability after an eye-catching season that saw him contribute 20 goals and seven assists in 38 Premier League appearances.
While the club received a club-record fee for the Cameroon international, reported to be £65 million plus £6 million in add-ons, replacing his contribution will be a test of Andrews creativity and adaptability.
Wissa saga adding fuel to the fire
Just as Andrews thought the turbulence had began to settle as the squad jetted out to Portugal for a pre-season training camp, Yoane Wissa threw his hat into the ring.
Wissa excelled alongside Mbeumo last season as the duo became two of the hottest properties in English football, with the DR Congo international scoring 19 non-penalty goals as the Bees earned a 10th-place finish.
As a result, there has reportedly been strong interest in the 28-year-old, with Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United placing bids, in addition to interest from Tottenham and Saudi Arabian side Neom SC.
While Mbeumo left in a gracious manner, Wissa's opted with an alternate approach to secure a move as reports suggest he is forcing his way to Newcastle, who boast the prospect of Champions League football.
It is said he returned to England last week to hold face-to-face talks with the club, refusing to train or play for the club, before leaving their training ground after three hours on Wednesday after reiterating his stance.
He has one year left on his contract, but the club holds the option of an additional 12 months and are standing firm on not wanting to sell another key asset this summer after rejecting a £25 million offer from the Magpies.
Wissa's antics are an unnecessary and unwelcome distraction for Andrews as the 44-year-old's man-management skills are put to the test to prevent this saga turning heads as he establishes himself in his new role.
Early test of credentials
Questions were raised about Andrews' credentials as a Premier League head coach upon his appointment and Brentford's summer upheaval is providing an early test.
In his introductory press conference in June, Andrews and director of football Phil Giles were quick to establish their confidence in the Irishman taking on the role and how he's been ready for such position for two years.
As he prepares for upcoming friendlies against Queens Park Rangers and Borussia Monchengladbach, he is having to use the extent of his knowledge to make good use of the hand he has at his disposal.
Having been at the club since July 2024, he has a well-established relationship with the players that he can use to his advantage as he deals with another bump in the road in quick succession.
If Andrews can navigate this situation successfully then it will act as a strong foundation to build his managerial career upon ahead of his competitive debut against Nottingham Forest on August 17th.