The 2002-03 campaign delivered a season of soaring false hope and financial strain for Brentford, as The Bees ultimately slumped to a 16th-place finish in the Second Division. Leading the attack was the young on-loan forward Rowan Vine, whose 10 league goals (13 overall) proved vital. The season was characterized by an unbeaten, table-topping start that dramatically collapsed in the second half, though the team provided moments of cup glory by reaching the FA Cup Fourth Round, which included a memorable win over Derby County, and the Football League Trophy Semi-finals. It was a turbulent year under manager Wally Downes, defined by the club's struggle to balance the books after the ITV Digital collapse.. The 2003-04 campaign delivered a truly turbulent fight for survival for Brentford as The Bees ultimately secured a dramatic 17th-place finish in the Second Division. Following a disastrous mid-season run that saw manager Wally Downes sacked in March, the team, galvanised under new boss Martin Allen, managed to claw their way to safety on the final day, powered by the 11 vital league goals from influential winger Stephen Hunt, making it a dramatic and unforgettable 'Great Escape' for the Griffin Park faithful.