After defeat in the 1997 Second Division play-off Final, David Webb, Brentford manager since the beginning of the 1993–94 season, moved "upstairs" to become the club's new chief executive, having acquired a majority shareholding of the club as part of a consortium with Tony Swaisland and John Herting in August 1997. Within days of the takeover and still without a manager, the spine of the previous season's team were sold for six-figure fees, with Brian Statham sold later in the month and promising youngster Marcus Bent transfer-listed. Replacements were found in the lower divisions, non-league and in Premier Leaguereserve teams, with Paul Barrowcliff, Derek Bryan, Leon Townley, Ricky Reina and Charlie Oatway arriving for five-figure fees. First team coach Kevin Lock took caretaker charge of the club until the appointment of Eddie May just four days before the season began, with Clive Walker installed as May's assistant. A 3–0 defeat to Millwall on the opening day saw Brentford begin the season bottom of the Second Division and despite registering two wins in late-August and early-September to move into mid-table, just two wins in the following 13 matches in all competitions saw May and Walker removed from their posts on 4 November. Amidst rumours that David Webb had fallen out with chairman Swaisland, Webb resigned as chief executive, but remained on the board of directors. Former Swansea City manager Micky Adams was installed as manager and fared little better, failing to win until mid-December. In a bid to strengthen the team, Adams sought experienced players, signing Glenn Cockerill as player/assistant manager, Warren Aspinall and loaneeNigel Gleghorn. Injuries soon began to mount, with first-choice right backIjah Anderson and summer signings Derek Bryan and Ricky Reina succumbing. Continuing player sales and bad results led some Bees supporters to call for the removal of David Webb, staging multiple protests over a disparity between the incoming and outgoing transfer fees and questioning where the incoming money was going. It wasn't until late-January 1998 that the team found some form, losing just once in 12 matches, but registering seven draws. Brentford went into the final day of the season one place above the relegation zone, having won just one of the previous four matches. A win away to play-off contenders Bristol Rovers or other favourable results were required for the Bees to regain their Second Division status, but a 2–1 defeat and victory for 22nd-place Burnley relegated the club to the Third Division for the first time in 20 years.
