Brentford manager Keith Andrews believes the club are taking "big steps" as the in-form Bees look to stretch their unbeaten run to six games at home to Sunderland on Wednesday.
Despite losing key players such as Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa and captain Christian Norgaard, it has been a positive start to life as a Premier League manager for the former Republic of Ireland international, who stepped up into the head coach role following the summer departure of long-serving boss Thomas Frank to Tottenham.
Early season wins over Aston Villa, Manchester United and Liverpool heightened expectations, with the Bees now up to seventh after Sunday's 4-2 success at Everton.
Unbeaten in five games, three of which they have won, they host a Sunderland side also enjoying a good campaign, with the sides level on 30 points.
Another win at the Gtech Stadium could propel Brentford to the dizzying heights of fifth.
"The team has taken big steps forward over the last few months," he said.
"Everyone was talking about us in the summer with a little bit of scepticism, understandably, but we have just gone on with our business."
Andrews meanwhile is hopeful that "big player" Vitaly Janelt extends his stay in west London beyond this season.
German midfielder Janelt is in his sixth season at Brentford and has made over 200 appearances, but the 27-year-old is out of contract at the end of June.
"The ball is in any player’s court when their contract is running out," Andrews said ahead of Wednesday’s home game against Sunderland.
"I think, and I hope, Vitaly knows what I think of him as a player and a person, and how much I value his role at this club.
"I’m very hopeful Vitaly will be here next season because I see him being a big player for us."
