Under manager Martin Allen in 2004-05, Brentford lost 3-1 on aggregate to Sheffield Wednesday in the semi-finals of the play offs after finishing 4th in League One.
Previous BBC Director-General and Brentford fan Greg Dyke was announced as chairman of Brentford on 20 January 2006 as part of the takeover by Bees United, the Brentford Supporters Trust. On 28 January 2006, Brentford defeated Premier League strugglers Sunderland 2-1 in the 4th Round of the FA Cup, but suffered a 3-1 to another Premier League club Charlton Athletic in the 5th Round. Brentford ended 3rd in the league and lost to Swansea City in the play-off semi-final.