Ben Burgess became a fan favourite at Griffin Park during the 2001/02 campaign, netting 18 goals in 51 appearances while on loan from Blackburn Rovers. In total, Ben led the line for 10 clubs during a 14-year career.

Now a teacher in Lancashire, Ben still keeps a close eye on the Bees and will be providing his thoughts ahead of each game this season.

Precarious positions

Who’d be a manager? Every year, we talk of clubs being too ‘trigger happy’ when it comes to deciding their managers’ fate.

However, this year, things have ramped up to a whole new level.

12 managers have been sacked so far, with the previous record standing at 10. That leaves Thomas Frank as the third longest-serving manager in the division, behind Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola.

For those who are unaware, aspiring coaches have to go through a variety of qualifications to be involved at different levels of the English game.

The pinnacle for qualifications is the UEFA Pro Licence, which is essential to be eligible to manage in the Premier League.

I have completed some of the earlier coaching courses and they are heavily paper-based.

Coaches in academies have a lot of paperwork to complete. They have to evaluate players constantly, set them targets, clip footage of matches and training, etc.

But is that the key to succeeding as a manager/head coach? There are lots of different factors but, in my opinion, if the players aren’t happy then your tactics are irrelevant.

Players need to know their boundaries and who is boss, whilst also feeling loved. That magical combination cannot be quantified on a piece of paper, but managing people needs to be front and centre of all coach education.

Different journeys

Thomas Frank’s opposite number at Wolves, Julen Lopetegui, has certainly had an interesting journey in his managerial career.

After a successful spell as FC Porto manager, he became the coach of Spain and helped them qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Just two days before their opening game, he was sacked for negotiating to become Real Madrid's new boss. But, in typical fashion, he only lasted 14 games at the Bernabeu before being fired.

Now though, he is beginning to turn Wolves' fortunes around and move them away from the dogfight at the bottom of the Premier League.