Stefan Borson Drops 'Big' Brentford Verdict That Fans Will Not Want to Hear

Former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson has delivered a stark warning to Brentford fans dreaming of European football, claiming qualification could trigger a financial nightmare rather than a boon.[1][2]

Brentford sit fifth in the Premier League, on track for a potential Champions League spot depending on England's coefficient, or more likely the Conference League or Europa League. Despite pre-season relegation fears after Thomas Frank's departure to Tottenham, new manager Keith Andrews has transformed the Bees with aggressive pressing, direct passing, and stars like Igor Thiago and Caoimhin Kelleher.[2]

However, Borson exclusively told Football Insider that Europe's "fixture congestion" demands a bigger squad, incurring costs for transfers, wages, and bonuses that could wipe out modest prize money. "The Conference League... is probably neutral... but they’d need a bigger squad. That would cause some problems because that would have cost," he said.[1]

The real sting lies in incoming Premier League squad cost ratio (SCR) rules, approved for 2026-27 despite opposition from "best-run clubs" like Brentford. These cap spending at 70% of revenue for European participants—same as Champions League sides—unlike bigger clubs' revenue surges. "If you’re a small club like Brentford, you then get in the Conference League and you’re capped at 70 per cent, that’s really difficult because you haven’t got the associated revenue jump," Borson explained.[1][3]

Champions League money would be "transformational," but Borson deems a top-five finish "very unlikely." Instead, Europe risks forcing squad investment under tight finances, potentially necessitating new player deals. Brentford face Chelsea next, but fans must temper excitement—Borson's verdict underscores how glory could strain their model.[2]

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