The Bees' success this campaign could hinge on the opening six games of the season, according to Andy Scott.

The season kicks off on Saturday, August 9, with a trip to Bury, with Grimsby Town visiting Griffin Park the following weekend.

A Carling Cup trip to Championship new boys Swansea City is sandwiched between the two fixtures, as Scott's side rack up the miles in the opening week of the season.

And the young manager believes a strong start is necessary to prevent a repeat of last year's flirtation with relegation, and could provide the spark for a memorable season.

"The first game of the season is always tough because everyone is keyed up for it, but we have to make sure we get a good start," Scott said.

"We need to get as many points as we can out of the first five or six games.

"We don't want to play catch-up. I want other teams to be looking up the table at us.

"We saw what a good run can do when I first took over last year and I want a repeat of that.

"We weren't strong enough to see that through to the end of the season but I believe the players we have now can.

"The youngsters are different players when their confidence is up.

"If we start well, things can go from there."