A sunny Saturday in early August, the opening day of a new season, fans filled with hopeful expectation, and Charlton were disappointed to only take a point from their trip to Griffin Park.

Bob Peeters was in charge of the Addicks for the first time, and Mark Warburton was starting the season as newly promoted Brentford’s manager, having succeeded Uwe Rossler when the German left to join Wigan during the previous season.

A fairly uneventful first period, gave way to a much more entertaining second half.

Charlton had a number of good chances, but took just one, midway through the half when debutant, Igor Vetokele, headed home an in swinging Johnnie Jackson corner from the right.

The Addicks’ profligacy was to prove costly. Five minutes from time, Tommy Smith levelled thanks to a shot that took a deflection of Tal Ben Haim.

Alan Judge had the visiting fans worried when he struck the bar late on.

At the time, Warburton’s team were expected to have a season of struggle, and Charlton considered it as two points dropped. A Brentford fan succinctly summed things up when he said, “Thanks for the point”, as supporters mingled after the game.

The Addicks let a lead slip – something that was to epitomise the first half of their season – and Yoni Buyens picked up the first of his many bookings.

After a bright start to the season, Charlton floundered before Guy Luzon arrived in January and introduced a more attacking style.

Warburton’s team quickly adjusted to their elevated status, and a strong end to the season, ensured the Bees qualified for the play-offs.

It was announced in February that Warburton would leave the club at the end of the season. Brentford will have a continental style system, with a director of football and head coach in place for next season.

Ironically, the first game after the announcement saw the Bees visit The Valley, the Addicks ran out comfortable 3-0 winners.

Warburton rallied his troops, and on Friday evening he will oversee his final home game. If his side can overcome Middlesbrough in the two-legged play-off semi-final, his last game will be in the final at Wembley.

It would be an extraordinary season – even by Championship standards – if both Bournemouth and Brentford were promoted, made even more bizarre by the latter bidding farewell to the architect of their on Wembley’s hallowed turf.