Brentford boss Terry Butcher is hunting seasoned campaigners to boost his squad of young guns as the axe hovers at Griffin Park this week.

Young pros Lewis Dark, John Mousinho, Ryan Peters, Karle Carder-Andrews and 18-year-old Ross Montague, who has been offered a new deal, have featured in recent weeks under caretaker manager Barry Quin.

Striker Charlie Ide, 19, has also risen through the ranks this season to become one of the Bees' shining lights in a disappointing year that saw relegation confirmed with four games still to play.

But, while Butcher has been impressed with the kids, it is experienced campaigners who will be key to launching a bid to return to League One at the first attempt.

Brentford went down 3-1 at Tranmere Rovers in their final league game of the season on Saturday - Calum Willock netting what proved a 35th-minute consolation - with Butcher watching from the stands.

The futures of out-of-contract strikers Jo Kuffour and Lloyd Owusu are yet to be decided and, with a playing budget of about £1million for a 22-man squad, they will be hard to replace should they depart Griffin Park.

But the 48-year-old former England skipper, who could soon be left with just nine contracted players for next season, maintains major surgery is needed as he starts the rebuilding process from scratch.

"It is clear we need to strengthen in every area of the pitch," said Butcher, who expects to have his squad finalised by the end of the month.

"I have spoken to one or two players about their future here, but I'm not divulging any details until I have told everyone the good or bad news.

"I would like to get some experienced players in; the type who have gone the course before and know exactly what it takes to get out of this division.

"This will be a very busy month, with every other club in the same position as us. It is a position I relish.

"It is a chance to get my own team on board with a fresh squad.

"I would rather have it this way than have someone else's players."

Butcher, who officially took over the reigns on Monday, is expected to unveil his new assistant this week.

Gravesend & Northfleet boss Liam Daish and Bees frontman Andy Scott have been touted, but Butcher has refused to name names until the ink is dry on the contract.

"We have identified someone we are pursuing and it is now a case of getting him to commit to the cause," he added.