In a significant move for the club, Brentford have officially appointed Keith Andrews as their new head coach, succeeding Thomas Frank after his departure to Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month.
Andrews, who had been serving as Brentford’s set-piece coach since July 2024, has signed a three-year contract with the West London club.
While this marks his first senior managerial position, the 44-year-old is no stranger to football leadership, having previously held coaching roles with Sheffield United, the Republic of Ireland national team, and MK Dons.
Brentford’s decision to promote from within follows a club tradition of developing internal talent.
It mirrors the path taken by Thomas Frank himself, who rose from assistant coach to head coach in 2018 before steering the Bees to their most successful top-flight era in modern history.
Andrews quickly made his mark after joining the coaching staff last season, with Brentford becoming one of the Premier League’s most effective sides at set-pieces — scoring 13 goals from dead-ball situations while conceding just two.
His meticulous approach and tactical awareness reportedly impressed the Brentford hierarchy, who viewed him as a natural successor capable of preserving the club’s progressive football philosophy.
Although Brentford had considered external candidates — including Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna and Italian manager Francesco Farioli — the board ultimately opted for continuity, placing their faith in Andrews to build on the solid foundation left by Frank.
The new head coach now faces immediate challenges, including navigating potential player departures during the summer transfer window and maintaining Brentford’s competitive edge in the ever-demanding Premier League.
Andrews has already spoken about his ambitions to “bring stability, energy, and a bold, front-foot style” to the club, promising to honor Brentford’s identity while evolving aspects of their play.
His appointment has drawn a mixed but intrigued reaction from the football world, with former Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill offering both encouragement and words of caution about the demands of top-flight management.
Fans, meanwhile, have expressed optimism, hoping Andrews can continue Brentford’s impressive recent trajectory while adding his own imprint on the team’s character.
The new season promises to be a defining chapter for both Keith Andrews and Brentford Football Club.
