Brentford agree deal with Thomas Frank replacement

It’s set to be his first job as a full-time manager 

The 44-year-old Irishman joined Brentford last summer and has been linked with the vacant manager’s seat ever since Thomas Frank left the west London club to become Tottenham head coach earlier this month. 

Despite a lack of direct managerial experience, Andrews has worked as a coach at championship sides MK Dons and Sheffield Utd and was Assistant Manager to Stephen Kenny for the Irish national team. 

Andrews was no stranger to taking on positions of leadership during his player career. As a defensive midfielder, the Irishman became Wolves’ youngest ever captain for more than 100-years when, aged just 21, he led his side against QPR in the final game of the 2000/2001 First Division season. 

He also went on to play for Hull City, MK Dons, and Blackburn Rovers and win 35-caps for his country before retiring in 2015. 

Brentford had been linked to a number of top coaches from across Europe, including the likes of sacked Spurs boss Ange Postecoglu and former Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna, but have opted for continuity with Andrews, hoping that his knowledge of the club will help foster a smooth transition away from the Frank era and help the club avoid relegation. 

The decision to hire a manger from within rather than externally will be a familiar pattern for Brentford fans. Thomas Frank had been Dean Smith’s assistant before he was appointed as head coach in 2018. 

There can be no doubt that Keith Andrews has a big shoes to fill. In the seven-years that Thomas Frank spent as manager, the Dane not only secured The Bees’ first ever promotion to the Premier League in 2021, but also managed to keep them there for the following five years.