Brentford Football Club has officially confirmed the appointment of Keith Andrews as their new head coach, succeeding Thomas Frank, who departed for Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month. The 44-year-old Irishman, previously the club’s set-piece coach, has signed a three-year contract in his first senior managerial role, marking a bold move for the Premier League side as they navigate a period of transition.
Andrews, who joined Brentford in July 2024, has quickly risen through the ranks, earning praise for his tactical acumen, particularly in set-piece strategies. Last season, Brentford scored 13 goals from set-pieces, with an impressive 16.71 expected goals (xG) from such situations, ranking third in the Premier League. Andrews was also instrumental in devising a kick-off routine that saw Brentford become the first team to score within the opening minute in three consecutive Premier League matches.
“I’m humbled and honored to take on this role,” Andrews said in his first interview as head coach. “The potential of this football club, the players, and the staff is massive. I want us to play dynamic, relentless, but organized football that reflects what this club means to its fans.”
The appointment continues Brentford’s tradition of promoting from within, a strategy that proved successful when Frank, then an assistant, replaced Dean Smith in 2018. Frank’s seven-year tenure saw Brentford rise from the Championship to an established Premier League side, culminating in a 10th-place finish last season. Director of Football Phil Giles expressed confidence in Andrews, stating, “Keith is a very good fit. He’s open, detailed, and respected by players and staff. He understands our systems and will bring his own evolution while building on Thomas’ foundations.”
Andrews, a former Republic of Ireland international with 35 caps, brings a wealth of coaching experience despite lacking prior managerial roles. His career includes assistant positions at MK Dons, Sheffield United, and with the Republic of Ireland’s senior and U21 teams under Stephen Kenny. His playing career saw him represent clubs like Wolverhampton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers, and MK Dons.
The decision to appoint Andrews was not without consideration of external candidates, with names like Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna and former Ajax boss Francesco Farioli linked to the role. However, Brentford opted for continuity, believing Andrews’ familiarity with the club’s culture and squad makes him the ideal candidate to steer the team forward.
The Bees face a challenging summer, with key players potentially departing. Midfielder Christian Norgaard is reportedly close to joining Arsenal, while last season’s top scorer, Bryan Mbeumo, is the subject of a £60 million bid from Manchester United. Goalkeeper Mark Flekken has also moved to Bayer Leverkusen, with Caoimhín Kelleher signed from Liverpool as his replacement.
Despite these uncertainties, Andrews remains optimistic. “I’ve got a strong connection with the players, and there’s a clear plan to develop both our young and experienced talent,” he said. “We want to maintain our competitive edge and create huge moments for our fans.”
Brentford’s decision to appoint Andrews has sparked mixed reactions. Some fans view it as a risky move given his lack of managerial experience, especially amidst the potential loss of key players. However, others trust the club’s track record of calculated decisions, pointing to Frank’s success as evidence.
Andrews’ first test as head coach will be a Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest on August 17, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. With his backroom staff appointments still to be finalized, all eyes will be on how Andrews navigates this new chapter for Brentford.