Keith Andrews Appointed Brentford Head Coach as Club Continues Internal Promotion Tradition

Brentford Football Club have officially announced Keith Andrews as their new head coach, stepping into the role following the departure of Thomas Frank, who has accepted the managerial position at Tottenham Hotspur.

Andrews, aged 44, has been a part of the Brentford coaching team since last summer, initially joining the club as a set-piece coach. His promotion reflects the club’s consistent strategy of developing talent from within, a trend they’ve followed with considerable success over the years.

The approach mirrors the career trajectory of Thomas Frank, who was elevated to head coach in 2018 after serving as assistant to Dean Smith for two years.

Brentford continues to rely on continuity and internal growth, a method that has brought them notable stability.

Keith Andrews brings with him a wealth of experience from both his playing and coaching career. Before his arrival at Brentford, he served as an assistant coach at Milton Keynes Dons and worked with the Republic of Ireland’s senior and Under-21 national teams.

His coaching journey also saw him working alongside Chris Wilder at Sheffield United, where he spent seven months honing his skills before joining Brentford in July 2024.

His time under Wilder added valuable insight into the top tiers of English football.As a player, Andrews enjoyed a commendable 16-year career in the professional ranks. He started out at Wolverhampton Wanderers and went on to play for several other clubs including Hull City, MK Dons, Blackburn Rovers, West Bromwich Albion, and Bolton Wanderers.

In addition to his permanent moves, Andrews had multiple loan spells throughout the English Football League, gaining extensive experience in different competitive environments and systems.On the international stage, Andrews represented the Republic of Ireland with pride.

Between 2008 and 2012, he earned 35 caps for his country and played an integral part in the squad that featured at UEFA Euro 2012.

Brentford’s decision to elevate Andrews comes at a pivotal moment for the club, as they aim to build upon the foundation laid by Frank and push further up the Premier League table in the upcoming season.

Andrews is expected to bring fresh energy to the team while maintaining the structured, analytical philosophy that Brentford is known for. His background in set-pieces could prove crucial in giving the team a tactical edge.

The Irishman will lead the team for the first time on 2 August in a pre-season friendly against Queens Park Rangers. The match will serve as an early glimpse into his coaching style and tactical adjustments.

Supporters and analysts alike will be watching closely as Andrews takes charge, especially given the shoes he’s stepping into after Frank’s impactful tenure at the club.

Brentford’s Premier League journey under Andrews officially begins on 17 August, with an away fixture against Nottingham Forest. It marks the start of a new chapter for both the coach and the club.

There is optimism surrounding Andrews’ appointment, with the club and fans hopeful that his familiarity with the team and his broader football knowledge will translate into success on the pitch.

Only time will tell how well Andrews adapts to the head coach role, but his credentials, character, and seamless integration into Brentford’s culture make him a compelling figure to lead the team forward.