Brentford Football Club has once again demonstrated its unwavering faith in its established model by appointing Keith Andrews as their new head coach. This decision follows the departure of Thomas Frank to Tottenham Hotspur, marking a significant moment for both the club and Andrews. The appointment underscores Brentford's commitment to promoting from within and trusting the process that has brought them sustained success.
Andrews's journey to the top job is a testament to his coaching abilities and the club's keen eye for talent. He initially joined Brentford in July 2024 as a set-piece coach, after leaving Sheffield United where he was part of Chris Wilder’s coaching staff. Prior to that, the 44-year-old served as assistant manager to Stephen Kenny with the Republic of Ireland and also held an assistant manager role with MK Dons. Andrews also had a 16-year playing career, representing clubs such as Wolverhampton Wanderers, Hull City, MK Dons and Blackburn Rovers, and earning 35 caps for the Republic of Ireland.
Brentford's director of football, Phil Giles, has expressed full confidence in Andrews, highlighting his excellent communication skills, clear vision, and the respect he commands from players and staff. Giles emphasized that Andrews is a "perfect fit" for the club, possessing a deep understanding of the players and the established training methods under Thomas Frank. Andrews's work as a set-piece coach has already had a significant impact, particularly on the defensive side, further solidifying his credentials for the head coach position.
The decision to promote Andrews aligns with Brentford's history of internal appointments. The club has a track record of promoting from within, with their last five promotion-winning managers all being internal hires. This approach ensures continuity and allows the club to build upon the existing foundation and Premier League journey that Frank initiated. It also mitigates the risks associated with bringing in an external candidate who may require time to adapt to the club's culture and philosophy.
While some supporters may view Andrews's appointment as a risk due to his relative inexperience as a head coach, the club believes that an external appointment would pose an even greater risk. Andrews has been part of the Brentford setup since the previous summer and is highly regarded within the club, possessing an intimate knowledge of the squad and the club's systems. This familiarity will enable him to hit the ground running and implement his ideas without significant disruption.
Andrews himself is "humbled" and "honored" to take on the new role, expressing his appreciation for the support from the owner, board, and staff. He recognizes the potential of the football club, its players, and staff, and is eager to lead the team into its next chapter. Andrews is also excited about the opportunity to develop young players and integrate them into the first team, aligning with the club's philosophy of nurturing talent.
Brentford's faith in their model extends beyond just promoting from within. The club has a history of making bold decisions and finding innovative solutions. Their ability to identify and develop talent, combined with a clear vision and a strong team culture, has enabled them to consistently outperform expectations. The appointment of Keith Andrews is the latest example of this approach, demonstrating their belief in their system and their willingness to trust in their own people.
