Brentford to appoint set-piece coach Keith Andrews as manager to replace Thomas Frank

 

Brentford Football Club has confirmed the appointment of Keith Andrews as their new manager on a three-year deal. The former Republic of Ireland international steps up to replace Thomas Frank, who recently left to become manager of Tottenham Hotspur. This move aligns with Brentford's consistent approach of promoting from within, as Frank himself was previously elevated from assistant to head coach in 2018. Andrews, 43, spent the past season as Brentford’s set-piece coach and is now taking his first steps into full-time management. Before arriving at Brentford, Andrews built a solid coaching résumé. He began coaching as assistant manager at MK Dons after retiring in 2015 and then joined Ireland’s Under-21 team as assistant to Stephen Kenny. The pair later advanced to the senior national team in 2020 and stayed in charge for three years. Following his time with Ireland, Andrews joined Sheffield United as a coach under Chris Wilder during the 2023-24 season, leaving after the campaign ended. Shortly after, he returned to Brentford, ready to take on a bigger challenge. Director of Football Phil Giles said Andrews had long been viewed as a potential leader at the club, making his promotion a natural choice.

Keith Andrews steps into a high-pressure role at Brentford, following the departure of Thomas Frank, a manager who delivered one of the club’s greatest eras. Frank famously led Brentford to their first Premier League promotion in 74 years and kept them competitive among England’s elite. His departure to Tottenham Hotspur was accompanied by key staff members, including assistant Justin Cochrane and performance head Chris Haslam. Despite this exodus, Andrews remained at the club, perhaps already being considered as the next in line. His deep knowledge of the team’s inner workings and set-piece responsibilities makes him a logical successor, even if he is new to senior management. Brentford fans will naturally be cautious, as Andrews is untested at this level. However, they can take comfort in the fact that Thomas Frank was also a relatively unknown figure when promoted, yet he succeeded beyond expectations. The club’s long-term vision and emphasis on internal development continues to be a core part of its identity. Andrews will face immediate challenges: maintaining Brentford’s tactical discipline, managing squad morale after backroom changes, and navigating the ever-demanding Premier League. However, his coaching background with national teams and top-tier clubs suggests he is well-prepared to grow into the role. If Andrews can instill his own style while preserving the principles set under Frank, Brentford may continue to punch above their weight. The club’s leadership remains confident in his abilities and appears ready to support his transition with patience and trust. As the 2025-26 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Andrews handles the spotlight as Brentford’s new man at the helm.

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