Keith Andrews set to succeed Thomas Frank as Brentford manager | OneFootball

Brentford have reached an agreement with Keith Andrews to become the club’s manager following Thomas Frank’s departure to Tottenham Hotspur.

Andrews, who has served as Brentford’s set-piece coach since July 2024, is now poised to take his first managerial role in senior football.

The 44-year-old has impressed within the club over the past year, earning trust through his tactical input and behind-the-scenes leadership.

His promotion follows Brentford’s preference for continuity, similar to their decision in 2018 when Thomas Frank was elevated from assistant after Dean Smith left for Aston Villa.

Brentford held talks with several external candidates, including Kieran McKenna and Francesco Farioli, but ultimately decided that Andrews’ familiarity with the club made him the ideal successor.

Andrews is widely credited as the architect behind Brentford’s set-piece success last season, with the team scoring 13 goals from dead-ball situations.

Only two Premier League sides outperformed Brentford in expected goals from set pieces, with Andrews’ schemes consistently giving them an edge.

He also played a key role in the club’s explosive starts to matches, helping Brentford score inside the opening minute of three consecutive Premier League games last October.

Those routines showcased not only Andrews’ attention to detail but also his ability to align tactical preparation with Brentford’s broader sporting model.

The club are currently finalising a new coaching structure around Andrews, with experienced staff expected to support the former Ireland international in his first full-time managerial post.

Before joining Brentford, Andrews held assistant roles at Sheffield United and with the Republic of Ireland national teams at Under-21 and senior levels.

His coaching career followed a 16-year playing spell in English football, which included Premier League appearances for Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers..

Andrews replaces Frank after a seven-year reign that took Brentford from the Championship to a stable Premier League outfit.

Brentford are expected to formally announce Andrews’ appointment in the coming days, with pre-season preparations already underway at the club’s training ground.