Brentford promote set-piece coach Keith Andrews to manager as Thomas Frank replacement

Andrews, 43, steps into the role after just one season on Brentford's coaching staff, continuing a rapid coaching rise that began following his retirement as a player in 2015. The former Republic of Ireland international-who earned 35 caps during his playing career - began his coaching journey at MK Dons, where he finished his playing days and became assistant manager.

His development continued on the international stage, first alongside Stephen Kenny with Ireland's U21 side before stepping up to the senior team when Kenny was named national team manager in 2020. Andrews remained with the senior squad until the conclusion of Kenny's contract in 2023.

He quickly returned to club football, joining Chris Wilder's backroom staff at Sheffield United in December 2023. Though his stint at Bramall Lane was short-lived, it laid the groundwork for his move to Brentford, where he was brought in as part of Thomas Frank's coaching team last season.

Brentford Director of Football Phil Giles praised Andrews' long-standing connection with the club. "He is someone we have known for a while and always had in mind for a role at some point in the future," Giles said at the time of the appointment.

When Frank departed for Spurs after seven transformative years at the helm - having taken Brentford into the top flight for the first time in 74 years - he brought key staff with him, including assistant Justin Cochrane, head of athletic performance Chris Haslam, and analyst Joe Newton. Andrews, notably, remained at the club, signaling the board's belief in his potential as a long-term leader.

Andrews will now face the formidable task of succeeding Frank, who not only secured promotion but also established Brentford as a competitive Premier League side. However, the club's leadership believes in continuity - and it's worth noting that Frank   himself was relatively unknown when he was promoted internally in 2018.