Keith Andrews says he feels ‘very capable’ of guiding Brentford to success after being appointed as Thomas Frank’s replacement | OneFootball

Keith Andrews says he is humbled and honoured after being appointed as Brentford’s new head coach, replacing Thomas Frank.

Frank left for Tottenham earlier this month having spent seven years at Brentford, guiding them to promotion to the Premier League and stabilising the club in the top flight.

Andrews served as a coach under Frank and has now been chosen as the man to lead the Bees.

“I’m very appreciative of the owner, the board and the staff that have supported this decision,” Andrews said. “It’s an opportunity I feel I’m very capable of doing and ready to do.

“I don’t know where to start in terms of what’s exciting me because there’s so much: the potential of the football club, the potential of the players and the potential of the staff that underpin what has brought success to this brilliant football club.

“It’s an amazing place to be and I’ve felt that for 12 months now. That will remain. It’s really important to me to have that vibe around the football club, that energy.

“There are a lot of words that are preached in sporting environments, like culture, and they’re not lived, whereas they are lived here on a daily basis. I think it’s really important to keep that humility that we have as a football club and continue to grow.”

Andrews’ playing career included spells at Wolves, Hull, MK Dons, Blackburn and others. He was also a regular for the Republic of Ireland national team.

This is Andrews’ first senior management role but the Irishman says having worked with the players already will give him an advantage.

“It’s a massive advantage to know the players inside out, I’ve got a really good connection with the players,” he said. “The ceiling is massive in terms of what we can achieve and I’ve got so much belief in them.

“I love being on the grass, I love developing young players, I love seeing the growth in young players as players and as human beings. There’s clear alignment between myself and the football club on that.

“There will be a clear plan to try and develop our talented young players and also our older players, because development doesn’t just stop when you get to a certain age; it’s for every single player, and we’ll support them in every single way we can.”

Andrews could face the challenge of losing skipper Christian Norgaard, who looks set to join Arsenal, and Bryan Mbeumo, who Manchester United are trying to sign.