Report: Brentford may promote Andrews after Frank exit | OneFootball

Could Keith Andrews Be the Right Man for Brentford?

In-house continuity could shape post-Frank future

With Thomas Frank’s move to Tottenham now official, Brentford’s attention swiftly turns to succession planning. As reported by Sky Sports, set-piece coach Keith Andrews has emerged as one of the main candidates to take over the reins at the Gtech Community Stadium. While this may appear a surprise to some outside the club, those within the Bees’ ecosystem know his credentials run far deeper than just dead-ball routines.

Andrews, 44, joined Brentford’s backroom staff in the summer of 2024. His work quickly drew praise, especially after the team became one of the Premier League’s most threatening sides from set pieces. As Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones highlighted, “Brentford were one of the most dominant teams from set pieces last season,” with 13 goals scored from such scenarios and an xG (expected goals) of 16.71 — third highest in the league.

Not just a set-piece coach

While Andrews’ set-piece acumen is well-documented, his coaching journey is broad. Prior to Brentford, he had spells at MK Dons and Sheffield United, and worked within the Republic of Ireland’s U21 and senior setups. His playing career also adds gravitas — 35 international caps and club stints with the likes of Wolves, Blackburn, and Bolton provide him with the experience of elite dressing rooms.

More importantly, his fingerprints were all over Brentford’s blistering starts in matches last season. In October, they scored within the opening 40 seconds of three successive Premier League games. “Although it was Andrews’ idea, it appears Brentford are reaping the rewards for the coming together of many of the club’s strategic assets in one play,” wrote Jones — emphasising Andrews’ integration with club philosophy.

Brentford’s model supports internal elevation

The potential promotion of Andrews aligns with Brentford’s established ethos. When Dean Smith left in 2018, Thomas Frank was promoted from within. That continuity paid off handsomely. Andrews could represent a similar blend of familiarity and innovation — someone who understands the dressing room but can also add new layers tactically.

Photo: IMAGO

Names like Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna have been floated, but Brentford are not a club that typically chase reputations. They prize system fit over PR points. Importantly, Scott Parker is not under consideration, putting greater focus on the in-house talent already shaping results.

Timing and temperament will be crucial

Andrews brings coaching nous, player respect, and clear tactical ideas — all vital in a club that punches above its financial weight. Yet, transitioning from a specialist coach to head coach is a different beast. Whether Brentford back that leap remains to be seen. If they do, it will reflect their long-standing belief in internal development and sustainable evolution.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Brentford supporter, this link with Keith Andrews feels more exciting than outsiders might realise. It’s easy for the media to pigeonhole him as just a set-piece coach, but we’ve seen the broader influence he’s had — especially in how sharp we were in the first 10 minutes of games last season. Those quick starts weren’t just coincidence; they were part of a rehearsed plan, and Andrews was behind it.

We’ve been a club built on stability and internal growth. Promoting from within worked wonders when Frank stepped up from being Dean Smith’s assistant. Andrews, already embedded in the squad and the culture, might offer that same sense of continuation.

What’s more, he seems tactically switched on. The numbers don’t lie — third in the Premier League for xG from set pieces is no fluke. And for a club like us, where marginal gains are the difference between mid-table comfort and relegation nerves, that attention to detail is invaluable.

There’s always a risk with internal promotions. The leap from assistant to main man is huge. But given Brentford’s emphasis on collective coaching and data-driven decisions, Andrews wouldn’t be alone in the dugout. He’d be supported by a structure built to lift talent — and that includes the coach.

So yes, as a fan, I’d back this move. It’s a Brentford way decision — smart, steady, and true to what’s worked before.