Spread the love

As was widely expected, Thomas Frank has been appointed the new Head Coach of Brentford Football Club, following Dean Smith’s departure to Aston Villa.

Frank certainly offers continuity and stability, having worked alongside Smith and O’Kelly for the past couple of years, and was a very visible sideline advisor during matches – especially when things weren’t going to plan. The former Denmark’s U16, U17, U19 and Brondby boss is also widely credited for his ability to encourage the best from young players.

The Bees’ co-sporting director Phil Giles said: “[Rasmus] and I have used Dean’s departure as a chance to pause and review what we need to add to the coaching staff to keep moving forward.

“We feel the club is in a good place and we don’t think it is time for big changes. Promoting Thomas ensures that we can keep building on the foundations that are already in place and working.”

Ankersen added: “He has played a major role in the development of our style of play over the past couple of years and we believe he is ready for the job.”

Lars Friis, Brentford’s personal development coach, will be working alongside Frank, in the short term at least.

Fans will be encouraged by the memory that the last time the club’s head coach departed mid-season, the campaign ended in promotion – however, the news that Dean Smith seems to have been heavily involved in making the Villa move happen, rather than simply taking a call and accepting a job he couldn’t refuse, is disappointing. Smith has certainly made his bed there.

Dean Smith told the press yesterday that it was his call for John Terry to re-join Villa as assistant manager following a lengthy FaceTime call – clearly the hierarchy at Villa Park were insistent that a big name had to be part of any new management set up and Smith did what was needed to make that happen.

Looking to the future, all Brentford fans will join us in wishing Thomas Frank the very best of fortune in his new job, and we hope the players can now refocus on getting back to winning ways this weekend when Bristol City come to town.

Dave Lane