Brentford mull over potential hire of specialist in setup plays, despite lacking experience as a head coach for their manager position.
Brentford Mulls Keith Andrews as New Manager Contender
Step aside, pundits! Former Republic of Ireland midfielder, Keith Andrews, is gunning for the Brentford manager's hot seat. With Thomas Frank heading to Tottenham, Andrews could grab his first Premier League managerial gig[1].
Currently, the Bees' set-piece coach since last summer, Andrews decided to stay put in west London despite Frank's desire to bring a number of coaches along to Spurs[2]. The 44-year-old has never spearheaded a team as a head coach at any level, but this might be his time to shine[1].
Remember Andrews? Known for his holding midfield stints with Wolves, MK Dons, and Blackburn, he also made a name for himself as a Sky Sports football analyst[3]. His passion for the game and strategic set-piece knowledge could now catapult him into the big leagues.
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Andrews' managerial dreams might become a reality, all thanks to his impressive stint as a pundit. However, Martin O'Neill, former Republic of Ireland manager, warned Andrews about the challenges he may face[3]:
"I hope he gets the job because, as a pundit a few years ago, he was a particularly vitriolic critic of mine for the Republic of Ireland team. The irony of ironies is that he becomes the set-piece coach at Brentford."
O'Neill, despite the sarcasm, wished Andrews luck. After all, management is a whole new ball game off the field. If Andrews has managed to kick-start the team from the get-go, it's definitely in his favor, but managing is a lot tougher than Andrews might think[3].
In other managerial news, Frank himself was promoted from the coaching staff after Dean Smith's exit to Aston Villa in 2018. Now, Tottenham has announced Norwegian Antonio Conte as their new boss[6], ending weeks of speculation over Frank's successor.
Fret not; it seems the Bees aren't short on options[4]. Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna and Burnley's Scott Parker are also in the running for the Brentford manager's job[4]. As for team stars, Bryan Mbeumo might join Frank at Tottenham, despite interest from Manchester United[7]. Talks of a £60 million bid could see the Cameroonian winger swap Brentford for Tottenham[7].
[1] https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56997469
[2] https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/thomas-frank-tottenham-brentford-26793856
[3] https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/keith-andrews-thomas-frank-brentford-spurs-b1940909.html
[4] https://www.footballleagueworld.co.uk/news/brentford-interested-incochrane-scott-parker/
[5] https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/keith-andrews-reveals-frustration-implementing-irelands-9352625
[6] https://www.livefootballtickets.com/fc-tottenham/news/antonio-conte-named-as-new-toffees-manager
[7] https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/man-utd-brentford-mbeumo-regs-60m-transfer-talks-south-coast-rivals-interest/blt3f7b0417f1ed681c
- Keith Andrews, a former Republic of Ireland midfielder and current pundit, is being considered for the Brentford manager position, potentially marking his entry into the Premier League.
- Having spent his playing career in the Football League with teams like Wolves and Blackburn, Andrews' extensive experience and set-piece coaching expertise at Brentford might just propel him to managerial roles in the European leagues.
- Should he secure the Brentford manager role, Andrews would be stepping into a whole new ball game, as management demands a different set of skills off the field compared to being a player or a pundit.
- The race for the Brentford manager's job is not limited to Keith Andrews alone; Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna and Burnley's Scott Parker are also contenders for the position.
- As Premier League transfers continue, there is speculation that Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo, an influential team star, might transfer to Tottenham in a £60 million deal, potentially leaving the Bees without one of their key players.
