New Brentford head coach Keith Andrews spoke of being 'humbled' and 'honoured' as he was announced as Thomas Frank's successor on Friday.
The 44-year-old earns a promotion from the club's set-piece coach, a position he held under Frank since July 2024, and will take on the first senior managerial role of his career.
Andrews previously held assistant coaching roles at Sheffield United under Chris Wilder, the Republic of Ireland senior and Under-21 sides under Stephen Kenny, and MK Dons under Karl Robinson.
Now the club entrusts him with leading the post-Frank era and building upon the success that has seen the Bees earn top-half finishes in two of their four Premier League campaigns.
"[I'm] pretty humbled would be the overriding feeling, honoured that I’m the person that’s been chosen to take the club into the next chapter," he explained, speaking to the club media.
"I’m very appreciative of the owner, the board and the staff that have supported this decision. It's an opportunity I feel I'm very capable of doing and ready to go."
Understanding the Brentford Way
It is the second consecutive time Brentford have appointed from within after his predecessor took on the role from Dean Smith in October 2018, after initially joining as an assistant in December 2016.
Having spent the past twelve months developing an extensive understanding of the club's ideologies, Andrews explained what excites him as he takes the lead and builds upon strong foundations.
"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.
"I think it’s really important to keep that humility that we have as a football club and continue to grow."
Andrews has a strong attention to detail and was the mastermind behind Brentford becoming the first club in Premier League history to score within the first minute in three consecutive games in September 2024.
He was well regarded by his former head coach as the Bees posted a strong record at set-pieces during the 2024/25 season; impactful as an assistant, Andrews offered insight into his vision now that he is in charge.
"I want a team that the fans feel represents them and what they want to see on a Saturday," he said.
"We want to play winning football, we want to be competitive, we want to have an edge, we want to play dynamic, relentless football, but we want to be organised.
"We want to have huge moments, huge games, and I think the big one is that we want to have an attitude and a relentlessness of progression. We really need to maintain that, and that's on a daily basis."
Focus on player development
Director of Football, Phil Giles, described him as someone that 'gets on with everyone' and Andrews feels having a good relationship with the players is an area that will help him a lot as a head coach.
"It’s a massive advantage to know the players inside out, I’ve got a really good connection with the players. The ceiling is massive in terms of what we can achieve and I’ve got so much belief in them."
Andrews began his coaching career as a 29-year-old, undergoing his UEFA B license at Blackburn Rovers and coaching the club's Under-14s side while playing in the Premier League.
Also coaching at the Under-21 level for Ireland, where he first worked with Nathan Collins and Caoimhin Kelleher, the Irishman has developed a strong interest in player development - something that aligns with the club's ethos.
"There will be a clear plan to try and develop our talented young players," Andrews said.
"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."
As Andrews concluded an interview that highlighted why the club appointed him, he reiterated his pride in taking charge of Brentford.
"I love it here, I love coming in every single day, and I will give absolutely everything to continue the success of this football club."