Former Premier League star and ex-Sky Sports pundit ‘in advanced talks to replace Thomas Frank at Brentford’

Brentford are reportedly in advanced talks with a member of their coaching staff to replace Thomas Frank as manager.

Frank was confirmed as Tottenham‘s new head coach on a three-year contract earlier this week.

He moves across London after nine years at Brentford to succeed Ange Postecoglou, sacked earlier this month, 16 days after his team won the Europa League.

The departure of Frank has left the Bees searching for a new boss and it looks as if that person could come from within.

Keith Andrews is the man they have their eye on following his work as a set-piece coach, according to The Independent.

Andrew is a well respected figure behind the scenes at Brentford and the report adds that he is already looking for backroom staff. 

Ex-Premier League star and Sky Sports pundit Keith Andrews is in contention for the role

Andrews worked as part of the Republic of Ireland set-up, as well as MK Dons and Sheffield United

The 44-year-old is a former Premier League player, playing for the likes of Wolves, Brighton, Bolton and Blackburn during his career.

He also shone as a pundit for Sky Sports on EFL matches, but boosts significant coaching experience.

Andrews began his coaching career as an assistant manager at MK Dons, before working with Stephen Kenny in the Republic of Ireland Under-21 set-up and then the senior side.

He also took up a role in Chris Wilder’s backroom staff at Sheffield United before joining Frank’s team at Brentford. 

The appointment of Andrews would see the continuation of a familiar pattern of promoting from within with Frank succeeding Dean Smith after his role as his assistant.

Ex-Brentford first-team assistant coach Justin Cochrane was believed to be leading the running for the job to replace Frank, but he opted to follow the Dane to Spurs.

Brentford hailed the appointment of Andrews last summer in the specialist role, with director of football Phil Giles stating at the time: ‘Whilst he has had more wide-ranging coaching roles in the past, focusing on set-pieces as a specialism is something which we think he has the qualities to do extremely well.

‘I’m sure that our staff can help him develop as a coach, too. Set-pieces are an important part of what we do well and I’m sure we’ll maintain those standards with Keith in charge.’