Of course, Brentford fans were under no illusion that Frank wasn’t a wanted man, but the Spurs job just didn’t seem to suit him.
The Dane had led the Bees to the Premier League after winning the Championship play-off final in 2021.th9th16th and 10th over the next four seasons, cemented Brentford’s status as a top-flight team.
The loss of the manager who had presided over that impressive run was always inevitable, leading many pundits and former players to tip the club towards relegation this season.
Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa and Christian Nørgaard were also sold during the summer transfer window, reinforcing relegation fears.
After spending the 2024/25 campaign as Brentford manager, Keith Andrews replaced Frank in the dugout.
Nine months later, Brentford are on the cusp of their best ever Premier League result and qualification for Europe. A decision that was ridiculed across the country now looks like a masterstroke.
Andrews is keeping the bees flying right now and the next few weeks could be really special.
Andrews’ summer recruiting was perfect
Losing Mbeumo, Wissa and Nørgaard for a combined fee of around £136 million might have been a great deal from a financial perspective, but after scoring 46 goals between them, Andrews knew that replacing the trio would be imperative to survival.
Recruitment must therefore have been almost perfect. Dango Ouattara, Michael Kayode, Antoni Milambo, Caoimhin Kelleher and experienced boss Jordan Henderson arrived during a busy window.
Ouattara has since scored five goals in the Premier League, including against Aston Villa, Liverpool and Newcastle, while registering six assists.
The winger also leads in terms of penalties awarded (4) in the Premier League, while ranking in the top 15% compared to his peers for big chances created (8), aerial duels won (44) and headers (12).
Kayode also impressed, ranking in the top 1% of successful dribbles (41) and top 3% of duels won (168) in the elite, demonstrating his effectiveness both offensively and defensively.
Henderson has added plenty of experience to the heart of midfield, while Kelleher may be the ideal long-term heir to David Raya, who left in 2024.
All of these summer signings have contributed in one way or another, but it is a player signed in February 2024 who is responsible for the club’s high position in the Premier League this season.
Igor Thiago propels Brentford to their best Premier League result
Igor Thiago suffered from injury in his first season in the Premier League, making just eight appearances without finding the back of the net.
With the departures of Wissa and Mbeumo, Andrews knew the team members would have to step up and contribute from an offensive standpoint.
Undoubtedly talented, Thiago has exceeded all expectations and more this season for the Bees. At the time of writing, he has scored 21 goals in 31 matches in all competitions, including 18 in the top flight.
Only Erling Haaland has scored more league goals than the Brentford striker this season, while Thiago has already broken the record for the most goals scored in a Premier League season by a Brazilian, surpassing the previous total of 15 in January.
Among his peers, Thiago ranks in the top 5% for shots on target (36) and total duels won (151) as well as the top 8% for touches in the opponent’s penalty area (127) in the top flight during the current campaign.
Given his form and with a World Cup on the horizon, Andrews praised the player in early 2026.
“It’s not up to me to choose the Brazil team, but I know what I think of Thiago and I hold him in the highest regard.
“I wouldn’t trade him for anyone. I only see the trajectory going one way and that’s up.”
Final weeks could be key to Brentford’s European hopes
Brentford host Wolves in London on Monday evening, providing a great opportunity for them to bounce back to winning ways after FA Cup heartbreak.
After this draw, the Bees will face Leeds, Everton and then Fulham and if Andrews can lead his team to three wins from three, they would be in an excellent position heading into the final five matches.
The Bees face trips to Old Trafford, the Etihad and Anfield between April 27 and May 24, although they should take heart from the fact that Manchester United and Liverpool were put to the sword earlier this season.
Still, it’s a tough home stretch for the Bees. Considering how low morale was before a ball was even kicked this season. However, the fact that they have a chance to make history proves that Andrews’ appointment was the right decision.
A lot could still depend on the results of the clubs just above and below Brentford in the table. But if the club continues to perform consistently, fans will look forward to a trip or two to Europe next summer.
Andrews has ushered in a new era at Brentford, one which could go from strength to strength over the next 12 months.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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