Smith confirmed as new Brentford manager

Brentford’s new head coach Dean Smith has swept into Griffin Park with the aim of taking the Bees to the very highest level.

Former Walsall boss Smith was confirmed as Marinus Dijkhuizen’s successor earlier on Monday, but took his place in the stands as Lee Carsley oversaw one final fixture in his role as caretaker coach.

Walsall will have a tough job on their hands to replace Smith, who had spent five years in charge at The Bank’s Stadium before deciding to take the step up to the second tier.

It’s a shame for the Saddlers that they might lose their manager during a period of great success, but such if the footballing world.

Ankersen went on to draw parellels between Smith’s work at Walsall and the task he now faces at Brentford, noting that he will have to compete with far wealthier clubs at the top end of the Championship table.

To manage a Championship club, going upwards, is exciting.

“We believe Dean is exactly the authentic and strong leader we need to take Brentford forward and ultimately into the Premier League”, he said.

The 34-year-old is the youngest manager in the Football League and after steering the club to survival in League Two last season he is guiding the club to an unlikely promotion bid this term.

Smith was appointed yesterday and his first match in charge will be at home to MK Dons on Saturday.

“It is important the club keeps improving and hopefully I can help do that”.

“The job of head coach of Brentford is not a job for a guy with a big ego”, Ankersen told BBC Radio London.

Neil Lennon’s players put their own financial concerns to one side as they gave a spirited performance against an in-form Brentford.