Aksel Kryhlmand
Sixteen of the club’s last 23 permanent signings have been players aged 23 or younger.
Thomas Frank has officially ended his seven-year time at Brentford to become Tottenham’s new head coach. While the move marks the end of a transformative era for the West London club, there are still several compelling reasons for fans to feel hopeful about what comes next.
A Club That Plans Ahead
Brentford has built a reputation for staying two steps ahead. When key players like Neal Maupay and Ollie Watkins were sold, Ivan Toney was already lined up. When Toney moved on, Yoane Wissa was ready to take the mantle. The club’s strategic foresight also extends to its coaching staff.
One possible internal successor to Frank is set-piece coach Keith Andrews. Credited with modernising Brentford’s dead-ball play, Andrews introduced an innovative kick-off strategy that helped the club score the fastest goal in three consecutive Premier League matches. As someone who understands Brentford’s culture and philosophy from within, Andrews represents a seamless transition.
Another name to watch is Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna. Despite relegation from the Premier League, McKenna remains a rising star in English coaching circles, having previously attracted interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.
Europe’s Sharpest Scouting Network?
Brentford’s recruitment model remains among the most sophisticated in Europe. The club reportedly maintains a player database with over 85,000 profiles, a treasure trove that offers a major advantage in the transfer market.
This strategic approach was recently on display when goalkeeper Mark Flekken was sold to Bayer Leverkusen. On the very same day, Brentford completed the signing of Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool, a swift, calculated move backed by data.
Built on Youth
Long-term development is more than a philosophy at Brentford, it’s policy. Sixteen of the club’s last 23 permanent signings have been players aged 23 or younger. This youth-first mindset has already paid off with breakthrough performances from the likes of Mikkel Damsgaard and Kevin Schade, who flourished after patient development.
Future of Brentford
Thomas Frank’s departure is undoubtedly significant. But Brentford’s success has never hinged on a single individual. With strong internal leadership options, an elite recruitment strategy, and a consistent commitment to developing young talent, the club remains well-positioned to thrive, even without the man who led them to their Premier League rise. The next chapter at the Gtech Community Stadium might look different, but the script is far from finished.