Brentford manager Keith Andrews has opened up about his unconventional path to Premier League management and his ambitions for the club in an interview. The Bees boss, now in his second season at the helm, guided the team to a ninth-place finish last campaign and welcomes the heightened expectations that come with their current strong start.
Andrews' journey from Dublin schoolboy football to the Premier League touchline took a full decade. He began his coaching career with MK Dons in 2015, ten years before taking charge at Brentford. "My journey has not been straightforward, far from it, especially in those earlier years," Andrews told reporters. His playing career included 84 Premier League appearances across spells with Wolves, Blackburn Rovers, and West Bromwich Albion between 2003 and 2012.
His football story began in the competitive Dublin District Schoolboy League, where he played junior football. Wolves identified him as a talent from that league and brought him to England at just 15 years old. His mother was initially against the move, preferring he finish his education and attend university. Andrews was part of a significant Irish contingent at Wolves, joining the club alongside future star Robbie Keane. He noted the high standard of his youth football, with teams from the Dublin league regularly facing opponents like Manchester United and various European sides.
The manager's focus is firmly on building upon last season's success. Andrews has been with the club for a considerable period and is determined to push on. "I've been here a long, long time. We want the noise. We're not finished yet," he stated. He emphasized the need to maintain the squad's hunger and desire as they enter what he calls the "next chapter," with the aim of being even better.
This ambition is reflected in their early season form. As of September 9, 2026, Brentford sit fifth in the Premier League table with five points from three matches. Their record shows one win and two draws. They have scored five goals while conceding only two.
Maintaining this positive start will require handling some injury concerns. The club's current sidelined list includes several key figures: Antoni Milambo, Josh Dasilva, Mathias Jensen, Nathan Collins, and Sepp van den Berg.
Andrews now openly welcomes the high expectations surrounding his team as they prepare for the next phase of the 2026-27 season. He believes the club is ready for the increased attention and pressure that comes with being a consistent Premier League presence. The immediate task is an away trip to face Bournemouth on September 12.
The full interview with Keith Andrews, titled 'The Football Interview', is available to watch on BBC One at 12:45 every Saturday during the Premier League season. It can also be found on BBC iPlayer, the BBC Football YouTube channel, and the BBC Sport website and app.
