Keith Andrews has put pen to paper on an ABSURD new deal that’ll keep him at Brentford until 2032, just nine months into his first ever head coach job .
The Irishman, 45, took over from Thomas Frank last June when the Dane finally jumped ship for Tottenham. Now he’s been handed an EIGHT YEAR contract after guiding the Bees to seventh in the Premier League .
Let that sink in. Eight years. In modern football. At a club that’s made a habit of ripping up the rulebook.
THE ANDREWS EFFECT
When Andrews rocked up at the Community Stadium, there were eyebrows raised. A rookie boss taking over from a club legend? With no senior management experience? It could have gone so wrong.
Instead, Brentford have gone flying up the table. Seventh place. Playing some of the sexiest football outside the top six. FA Cup fifth round. League Cup quarter finals. Not bad for a bloke learning on the job.
Director of football Phil Giles didn’t hold back: “Keith has done an outstanding job. The team are playing well and the things we thought we could be better at this season have all improved.”
“He’s a really good fit for the club and the way we like to work. He brings the best out of both players and staff alike.”
THE FRANK SHADOW
Let’s not forget, Andrews inherited a squad built in Frank’s image. The temptation might have been to rip it up and start again. Instead, he’s evolved it. Tweaked it. Made it his own.
And the players? They’ve bought in completely.
WHAT HAPPENS NOW
Brentford travel to Burnley on Saturday looking to cement that top half spot. Then it’s West Ham away in the FA Cup, where a quarter final place is up for grabs.
But the real story here is the message this contract sends. Brentford aren’t messing about. They’ve identified their man and they’re building around him. Long term. Properly.
In an era where managers get sacked after six months, this is refreshing. Bonkers. But refreshing.
THE REACTION
Social media’s gone into meltdown. “2032?!” is trending among Bees fans who can’t quite believe what they’re seeing. Some are calling it genius. Others are worried about the compensation if it goes wrong.
But Andrews? He’s just getting started.
“I’m delighted,” he said. “The club have shown incredible faith in me. Now it’s about repaying that on the pitch.”
Eight years to do it. Not bad.
