Keith Andrews Leads Brentford’s Strong Start to 2026-27 Season
Brentford are unbeaten after four matches of the 2026-27 season, with Keith Andrews’ side taking five points from their first three Premier League games and crushing Birmingham City 6-1 to reach the Carabao Cup third round.
The strong opening has intensified belief that Brentford can again challenge for European qualification under Andrews, who guided the club to ninth place last term after replacing Thomas Frank in the summer of 2025. Frank’s move to Tottenham left the Bees turning to their set-piece coach, a decision that initially prompted relegation predictions.
Andrews instead settled the club quickly and pushed them within touching distance of the European places. He is tied to a long-term deal running until 2032, but his progress has already led to expectations that bigger Premier League clubs could eventually test Brentford’s resolve.
Former Brentford striker Clinton Morrison believes Andrews has transformed those early doubts into genuine ambition. Morrison said the Bees could compete for the final European positions this season and suggested a cup run is also within reach.
He pointed to the depth assembled in west London, highlighting Mamadou Sangare as a player capable of attracting leading clubs but persuaded by Brentford’s project. Morrison also cited Callum Wilson’s experience as important competition for Thiago, while Jaidon Anthony’s arrival from Burnley has increased pressure on Dango Ouattara and Kevin Schade.
El Hadji Malick Diouf joined for £40 million from West Ham but has struggled for minutes so far, underlining the options available to Andrews. Keane Lewis-Potter, meanwhile, has made an outstanding start, with Brentford carrying strong competition across the squad.
Andrews’ route to the Brentford job included coaching work with Karl Robinson at MK Dons, assistant roles alongside Stephen Kenny with the Republic of Ireland under-21s and senior team, and a spell on Chris Wilder’s staff at Sheffield United. As a player, the Irishman featured in the Premier League for Blackburn Rovers and West Bromwich Albion and won 35 senior caps for Ireland.
What happens next for Brentford
Brentford face Bournemouth away in the league, travel to Reading in the Carabao Cup and then host local rivals Chelsea before the first international break. Another positive sequence would strengthen hopes of a European push — and further raise Andrews’ growing reputation.
