Brentford are on the lookout for a new manager after Dean Smith left to join Aston Villa during the week.

The London club were dealt a blow when Smith decided he wanted a new challenge and opted for a move to their Championship rivals.

Smith had been at the club since his appointment from Walsall in 2015.

With speculation rife on the Bees successor to their now former boss, one manager who has been in the frame for the role is Forest Green’s Mark Cooper.

The former Peterborough and Swindon manager have been linked with the vacancy in recent days.

But, according to The Gazette, Cooper has distanced himself with the role.

Speaking ahead of Forest Green’s trip to Northampton tomorrow, the current boss said: "I don't know anything about it.

"It's always nice to get linked to jobs, but our focus is entirely on Forest Green and trying to get a result tomorrow. If you're getting results that always happens. 

“The more times it happens then great because it means you're getting results, but it's the players that go out on the pitch and perform so if they're doing that then these things happen.”

The Verdict

This could be a potential let off for Brentford fans.

Many of them might not want Mark Cooper to take charge with Thomas Frank, the current front-runner for the job.

There would be more problems with adding a manager from outside the club with a change in philosophy and values.

As well as the potential to want to bring in his own back room staff.

It could cause even more unrest than there already has been with Dean Smith’s departure.

It's best if the Bees avoid Cooper at all costs and let him continue with his Forest Green charge.

There are better options out there and will be more than interested in a job like Brentford.