Brentford could turn their attentions to League Two in their hunt for a new manager, with Forest Green Rovers boss Mark Cooper allegedly in the frame.

HITC Sport are reporting that the 49-year old is on the Bees radar to replace Dean Smith, who left for Aston Villa this week.

Cooper is the son of former Leeds and England full back Terry Cooper and he's been building his reputation in the lower levels of the English game for some time.

He started out at Tamworth and Kettering Town before an ill-fated spell as Peterborough manager in which he lasted just 13 games. He later took charge of Darlington, Swindon and Notts County before winding up in the National League with Forest Green.

He's since won promotion to the Football League and is currently on the cusp of a play off battle, with his side the only undefeated team left in the Football League, although a failure to turn draws into wins has left them eight points behind leaders Lincoln City.

The Verdict

This would be a crazy move by Brentford.

Forest Green are doing well, but they're losing a huge amount of money every season in doing so. A little digging by Brentford will reveal this isn't a fairy tale rise of a tiny club, but an effort bankrolled beyond their means.

There's far better managers in League One and Two than Mark Cooper and Brentford would be wise to look elsewhere.