Brentford are thought to be looking within the club when identifying a successor for Dean Smith, who joined Aston Villa last night.

The Bees are currently without a coach after Smith move to Villa, but Sky Sports report that they could turn their attentions to their current head coach, Thomas Frank.

The 45-year old started out managing youth teams at Lyngby and Frederiksværk BK whom he served as a player. He later took charge of the Danish Under 16, Under 17 and Under 19 sides.

Following those appointments he moved to Brondby, one of the leading sides in his native Denmark where he enjoyed a spell as manager. He took charge of 1o3 matches, winning 44% of those.

It is thought that he will be considered as a replacement for Smith, as the club seeks continuity in the weeks ahead.

He's been at Brentford since 2016. Bizarrely, he left Brondby after receiving criticism from an online forum in which his own chairman posted under an assumed name.

The Verdict

There's no immediate rush and if Brentford decide not to go down the Franks route they have a safe and experienced pair of hands at the helm whilst they search for a successor.

He does know the club, that much is certain, but can he move into the top job with ease? The Bees hierarchy must make a balanced decision as it could be crucial for their immediate future.