Keith Andrews: New Brentford head coach makes poor first impression in Forest loss
The nature of this defeat, in which Brentford created only 0.46 xG from open play, will add to the worry for supporters.
The Bees were chasing shadows throughout, conceding twice as many fouls as Forest with Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson controlling proceedings.
It will also raise questions about Andrews’ competency as a Premier League manager. Not only has he never led a team before, but his coaching career has not been stellar.
His first role was assistant to Karl Robinson at Milton Keynes Dons in 2015-16, when they were relegated from the Championship. Andrews also worked with Stephen Kenny in his ill-fated reign as Republic of Ireland manager, and his previous top-flight experience was at Sheffield United under Chris Wilder, when they finished bottom in 2023-24.
He moved to Brentford after that, where their penchant for succession planning played in Andrews’ favour.
“Keith Andrews was in and around the coaching, but his main focus was set-pieces,” former Brentford defender Ben Mee told BBC 5 Live.
“I felt it was a continuity point for the club [appointing Andrews]. He has been an assistant to a couple of coaches, and I think he’ll do a good job.
“For the club, it was the right decision. Brentford like to do things a bit different there.”
In Andrews’ defence, even the most experienced coaches would have a tough task at Brentford following a summer in which much of their quality and experience has been stripped.
Star forward Bryan Mbeumo, captain Christian Norgaard and first-choice keeper Mark Flekken were all sold. Striker Yoane Wissa looks to be heading out too, with the Newcastle target left out of the squad on Sunday.
“It’s a day-by-day one in terms of Wiss,” Andrews said afterwards. “As far as I know, nothing else has happened today.
“I have no idea what the situation will be, I have been up here since yesterday so we will deal with that during the week. Hopefully it can resolve itself sooner rather than later.”