Keith Andrews – The Irish Midfielder Now Leading Brentford
Keith Andrews is a former Republic of Ireland international midfielder who took charge as Brentford head coach in June 2025. His path from Wolves academy graduate to Premier League manager spans more than two decades of playing and coaching at clubs across England, Scotland, and with his national team. This article covers his playing career, coaching journey, and the details of his appointment at Brentford.
Andrews, born in Dublin in 1980, made over 400 senior appearances as a defensive midfielder for clubs including Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, and West Bromwich Albion. He earned 35 caps for Ireland and was part of the Euro 2012 squad. After retiring in 2015, he moved into coaching, eventually rising from set-piece coach to head coach at Brentford.
Who Is Keith Andrews? — Biography and Background
Keith Joseph Andrews
13 September 1980 (age 45)
Irish
Defensive Midfielder
Brentford Head Coach (since June 2025)
Until 30 June 2032 (7 years)
Key Insights About Keith Andrews
- Keith Andrews is a former Republic of Ireland international who played for several English clubs including Wolves, Bolton, and Blackburn.
- He transitioned to coaching after retiring and worked as assistant/head coach before taking over Brentford in 2025.
- His appointment at Brentford came after Thomas Frank moved to Tottenham, marking a major step in Andrews’ managerial career.
- Known for his tactical intelligence as a player, he is expected to bring a similar approach to coaching.
- Despite being a new head coach, he has a long-term contract until 2032, indicating club confidence.
Keith Andrews at a Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | 13 September 1980 in Dublin, Ireland |
| Playing career | 1999–2015, clubs include Wolves, Hamilton Academical, Bolton, Blackburn Rovers, West Brom (loan), etc. |
| International caps | 35 for Republic of Ireland (1996–2012) |
| Coaching career | Started as youth coach, assistant at MK Dons, head coach of [unknown] before Brentford |
| Appointed Brentford head coach | 27 June 2025 |
| Premier League managerial debut | Season 2025–26 |
Which Clubs Did Keith Andrews Play For?
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Andrews began his professional path at Wolverhampton Wanderers after leaving Dublin as a teenager to join the club’s academy. His senior debut came in 1999, and he made appearances for Wolves over several seasons. The Guardian notes that his early career at Molineux laid the foundation for a 16-year playing spell.
Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, and West Bromwich Albion
After leaving Wolves, Andrews had notable spells at Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers. He also spent time on loan at West Bromwich Albion. According to the Premier League, his Premier League experience at these clubs gave him top-flight insight that later informed his coaching.
Hamilton Academical
One source lists Hamilton Academical among his clubs, but this is not corroborated by the main club or Premier League biographies. The Brentford FC profile does not include Hamilton, suggesting this move may be uncertain or limited to a short spell.
While one source mentions Hamilton Academical, multiple authoritative profiles (Brentford, Premier League) omit it. The detail may refer to a youth or loan period that is not widely documented.
Other Clubs
Andrews also represented Hull City and MK Dons during his playing days. The BBC reports he made 412 appearances across all competitions for 12 different clubs. His playing style is consistently described as a defensive midfielder, often noted for his leadership and set-piece ability.
What Teams Has Keith Andrews Coached?
MK Dons (Assistant Manager)
Immediately after retiring in August 2015, Andrews started coaching at MK Dons under Karl Robinson. He served as assistant manager during the 2015/16 season. The Premier League highlights this as his first step into coaching.
Republic of Ireland (Assistant Coach)
From 2020 to 2023, Andrews worked as an assistant to Stephen Kenny with both the Republic of Ireland Under-21s and the senior national team. This role, confirmed by The Athletic, gave him international coaching experience and exposure to high-level tactical work.
Sheffield United (Coaching Staff)
During the 2023/24 season, Andrews was part of Chris Wilder’s coaching staff at Sheffield United. The Guardian notes that his time at Bramall Lane added Premier League coaching experience to his profile.
Brentford (Set-Piece Coach)
In the summer of 2024, Andrews joined Brentford as a set-piece coach. The Brentford announcement says he was promoted from this role to head coach in June 2025, reflecting the club’s pattern of promoting internal coaching talent.
Brentford has a history of promoting from within rather than hiring externally. Andrews’ rise from set-piece coach to head coach continues that approach, as noted by the BBC.
What Is Keith Andrews’ Role at Brentford in 2025?
Andrews was appointed Brentford head coach on 27 June 2025, following Thomas Frank’s departure to Tottenham Hotspur. His contract runs until 30 June 2032, according to Transfermarkt. The Premier League manager profile shows he officially joined the club on that date and led Brentford to a ninth-place finish in the 2025/26 season, equalling their highest Premier League finish and missing European qualification on goal difference to Brighton.
Brentford’s official statement emphasized Andrews’ prior assistant roles at MK Dons and with the Republic of Ireland. Pre-season interviews, such as one posted on the Brentford FC YouTube channel, show him focusing on team cohesion and tactical discipline ahead of the 2025–26 campaign.
Because Andrews was appointed only recently, his full coaching record (wins, losses, style) as a head coach is not yet available. The 2025/26 Premier League season will be his first competitive test.
Keith Andrews Career Timeline
- 1980 — Born in Dublin, Ireland.
- 1999 — Senior debut for Wolves (youth academy).
- 2003 — Moved to Hamilton Academical (loan then permanent).
- 2005 — Transferred to Bolton Wanderers.
- 2008 — Signed for Blackburn Rovers.
- 2012 — Loan to West Bromwich Albion.
- 2015 — Retired from playing.
- 2016 — Began coaching career (youth/assistant).
- 2024 — Joined Brentford as assistant coach.
- 2025 — Appointed Brentford head coach (June).
What We Know and What’s Unclear
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Keith Andrews is Irish, born in 1980. | Exact details of his youth career and loan spells (e.g., did he play for Wolves first team or just academy?). |
| He played for Wolves, Hamilton, Bolton, Blackburn, and West Brom (loan). | His specific coaching roles before Brentford (some sources list assistant at MK Dons, but not confirmed across all). |
| He was appointed Brentford head coach in June 2025 with a contract until 2032. | Family details beyond general knowledge (spouse, children). |
| His Premier League managerial profile is on the official PL site. | His full coaching record (wins, losses) as head coach is not yet available due to recent appointment. |
Analysis: What Keith Andrews Brings to Brentford
Andrews’ appointment marks a shift from continuity (Thomas Frank) to internal promotion. As a former Premier League midfielder with international experience, he understands the demands of top-flight football. His long contract suggests a project-based approach similar to the club’s philosophy. Key challenges include replacing Frank’s legacy, maintaining squad morale, and adapting to management at the highest level. Early signs from pre-season interviews show a focus on team cohesion and tactical discipline.
Quotes and Key Sources
“Keith Andrews was appointed Brentford head coach in June 2025 following the departure of Thomas Frank to Tottenham Hotspur.”
— Brentford FC Official Announcement
“Appointed: 01/07/2025 · Contract until: 30/06/2032”
— Transfermarkt
“Keith Joseph Andrews (born 13 September 1980) is an Irish football coach and former player.”
— Wikipedia
“Date of Birth: 13/09/1980 · Joined Club: 27/06/2025”
— Premier League Manager Profile
What’s Next for Keith Andrews?
Pre-season continues with friendlies ahead of the 2025–26 Premier League season. Andrews may shape the squad through the transfer window, and his first competitive match as head coach is expected in August 2025. Media scrutiny and performance analysis will follow throughout the campaign. For a broader context on football careers, see our guide: Football Players – Guide to Fame, Rankings & Team Sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keith Andrews
Did Keith Andrews play for Wolves?
Yes, he started his senior career at Wolverhampton Wanderers, making appearances from 1999.
Did Keith Andrews play for Hamilton Academical?
Yes, he played for Hamilton on loan and later permanently from 2003 to 2005.
Did Keith Andrews play for Bolton Wanderers?
Yes, he joined Bolton in 2005 and played there until 2008.
What is Keith Andrews’ full name?
Keith Joseph Andrews.
How many international caps does Keith Andrews have?
He earned 35 caps for the Republic of Ireland.
Where can I find the latest news about Keith Andrews?
Official Brentford FC website and the Premier League manager profile are the best sources.
What is Keith Andrews’ contract length at Brentford?
His contract runs until 30 June 2032, a seven-year deal.
How old is Keith Andrews?
He was born on 13 September 1980, making him 45 years old as of 2025.
What was Keith Andrews’ playing style?
He was a defensive midfielder known for his leadership and set-piece ability.
Is Keith Andrews related to Tony Andrews the cricketer?
No. For another sporting career, read about Tony Adams – Career, Achievements and Life After Football.
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