BEES CALL FOR FRANK TO STEP UP

BRENTFORD have named Thomas Frank as boss Dean Smith’s successor.

Frank, 45, (below) arrived at Griffin Park in December 2016, and steps up from assistant head coach to replace Smith who left for Aston Villa last week. Bees’ co-director of football Phil Giles said: “Promoting Thomas to head coach ensures we can keep building on the foundations that are in place and working. The club is in a good place and we don’t think it is time for big changes.” Danish coach Frank, the former Brondby boss, will have his first game in charge for seventh-placed Bees against Bristol City in the Championship at Griffin Park on Saturday.

Giles’ fellow co-director of football Rasmus Ankersen added: “Thomas knows the club’s strategy inside out and we believe he is ready for the job.”