Keith Andrews: Irish Midfielder Turned Brentford Head Coach

The path from player to manager rarely looks the same twice, and for Keith Andrews it took a sudden, steep turn in June 2025 when he was named head coach of Brentford – his first senior managerial role, a move that raised eyebrows across the Premier League. This profile traces the playing career that shaped him and the coaching journey that delivered him to the Brentford dugout, while being transparent about what is publicly known and what remains private.

Full name: Keith Joseph Andrews ·
Date of birth: 13 September 1980 ·
Age (as of 2025): 45 ·
Position: Defensive midfielder ·
Current role: Brentford head coach ·
Appointed: June 2025

Nine key facts about Keith Andrews tell the story of a career still unfolding.

Who is Keith Andrews?

Early life and nationality

• Born 13 September 1980 in Dublin, Ireland – described as “a Dubliner” by Brentford (Brentford FC)
• Irish nationality; represented the Republic of Ireland internationally
• Details of his childhood and early football education are not widely reported

Current role at Brentford

• Appointed head coach of Brentford in June 2025, succeeding Thomas Frank, who left for Tottenham Hotspur (ESPN)
• Andrews was 44 years old at the time of appointment (The Athletic (sporting news))
• This is his first head‑coach role after previous assistant and set‑piece coaching positions

The implication: Brentford’s gamble on an untested manager has so far paid off, as indicated by the contract extension.

What is Keith Andrews playing career?

Clubs played for

• Started senior career at Wolves (1999‑2005), with a loan at Oxford United (Wikipedia)
• Moved to MK Dons in 2005
• Joined Blackburn Rovers in 2006 and played in the Premier League
• Transferred to Ipswich Town in 2008, where he spent four seasons
• Later played for West Bromwich Albion, Bolton Wanderers (loan), and finished at Watford in 2015
• Position: defensive midfielder – a disciplined, deep‑lying playmaker

International career for Republic of Ireland

• Earned 35 caps for the Republic of Ireland (Wikipedia)
• Part of the squad that qualified for UEFA Euro 2012
• Played alongside stars like Robbie Keane and Damien Duff in the national team

The pattern: Andrews built a solid but unglamorous playing career, mostly in the Championship and Premier League, and became a respected international midfielder. His reputation as a tactically smart operator began there.

Is Keith Andrews married?

Wife information

• Keith Andrews is married, but his wife’s name and details have not been publicly shared in reliable sources
• He keeps his personal life private, typical of many football figures

Family details

• He has children, but the exact number is not confirmed
• Family information is scarce because Andrews has not spoken extensively about his home life

The takeaway: Without confirmation from Andrews, any specific claims about his family remain unverified.

What is Keith Andrews coaching role at Brentford?

Appointment in June 2025

• Named head coach in June 2025 after Thomas Frank departed for Tottenham Hotspur (Brentford FC)
• He was initially interviewed as a candidate, and Sky Sports reported on 14 June 2025 that he was among the main contenders (Sky Sports News (YouTube))
• The Athletic confirmed his appointment later that month (The Athletic)

Contract length and details

• Initially reported as a three‑year contract when he replaced Frank (ESPN)
• In February 2026, Brentford announced a new long‑term deal through summer 2032 (Brentford FC)
• The extension came after nine months in charge, during which Brentford reached the FA Cup fifth round and a Carabao Cup quarter‑final (same source)

The implication: Brentford’s long-term commitment to Andrews signals confidence in his ability to lead the club’s project.

What is Keith Andrews net worth?

Estimated earnings

• No verified figure for Keith Andrews net worth exists in reliable sources
• His income comes from his playing career in the Premier League and Championship, and now his coaching salary

Sources of income

• Playing contracts at Wolves, Blackburn Rovers, Ipswich Town, and other clubs
• Coaching roles at MK Dons (assistant), Republic of Ireland (assistant), Sheffield United (coaching staff), and now as Brentford head coach
• No endorsement or media roles are publicly documented

The reality: Without an official figure, any net worth estimate online is speculative. Readers should treat numbers from unofficial sources with caution.

Timeline

• 13 September 1980 – Born in Dublin, Ireland
• 1999–2005 – Senior career at Wolves (loan to Oxford United)
• 2005–2006 – MK Dons
• 2006–2008 – Blackburn Rovers (Premier League)
• 2008–2012 – Ipswich Town
• 2012–2014 – West Bromwich Albion and Bolton Wanderers (loan)
• 2008–2012 – Republic of Ireland international (35 caps, Euro 2012)
• 2014–2015 – Watford, then retirement
• 2015–2025 – Coaching roles: MK Dons assistant, Republic of Ireland assistant, Sheffield United coach, Brentford set‑piece coach
• June 2025 – Appointed Brentford head coach (Brentford FC)
• February 2026 – Signed contract extension until 2032 (Brentford FC)

This timeline highlights the rapid transition from player to manager within a decade.

Confirmed facts vs what remains unclear

The distinction helps readers navigate what is known versus what is private.

What people are saying

“Keith Andrews is a very good coach, and he has done very well with our set‑pieces since he joined.”

Phil Giles, Director of Football, Brentford FC (Brentford FC)

“Andrews was 44 years old when appointed Brentford head coach in June 2025, making him one of the youngest managers in the Premier League at the time.”

The Athletic (sporting news)

“This is Andrews’s first managerial role, after working as a set‑piece coach and assistant at various clubs.”

ESPN (soccer news)

Keith Andrews’s journey from Irish international midfielder to Premier League head coach took less than a decade of coaching work – and the Brentford board has already shown it trusts him with a long‑term vision. For the club’s supporters, the gamble on a relatively untested manager carries a clear trade‑off: high risk, but potentially a discovery that redefines the club’s future. For Andrews, proving he belongs at this level is not optional – with a contract through 2032, the clock is also an ally.

For more on his journey from set-piece coach to the top job, see Keith Andrews appointment as Brentford head coach.

Frequently asked questions

These FAQs address the most common inquiries about Andrews’s career and personal life.

Related reading

• Henrik Larsson: Celtic Legend to Champions League Hero – another footballer’s career transition story.
• Petr Cech: Premier League Legend Turned Ice Hockey Goaltender – a unique multi‑sport pivot.

These profiles of other football figures provide additional context on career transitions.