Soccer

Former Ireland player Lee Carsley takes Brentford reins

Former Everton and Republic of Ireland player Lee Carsley, left, will succeed Marinus Dijkhuizen as Brentford boss until the end of the season
Former Everton and Republic of Ireland player Lee Carsley, left, will succeed Marinus Dijkhuizen as Brentford boss until the end of the season Former Everton and Republic of Ireland player Lee Carsley, left, will succeed Marinus Dijkhuizen as Brentford boss until the end of the season

BRENTFORD have parted company with head coach Marinus Dijkhuizen and replaced him with former Republic of Ireland international Lee Carsley until the end of the season.

Dijkhuizen has taken charge of just nine matches since arriving and leaves the club 19th in the Sky Bet Championship with two wins.

The Dutchman's assistant Roy Hendriksen has also left Griffin Park, with development squad coach Carsley promoted from within.

The 41-year-old former Everton midfielder Carsley, whose previous coaching positions came at Coventry and Sheffield United, will lead the side for the first time against Birmingham on Tuesday night.

A brief statement from the club read: "Brentford Football Club can confirm that the club, head coach Marinus Dijkhuizen and his assistant, Roy Hendriksen, have parted company.

"Lee Carsley has been promoted to head coach until the end of the season when the position will be reviewed.

"Lee has vast experience of the English game and has hugely impressed with his work with the Club's Development Squad. He will be assisted by Paul Williams.

"The club believes Lee deserves the opportunity to step up and help shape Brentford FC's future on the pitch."

Brentford recruited former Excelsior manager Dijkhuizen in the summer following the controversial departure of Mark Warburton.

Warburton had steered the club to promotion from League One and into the Championship play-offs at the first attempt but left due to differences with owner Matthew Benham over the future direction of the team.