Brentford confirm appointment of Walsall boss Smith

Brentford have confirmed the appointment of Walsall’s Dean Smith as their new head coach.

Smith, 44, and his assistant Richard O’Kelly have both quit the League One club to take over at Griffin Park.

Brentford made their approach ahead of Walsall’s game against Bradford on Saturday and a compensation package was agreed.

Smith is the long-term replacement for Marinus Dijkhuizen, who was sacked on 28 September after just eight games at the helm.

His first game in charge will be the visit of MK Dons on Saturday, with Lee Carsley, who has led the team since Dijkhuizen’s dismissal, overseeing Monday night’s game at Bolton.

Smith’s tenure at Walsall, which would have passed the five-year mark in January, made him the fourth longest-serving manager in English professional football.

After several mid-table finishes, he has guided them to fourth in the League One table this season. The Saddlers also reached last season’s Football League Trophy final at Wembley.

Brentford confirmed that Carsley will remain at Griffin Park until the end of December as part of the transition process.