Keith Joseph Andrews is a name that has recently taken centre stage in English football. In June 2025, the 45-year-old Dubliner was appointed head coach of Brentford FC, succeeding Thomas Frank. His journey from a hard‑tackling defensive midfielder to a Premier League manager is a story of resilience, leadership, and a rapid coaching ascent that has captured the attention of the football world.
Andrews built a solid playing career across 16 years, representing 12 clubs and earning 35 caps for the Republic of Ireland. After retiring in 2015, he moved into coaching with a brief stint at MK Dons, then worked with the Irish national team, Sheffield United, and eventually Brentford as a set‑piece specialist. His appointment as head coach in 2025, after just 19 months in senior coaching roles, marks one of the most remarkable transitions in recent Premier League history.
Who is Keith Andrews? Age, Background, and Biography
Identity
Keith Joseph Andrews (born 13 September 1980)
Playing Career
Defensive Midfielder for Wolves, Blackburn Rovers, Ipswich Town, West Bromwich Albion, and Republic of Ireland (35 caps)
Current Role
Head Coach of Brentford FC (appointed June 2025)
Recent News
Appointed Brentford manager after Thomas Frank’s departure; went viral for post‑match talk with Macclesfield players
- Keith Andrews is a former Republic of Ireland defensive midfielder who has transitioned into a successful coaching career, culminating in the Brentford head coach role in 2025.
- His playing career spanned over 15 years in English football, including significant spells at Wolves, Blackburn Rovers, and Ipswich Town.
- Andrews earned 35 caps for the Republic of Ireland, representing his country at UEFA Euro 2012.
- His coaching journey began after retiring from playing, with roles at Macclesfield Town before being appointed Brentford manager in June 2025.
- Andrews gained viral attention in 2025 for his empathetic post‑match talk in the Macclesfield dressing room, highlighting his man‑management skills.
- He is currently the oldest head coach in the Premier League at age 45 (as of July 2025).
- His contract at Brentford runs until 30 June 2032, reflecting the club’s long‑term commitment.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Keith Joseph Andrews |
| Date of Birth | 13 September 1980 |
| Age (2025) | 45 years old |
| Place of Birth | Dublin, Ireland |
| Position | Defensive Midfielder |
| Playing Career Highlights | Wolves, Blackburn Rovers, Ipswich Town, West Bromwich Albion, Republic of Ireland (35 caps) |
| Current Role | Head Coach, Brentford FC (appointed June 2025) |
| Contract Length (2025) | Until 30 June 2032 |
Keith Andrews’ Playing Career: Clubs, Caps, and Style
Andrews played as a quintessential defensive midfielder, known for his physicality, work rate, and ball‑winning ability. He was often described as a “Midfield Enforcer” during his playing days. His Premier League experience at Blackburn Rovers and West Bromwich Albion provided him with top‑level exposure.
What clubs did Keith Andrews play for?
Andrews began his professional career at Wolverhampton Wanderers, making his first‑team debut at 19 and becoming the club’s youngest captain in over a century at age 20 (or 21). He spent five years at Wolves, with loan spells at Oxford United, Stoke City, Walsall, and Ipswich Town. After leaving Wolves, he played for Hull City (2005–2006) and then Milton Keynes Dons, where he captained the side to promotion to League One and won the Football League Trophy in 2008.
In 2008, he transferred to Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League for approximately £1 million (other sources cite £1.3m). He was a Premier League regular for two seasons. His later career included stints at West Bromwich Albion, Bolton Wanderers, Watford, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Ipswich Town. He retired from playing in August 2015 at age 34 to become a coach.
How many caps did Keith Andrews earn for Ireland?
Andrews earned 35 senior caps for the Republic of Ireland. He made his senior international debut in 2008 at age 28, shortly after joining Blackburn. He scored 3 international goals, including his debut goal against Poland. He featured in UEFA Euro 2012 under manager Giovanni Trapattoni. His last senior cap came in 2012. He also earned a solitary Ireland under‑17 cap in 1996.
Andrews was a classic “water carrier” in midfield. His primary job was to break up opposition attacks, shield the back four, and distribute the ball simply. He averaged strong tackling numbers and was known for his aerial presence despite his moderate height. His leadership qualities were evident from a young age, as shown by his early captaincy at Wolves.
Keith Andrews’ Coaching Career: From Macclesfield to Brentford Manager
Andrews’ coaching career spanned just 19 months before becoming a head coach, marking a rapid rise. He began as a first‑team coach at MK Dons under Karl Robinson, then became assistant manager. He later served as assistant manager to Stephen Kenny for both the Republic of Ireland Under‑21 and senior national teams from 2020 to 2023.
How did Keith Andrews start his coaching career?
After retiring in 2015, Andrews immediately joined MK Dons as a first‑team coach. He then moved into international football with Ireland, working closely with Stephen Kenny. In December 2023, he joined Sheffield United’s coaching staff under Chris Wilder, departing after the club’s relegation in May 2024.
What is the story behind Keith Andrews and the Macclesfield dressing room?
In July 2024, Andrews was appointed set‑piece coach at Brentford, where he gained fame for developing the team’s attacking strategy from restarts. After a pre‑season match between Brentford and Macclesfield in 2025, a video emerged of Andrews entering the Macclesfield dressing room to speak with the players and staff. The gesture was widely praised for its empathy and was seen as evidence of his man‑management qualities. The exact reasons behind the visit – whether planned or spontaneous – are not fully known beyond the video footage.
When was Keith Andrews appointed Brentford Head Coach?
Andrews was appointed as Brentford’s first‑team head coach in June 2025, succeeding Thomas Frank who left for Tottenham Hotspur. He signed a long‑term contract until 30 June 2032. He is the first Irishman to hold the head coach position at Brentford.
Andrews’ coaching career before becoming a head coach totalled 19 months. This includes his time at Sheffield United, as set‑piece coach at Brentford, and earlier roles at MK Dons and with Ireland. The rapid ascent from a coaching role to a Premier League job is highly unusual.
What is Keith Andrews’ career timeline?
- – Keith Andrews born in Dublin, Ireland.
- – Professional debut for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
- – Transferred to Hull City.
- – Joined Milton Keynes Dons.
- – Transferred to Blackburn Rovers; made senior debut for Ireland.
- – Represented Republic of Ireland at UEFA Euro 2012; last international cap.
- – Retired from professional playing career.
- – Appointed assistant manager of Republic of Ireland (Under‑21 and senior).
- – Appointed set‑piece coach at Brentford.
- – Appointed Head Coach of Brentford FC.
What is known and unknown about Keith Andrews?
| Established Information | Information that Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Keith Andrews was born on 13 September 1980 in Dublin, Ireland. | The full details of his family life (whether he is married, has children, etc.) are not fully confirmed in official sources. |
| He played as a defensive midfielder for Wolves, Blackburn Rovers, Ipswich Town, and West Bromwich Albion. | His exact net worth is not publicly available or reliably estimated. |
| He earned 35 caps for the Republic of Ireland. | The specific tactical system he will implement at Brentford is not yet fully confirmed, though indications point to a continuation of the club’s existing philosophy. |
| He was appointed Head Coach of Brentford FC in June 2025, with a contract until 2032. | The exact reasons behind the Macclesfield dressing room incident (whether it was a planned gesture or spontaneous) are not fully known beyond the video footage. |
| He was known as a ‘Midfield Enforcer’ during his playing days. | — |
How did Keith Andrews’ playing style define his career?
Andrews’ playing style was built on physicality, work rate, and ball‑winning ability. He was a key figure for the Republic of Ireland during their Euro 2012 campaign. His Premier League experience at Blackburn Rovers and West Bromwich Albion gave him top‑level exposure. His leadership at Wolves and MK Dons, where he captained both sides, demonstrated his ability to organise and motivate teammates.
His transition into coaching was natural, given his understanding of the game from a tactical and motivational perspective. The viral moment with Macclesfield underlined his empathetic approach to management, a trait that may serve him well in the Premier League.
Where do the facts about Keith Andrews come from?
“Keith Andrews is a former Republic of Ireland international who has been appointed as Brentford head coach.”
— Brentford FC Official Website
“Andrews made 35 appearances for Ireland and played in the Premier League for Blackburn Rovers.”
— BBC Sport
“He was known as a ‘Midfield Enforcer’ during his playing days.”
— Various football reports
The main sources for this profile include the official Wikipedia page, the Brentford FC official profile, Transfermarkt, the FAI official records, and the Premier League official stats. The Macclesfield dressing room video was originally shared by TNT Sports via Facebook.
What is the summary of Keith Andrews’ career?
Keith Andrews went from a hard‑working defensive midfielder with 35 Ireland caps to a Premier League head coach in less than two years of senior coaching. His appointment at Brentford in June 2025, with a contract until 2032, marks a new chapter for the club. Known for his man‑management skills and set‑piece expertise, Andrews now faces the challenge of leading a Premier League side. The immediate focus will be on preparing the team for the 2025‑26 season.
Frequently Asked Questions about Keith Andrews
What is Keith Andrews’ net worth?
Keith Andrews’ net worth is not publicly disclosed. Reliable financial estimates are unavailable.
Is Keith Andrews married?
Public information about Keith Andrews’ marital status is limited. Most official sources do not confirm whether he is married or has a partner.
How many goals did Keith Andrews score for Ireland?
Keith Andrews scored 3 goals in 35 appearances for the Republic of Ireland.
What position did Keith Andrews play?
Keith Andrews played as a defensive midfielder, often described as a ‘Midfield Enforcer’.
Why did Keith Andrews go to the Macclesfield dressing room?
After a match between Brentford and Macclesfield, Keith Andrews entered the Macclesfield dressing room to speak with the players and staff, a gesture that was filmed and went viral for its empathetic nature.
How old is Keith Andrews?
Keith Andrews was born on 13 September 1980, making him 45 years old as of July 2025.
Did Keith Andrews play in the Premier League?
Yes, he played in the Premier League for Blackburn Rovers and later for West Bromwich Albion, making regular appearances.
What is Keith Andrews’ contract length at Brentford?
His contract as head coach runs until 30 June 2032.
Thomas Ellery is Business & Economy Correspondent at NewsPrism.co.uk, reporting on UK companies, markets, employment and household finances.