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Championship: Thomas Frank the frontrunner as Brentford line up new boss ahead of Bristol City clash

Main man: Thomas Frank was previously boss at Bondby before his move to Griffin Park: Getty
Main man: Thomas Frank was previously boss at Bondby before his move to Griffin Park: Getty

Brentford want to appoint Dean Smith’s successor before the weekend.

Thomas Frank is the frontrunner to take over at Griffin Park and the Bees hope to have a new head coach in place by the time they play Bristol City at home on Saturday.

Brentford know Frank, who was Smith’s assistant, will fit into their structure but they are keen to talk to other potential candidates before making a final decision.

Co-director of football Phil Giles admitted last week that the west London club “started from scratch” in their search for a replacement for Smith, but the international break has given them some time to consider their next move.

Frank was due to take training this morning and continue to prepare the team for Saturday’s game against Bristol City.

Smith was appointed Aston Villa head coach last week, with former Chelsea captain John Terry working alongside him as his assistant at Villa Park.

Losing Smith was a blow but the Brentford hierarchy are confident they can continue to challenge for promotion to the Premier League this season.

Brentford are seventh in the Championship and one point outside the play-off places.

Frank, a 45-year-old Dane, has been at Brentford since December 2016. He has previously had a spell as manager at Danish side Brondby.