Carsley leaves Brentford early after Smith arrival

Lee Carsley has left Brentford earlier than planned following the arrival of new head coach Dean Smith.

The Bees’ former development squad coach took charge of the first team for three months, following the sacking of Marinus Dijkhuizen, and was due to remain at the club until the end of December to oversee the handover to Smith.

But Carsley has opted to go sooner to take some time out over Christmas, before resuming his role as assistant manager of the England Under-19s in the New Year. His last day at the club was on Thursday.

During his spell in charge of Brentford’s first team, they won five of 10 games and Carsley won the Championship’s manager of the month award for October.