Brentford confirm O’Connor as assistant boss

Brentford have confirmed Kevin O’Connor as an assistant to Thomas Frank.

O’Connor, who spent his entire playing career with the Bees, making more than 500 appearances, has been in charge of the club’s B team.

He will now step up to work with the first team following the recent appointment of Frank as head coach.

Frank was one of two assistant head coaches who worked under Dean Smith, who left Griffin Park to take over as Aston Villa boss in October.

The other, Richard O’Kelly, joined Smith at Villa Park.

Brian Riemer has since been brought in from Danish club FC Copenhagen as assistant head coach – and O’Connor will take on the role of Frank’s other assistant.

O’Connor has enjoyed success as B team boss, overseeing wins against the Under-23 sides of the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United.

He captained Brentford’s 2009 and 2014 promotion-winning sides before retiring in 2015 and immediately becoming part of the club’s coaching set-up.

Lars Friis, who is already on the club’s coaching staff, will now take charge of the B team.