Mark Warburton said he was “surprised and pleased” to be asked to take over as Brentford Football Club Manager.
Mark first arrived at Griffin Park in February 2011 as Interim First Team Coach, working alongside Nicky Forster following the departure of Andy Scott.
He was appointed as Sporting Director in the summer of 2011, having applied for the manager’s position, and took overall responsibility for the football side of the Club.
Working alongside Uwe Rösler, Mark helped build a First Team squad that finished third in League One last season and then lost the League One Play-Off Final.
He has also overseen the opening of a new Category Two Football Academy and built a support team of medical, analysis, conditioning and kit management staff among the best in the country.
Uwe Rösler left his position as Brentford Manager on Saturday to take up the same role at Wigan Athletic.
Mark was asked by Club Owner Matthew Benham to take over, at least until the end of the current season, and agreed.
He admitted it was a risk and a big decision but said he was excited by the challenge.
“Things move quickly in football,” said Mark.
“I spoke to Matthew, asked him what he was thinking about replacing Uwe.
“Matthew had done his homework and asked me to take over.
“It was a big decision.
“As Sporting Director you are in charge of the First Team and the Academy, they report in.
“My job was to compile a list of candidates when a manager leaves.
“It is unusual but the key point was continuity and maintaining the good run.
“I was surprised and pleased to be asked.
“It is no secret I applied for the job two and a half years ago.
“I am excited by the challenge.
“We have a great squad of players.
“I believe in their ability.
“I believe they are the best in the division and I believe we will get promotion.
“It is a risk but a good risk to take.”
The Club has also appointed Frank McParland as Sporting Director.
Frank had been Director of Academy and Head of Player Development at Liverpool until last month and steps in to the role Mark vacated.
Mark said he knew Frank when he worked at Liverpool and could see how well respected he was at Anfield.
Liverpool, under Frank, were in the NextGen Series, a tournament for the Academy teams at some of Europe’s top clubs, which was driven by Cycad Sports Management, founded by Mark Warburton and TV producer Justin Andrews.
Mark said Frank’s availability was a fantastic opportunity for The Bees.
“It has been a pleasure to work with Frank,” said Mark.
“He was Academy Director at Liverpool and was involved, with me, in the NextGen Series.
“His work at Liverpool was helpful.
“He had a great deal of respect within the club.
“I have watched him work, he is passionate about football, very knowledgeable, strong on recruitment both First Team and in the Academy.
“It is a huge step for the Club to get someone like Frank on board.
“The timing worked out well.
“Frank being available was a fantastic opportunity for Brentford.”
Mark praised Brentford’s support staff and said he felt one of the reasons he was asked to take over was for there to be as little disruption as possible.
He said he would look at the staff and make a decision about the future shortly.
“A key point was for there to be as little disruption as possible,” said Mark.
“The support staff are the best in the division – medical, analysis, conditioning, logistics.
“They are fantastic.
“Those guys are Premier League class.
“We have to look at the whole picture.
“I will review the situation.
“We have some good people on board and we will see what happens.”
Mark said he felt it was a good thing that the change happened in a short space of time.
“The owner has moved quickly,” said Mark.
“Others may disagree, but I think that was a good thing.
“I was pleased with the speed it was done.
“It is important for momentum the players and staff are happy.
“We move forward.”
Mark took his first training session yesterday morning and said he enjoyed it.
He worked with Alan Kernaghan, who had been Uwe Rösler’s assistant, First Team Coach Peter Farrell and Goalkeeper Coach Simon Royce.
“It was the first time for a couple of years I had worked with the First Team,” said Mark.
“It was nice.
“I enjoyed it.
“Alan Kernaghan, Peter Farrell and Simon Royce were heavily involved, of course.
“It was nice to look at the players.”
Brentford are unbeaten in eight Sky Bet League One matches, and have won seven of them.
They are fourth in League One, behind third-placed Preston North End on goal difference and six points off the top.
Mark outlined his football philosophy and said he wanted to build on performances in recent weeks.
“I believe in creative, attacking football,” he said.
“I want players to dominate the ball in and out of possession.
“When players enjoy what they do they produce better performances and results.
“I want to carry on with what we have done in the last two months and be positive with the ball.
“I am not worried about mistakes, if we are positive in what we do, the quality of our players will show through.
“I hope we give the fans something to enjoy.
“It is a squad game.
“I am really pleased with what we have, there may be some tweaks in January but we have budgeted for that.
“It is important to recognise efforts in training; you need to reward those who do well in training.”
Mark’s first game in charge is a League One game against Oldham Athletic at Griffin Park on Saturday, December 14.
“I am looking forward to it,” said Mark.
“I am a little nervous; I am not used to the limelight.
“It will be a great experience.
“I hope we deliver a good performance that gives the supporters a reason to cheer on Saturday evening.”
Bees Player subscribers can see a full video interview with Mark Warburton here.