Stephen Rice was appointed Brentford set-piece coach in August 2025.

He arrives at the club having spent time with the Irish Football Association as Republic of Ireland Under-21s assistant coach, which he took up after roles as chief scout and opposition analyst.

A spell as Crystal Palace Under-23s senior professional development coach came after a previous stint with the FAI, where he spent a decade as a football development coach and coach education tutor.

He did his UEFA Pro License with Bees head coach Keith Andrews, before the pair worked together again in the Irish set-up.

On Rice, Andrews said: “He’s a detail-oriented coach, who is very passionate and has a phenomenal work ethic. I’m very pleased he is with us.”

Rice, a former midfielder, had a 17-year playing career, which was predominantly spent in Ireland, after time with Coventry City as a teenager.