Caoimhin Kelleher's 25-word remark that highlights why Frank exit is bad news

Irish Daily Mirror

13-06-2025

You just need to look at the first few paragraphs of Caoimhin Kelleher's maiden interview with the Brentford website to see how big a role Thomas Frank played in the Corkman's decision to join.
Kelleher was in no hurry to decide on his future. What was clear from a long way off was that he would end his 10-year spell at Liverpool this summer.
But with so many clubs linked with the 26-year-old, he could have taken his time and made his mind up closer to the start of pre-season.
Kelleher's performances across his 20 appearances last season only served to embellish a reputation that had already earned him plenty of admirers and plaudits, and the unwanted tag as the 'best number two' around.
We will never know whether interest from clubs such as Chelsea, Newcastle and Aston Villa would have led to concrete moves.
But as Nottingham Forest's multiple bids last summer for the Boys in Green star show, the summer transfer market can spring plenty of surprises - and the clamour for Kelleher would only have grown the longer the wait for a decision.
But when he spoke for the first time about the move, he revealed how his meeting with Frank and the Brentford coaching staff turned his head.
And one comment in particular points to why the sudden upheaval is an unwanted headache for the 23-time capped star.
'It was interesting to see their point of view on why they wanted to sign me and how they think they can develop my game," said Kelleher, speaking to the club's official website.
He added: 'I came down to meet the manager and some of the coaches. They spoke to me about why they wanted me to be here and showed me around the training ground... It was impressive and I think the club's a really good fit for me.
'I like the way the manager and the coaching staff go about their ways. It seems like a really close, tight knit, family club. They've got a really good track record of improving and developing players which is really what's drawn me to the club.'
Kelleher won't get the chance to work with Frank. Just days after he signed his contract, speculation flooded the media that the highly-regarded coach was on his way to Tottenham. This week, the Dane made the switch.
Kelleher's head must be spinning with the news - but this blow can be softened on the double.
First, the news that Keith Andrews has emerged as the overwhelming favourite to take over from Frank. Andrews was brought into the club by Frank last summer as the set-piece coach.
Andrews had no playing history at the club, but his reputation as a coach - he worked with MK Dons, Sheffield United and, under Stephen Kenny, Ireland - had director of football Phil Giles pursuing him for a while before his arrival.
'He is someone we have known for a while and always had in mind for a role at some point in the future,' said Giles on Andrews' appointment.
Although yet to hold down a number one job, Andrews has done enough over the past year to put himself in the frame to replace Frank - and at least that would give Kelleher the opportunity to work with a familiar face.
Secondly, Brentford can do everything in their power to stop their former boss from returning to his old club on a recruitment drive.
Nathan Collins is one name that has already been linked with a reunion with Frank, but Kelleher, Ireland and Brentford can all benefit from the Leixlip native staying put.
It would be a huge boost to Heimir Hallgrímsson if Kelleher and Collins built on their growing international relationship on a daily basis at club level.
The news of Frank's departure has no doubt tempered some of Kelleher's excitement about his big move. However, his new club can pursue an aggressive course of damage control by taking some firm steps over the coming weeks.