Matthew Benham has explained the reasons why Brentford have appointed Marinus Dijkhuizen as the man to replace Mark Warburton.
Despite leading the Bees to the brink of the Premier League, it was announced during the campaign that the club would not be renewing Warburton’s contract during the summer. This was met with surprise within the footballing community, especially considering the 52-year-old had led them into the Championship the previous season when they finished second in League One.
Brentford have wasted little time in appointment a new head coach as attention already turns to the 2015/16 season, yet this has been as equally surprising as the departure of the last incumbent. For the Griffin Park club have placed their promotion hopes on the relatively unknown Dijkhuizen, who will be assisted by his Dutch compatriot Roy Hendriksen at the English club next term.
Dijkhuizen only took his first managerial position in January 2014 when he was placed in charge of Excelsior in his homeland, enjoying success as he led them to the top-flight with a third-place finish which was followed by a successful playoff. And although their Eredivisie campaign was a difficult one, they managed to avoid an instant relegation with a four-point cushion.
Prior to embarking on a managerial career, the 43-year-old was a striker Excelsior (two spells), Cambuur Utrecht, Emmen (loan), and FC Oss. He also had a brief spell in Scotland, scoring once in a 10-match loan stint with Dunfermline Athletic in 2001-02. So whilst he is largely an unknown quantity, Brentford chairman Benham believes Dijkhuizen will prove to be a shrewd choice.
“We wanted someone who could share our vision for the future of Brentford FC,” Benham told the official club site. “There was a wide search and lots of candidates were considered but Marinus was the overwhelming choice of everyone. I am sure Brentford fans will join me in welcoming him to the club and give him all their support in the coming months and years.”
