Premier League managerial rookies increasingly rare

Brentford are renowned for their innovative, data-led approach under owner Matthew Benham, often defying conventional wisdom in search of an edge when it comes to recruitment and strategy, and they have certainly bucked the trend by naming the inexperienced Keith Andrews as their boss.

He was previously the Bees' set-piece coach and has also worked as an assistant at MK Dons, Sheffield United and the Republic of Ireland but this is his first managerial role.

It is increasingly rare for Premier League clubs to opt for a permanent manager who has not taken charge of a competitive senior game.

The last man appointed in such circumstances was Mikel Arteta in 2019, though the Spaniard was by that point already a sought-after coach following three years working under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Other examples have also tended to involve high-profile individuals.

Middlesbrough hired Manchester United assistant manager Steve McClaren in 2001 and Gareth Southgate in 2006, while Gianfranco Zola's managerial career began with West Ham in 2008 - and the likes of Attilio Lombardo (Crystal Palace), Ruud Gullit and Gianluca Vialli (both Chelsea) started as player-managers in the 1990s.

A less well-known name is Les Reed, who won one of seven games with Charlton in 2006. Sammy Lee's reign at Bolton in 2007 was similarly brief.

The list below excludes managers who initially proved their worth as a caretaker, which is now an increasingly common path for rookie bosses and minimises the risks for clubs.

Most recently, Gary O'Neil took the reins at Bournemouth in August 2022 despite no prior experience, getting the job on a permanent basis three months later.

Although dismissed at the end of the season, he led the side to 15th, earning another shot at management with Wolves.