Mark Warburton: Clash of philosophies behind departure from Brentford

Mark Warburton says a clash of philosophies with Brentford chairman Matthew Benham is behind his departure from the club.

Warburton says he respects Benham’s decision not to renew his rolling contract, insisting he remains grateful to his 'good friend' for giving him a chance to manage the club.

A statement from Brentford on Tuesday confirmed head coach Warburton and assistant David Weir are leaving in the summer, while sporting director Frank McParland has already been placed on gardening leave, prior to his departure at the end of the season.

That despite the fact Warburton led the club to promotion to the Championship last season, and they are challenging for promotion to the Premier League this season.

The statement came after speculation Warburton and Benham had disagreed over January transfer business while reports also claimed Brentford had approached Rayo Vallecano coach Paco Jemez about possibly taking charge at Griffin Park.

Warburton, who stepped into the role 14 months ago after spending a year-and-a-half as Brentford’s sporting director, revealed a clash of philosophies was at the heart of the problem.

“Some clarity has now been given,” Warburton told The Morning View on Sky Sports News HQ. “The fans and the players were asking, so I'm delighted to have that clarity.

“You have to admire the decision in terms of it being Matthew’s club. He has a philosophy he wants to adopt for the club and I understand that. That’s life. I have a different view in certain areas and there is no doubt about the model we have adopted.

“I’m disappointed of course there were some differences which we couldn’t reconcile but that’s life and all is well now.

“It’s different philosophies absolutely. There is no doubt about that and that was really clear in the statement yesterday but we are good friends and we have known each other for four or five years or more.

“It’s good to have honest opinions and it’s a shame we couldn’t reconcile one or two but the club is a very strong club and I’m sure it will go forward from here.”

Asked if he felt let down by the club, Warburton replied: “Not at all. The owner made a very brave call to give me the job in the first place. I was a big risk so I’m very grateful to Matthew and as I said I’m very aware of the significant investment he has made in the club.

Warburton has an impressive 54 per cent win record at Brentford and has led them to seventh in the Championship this season.

“I’m very proud (of my record), but more proud of the team and the character and quality they have shown,” he said.

“They’re a tremendous group of players and staff. I’m delighted with what we did. It’s a good record and as I said Matthew put big money into the club and I am very respectful of that.

“We’re a tight-knit group as you have to be when you train, work and play together day-in, day-out. There was some uncertainty over the last day or so that’s been removed now. The statement is very, very clear on where we are going to go as a club and our focus now from here until the end of the season is to finish as high as we possibly can in the league.

“I think myself and David Weir have a commitment to that group. We move on and do what we do normally, best prepare them for each and every game and make sure we can deliver the level of performance required."