Championship: Brentford statement on managerial situation coming 'in next 48 hours'

Chief executive Mark Devlin has promised to update Brentford fans about the managerial situation at the club ‘in the next 48 hours’.

It was reported on Tuesday that boss Mark Warburton will not have his rolling contract renewed at the end of the campaign, even if he leads Brentford into the top Premier League.

An announcement confirming the news that the 52-year-old would be leaving was expected last week and Devlin says supporters will have a clearer understanding of the situation imminently.

“There’s not a lot I can say at the moment. The parties are talking behind the scenes at the moment and as soon as we can release a statement then we will do so,“ he told Sky Sports News HQ.

“We know the fans are keen to hear from the club. We’re hoping for it to be some time later today but it may not be for the next 48 hours.”

“It’s not been the easiest week during my time at Brentford. It came as a surprise to me in the morning before the Watford game (last Tuesday), but unfortunately in sport you have to deal with media and everything that goes with football.

“There’s huge interest in it and the team behind the scenes just have to deal with it. It hasn’t been easy but we’ve got on with it.”

Warburton guided Brentford to promotion from League One last season, and despite defeats to Watford and Charlton this week, The Bees are seventh in The Championship, one point off the play-offs.

Warburton’s success has left many fans baffled over why his long term Brentford future is in doubt and Devlin can understand why some fans are concerned by the current situation.

“These sort of things only happen really when there are perceived problems at a club so I can understand why fans would wonder why it’s come through now,” Devlin said.

“But what is going on is for the long term vision of the club and despite the fact the team are doing well things are being looked at that are good for the club in the long-term and not the short-term. It’s just unfortunate it’s happened at this time.”

But Devlin played down the impact that the uncertainty has had on matters on the pitch this week as Brentford get ready to host league leaders Bournemouth this weekend.

“I think the players are professional,” he said. “They all want work hard and get wins and get promoted.

“I think everyone at the club, including the players, will be focused on redoubling our efforts after what has been a really disappointing week on getting back to winning ways against Bournemouth in a huge game on Saturday.”