Brentford have begun their search for a new head coach after Dean Smith left the club on Wednesday to join Aston Villa.

Assistant head coach Richard O’Kelly is also expected to vacate his position at Griffin Park to join Smith in the West Midlands.

Smith, a boyhood Aston Villa fan, joined the Bees in 2015 from Walsall and led the club to three consecutive top-half finishes in the Championship.

Brentford chief executive Mark Devlin released a statement on Twitter thanking Smith for his work over the course of the last three years.

He said: “On a personal note, I would like to thank Dean for all his great work during his time with @BrentfordFC.

“Not only an excellent Head Coach but a thoroughly decent man. I wish him all the best in the future.

“Still all to play for this season. Time for a new chapter in our history.”

The club added: “Brentford Football Club would like to record its thanks for all the hard work done by Dean during his time at Griffin Park.”

The 47-year-old had denied reports he was planning on taking the vacant managerial position at Aston Villa ahead of last weekend’s 1-1 against Leeds United.

Smith said: “There’s going to be speculation about many people. They put two and two together and come up with five. My job is Brentford and that’s all I am interested in.

“There’s always going to be speculation; my dad was a steward and I was brought up a Villa fan but I’m not sure they are going to give Prince William the job are they?

“I’ve said it many times, this is a fantastic job and I enjoy it here. There’s nothing that has made me change my mind since I have worked here. I have no plans on leaving this club because it is a great club to work for.”

The Bees will make a statement in the coming days regarding their new appointment, while assistant coach Thomas Frank will take training.