Thomas Frank is happy to be the new man in the hot seat at Brentford, describing the job as a 'perfect' head coach role. 

The 45-year-old Dane is a continuity appointment, having spent two years as Dean Smith's assistant before his departure to Aston Villa. 

Frank is perfectly positioned to assess the state of the Bees squad and says everything is aligned for the club's promotion push to continue. 

“I am in a very privileged position," he said.

"I know every staff member, every player, I know the two sports directors, I know the owner and they know me.

"The philosophy and the strategy are aligned and we know in which direction we want to go. Now it’s up to me to push to the next level.”

Smith was recently named the new boss of Aston Villa, taking O’Kelly with him but also naming Chelsea legend John Terry as an assistant.

Frank said the influence of the former Bees boss was vital in leading him to his first role as a Championship supremo. 

"Another thanks I want to give is to Dean and Richard for their top job at this club, I think they have been pushing the club toward this level we are at now," he said.

"They introduced me to English football. Without them I would not be in this chair today.”

Frank revealed he and Smith have spoken twice since his departure for Villa with the men clearly parting on good terms.

According to Frank, the mutual desire to see the other do well will only to be broken when their two teams face each other on February 13 at Griffin Park.

Despite their close relationship, Frank confirmed there was never an offer to join Smith at the Midlands club.

“That never happened," he said.

"I always had a dream and wanted to be a head coach again so when Dean left and within the first couple of days Rasmus and Phil contacted me and said you are our main target, I was not in doubt.

"I knew that I preferred to be a head coach.”   

Frank's first game comes at home to Bristol City tomorrow and he expects to start his reign with a win.

He also confirmed Welsh international Chris Mepham will return from injury.

In the longer term, the Dane made clear his desire to lead Brentford into their new stadium.

Frank said: “It would be big. I am really looking forward to that. I think it is the next level for the club.”

“You must aim high to get high. You have big room for improvement your whole life.”