Brentford boss Dean Smith addresses West Bromwich Albion rumours

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 07 May 2018

Brentford manager Dean Smith says that "the grass is not always greener" in response to recent talk that he is wanted by West Bromwich Albion.

Brentford manager Dean Smith has appeared to rule himself out of the running for the West Bromwich Albion job after admitting that "the grass is not always greener".

Despite Darren Moore working wonders during his caretaker stint in charge, the Baggies have been tipped to bring in a new permanent manager if they drop down a division.

A three-man shortlist is said to have been drawn up in preparation for the likely relegation, which includes the names of Michael Appleton, Lee Johnson and Smith.

The Bees boss is wary of departing Griffin Park, however, having finished six points adrift of a playoff place this season and signed a contract extension earlier in the year.

"[Brentford] is a good football club and I'm enjoying my time here," he told West London Sport. "On the playing side, I have no idea if we will lose players in the summer, but they have developed as young men individually and as a group.

"It's a privilege to be their head coach. If you leave it's not always rosy and the grass isn't always greener. There has to be a good reason to leave rather than moving on all the time.

"There's always going to be speculation about managers or players when a side does well, particularly when it's a club our size. But there is a long-term plan at this club and I'm acutely aware of what I have got here and that is always a big factor."

West Brom, who could be relegated as early as Tuesday night, last competed in the second tier during the 2009-10 campaign.