Brentford's Steele appointed Forest Green Director of Football
Steele joined Brentford as Education and Welfare Manager in 2014
Written by Training Ground Guru — May 13, 2023
BRENTFORD B Technical Lead Allan Steele is leaving the club after nine years to become Director of Football at Forest Green Rovers.
Steele joined the Bees in 2014 as Education and Welfare Manager and Academy Coach. He went on to become B Team coach in 2016 and then B Team Technical Lead and assistant in June 2019.
His responsibilities included the development of the games programme as well as recruitment, loans, player welfare, safeguarding and education.
Director of Football Phil Giles, who will be speaking at TGG Live in October, said: “Allan has done a fantastic job in all of the years that I have been working at Brentford, and even before that.
“He has a great work ethic and always wants to go the extra mile. He followed on from Rob Rowan organising many of the important tasks around the B team, both as a coach and B Team Technical Lead.
“I have encouraged him to pursue his career down the off-pitch route, and so to see him get a massive opportunity to progress his career further is a great credit to Allan.
“It’s always great to see our staff developing and move onwards and upwards, and we wish him the very best of luck.”
Steele added: “I’m so grateful for my experiences at Brentford and will look back on my time here with great fondness. I initially joined as part of the Academy set-up and that gave me such a broad knowledge base, working alongside some fantastic players, coaches and staff.
“Being part of the B team from its beginning in 2016 has been a huge privilege. This project starts from the top and there has been a clear strategy from day one.
“Under the tutelage of Flemming Pedersen, Kevin O’Connor, Lars Friis and Neil MacFarlane, 25 B Team players have made their first-team debuts, and countless others have forged careers elsewhere.
“Marcus Forss scoring the winning goal in the Championship play-off semi-final, and Chris Mepham featuring for Wales at Euro 2020, were real highlights and the result of everyone creating a fantastic learning environment.
“There is a clear pathway between the two squads, and this has been made possible by the willingness of our first-team head coaches to trust in our young players.”
Forest Green Rovers, who were relegated back to League Two last month, has been looking for a Director of Football since the exit of Rich Hughes to Portsmouth in September. Andy Scott, Sam Stanton and Micky Moore had turned the job down last Autumn, which led the club to put their search on hold until recently.
Meanwhile, Brentford are advertising for a new Academy Director on TGG, having re-entered the EPPP system as a Category Four club this season. Their ultimate aim is to rise to Category One.
The advert, which you can see HERE, is for a "world-class talent developer, leading the next phase of development of the Brentford Academy from its current status of EPPP Category 4, towards eventual Category 1 status."
Steele had been carrying out some Academy Director duties and was regarded as a front-runner for the role.
PREMIER LEAGUE CUP WIN
Steele leaves Brentford on a real high, with the B Team having just won the Premier League Cup in their first season in the competition. They beat Blackburn Rovers 2-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium on Tuesday night to claim the trophy.
B Team Head Coach Neil MacFarlane said: “I am absolutely thrilled for all the players in that dressing room, the staff and everyone who has contributed to what is a long season. A night like tonight is a fitting end to what has been a breath-taking season for the players.
“Some of our football was breath-taking.”
The Premier League Cup was introduced in 2013/14 and comprises Under-21 sides, usually from Category One and Two clubs. Teams are allowed five over-aged outfield players and one over-aged goalkeeper.
Brentford B, who otherwise play friendly matches because the club has not been part of EPPP, were invited to take part for the first time this season.
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