New Brentford head coach Dean Smith was always a perfect fit for the club, says co-director of football Rasmus Ankersen.

The 44-year-old Leyton Orient defender has been officially named as the club's new permanent chief to replace Marinus Dijkhuizen, who was sacked in September.

Ex-Everton midfielder Lee Carsley, who has been in charge on a short-term basis since the Dutchman departed, will remain at the helm for Monday's clash at Bolton Wanderers and will help settle the new man in before leaving the club at the end of December.

Smith took the Saddlers to the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final last season and has them well placed for a League One promotion push this term.

He joins, alongside assistant Richard O'Kelly, with a reputation for finding success on a low budget.

And Ankersen believes that was key in the club's decision to approach Smith after talks with Swansea City assistant Pep Clotet broke down before the weekend.

"We believe Dean is exactly the authentic and strong leader we need to take Brentford forward and ultimately into the Premier League," he said.

“We have been hugely impressed by Dean’s work at Walsall and especially how he has managed to turn a club with such a low budget into one pushing for promotion.

"It is a similar challenge to the one Brentford face. We can’t win by spending more money than our competitors so we have to identify competitive edges which will allow us to compete with clubs who enjoy much bigger budgets.

"In that respect, Dean is a great fit to Brentford. The job is not just about being an experienced and intelligent football coach.

"More than anything, it is about being able to lead the staff and bring the best out of highly qualified experts as well as the players."

Carsley's contribution to Brentford's campaign should not be overlooked as he claimed five wins from nine games in charge - prior to tonight - and claimed the Championship manager of the month for October.

The 41-year-old turned the club's fortunes around - despite being reluctant to take on the job - after a difficult start to the season under Dijkhuizen.  

Brentford chairman Cliff Crown added: "We're delighted to welcome Dean and Richard to Brentford.

"We're all convinced they can build on the excellent work Lee put in on the training ground and in terms of results."