Jake Bidwell would like to see October manager of the month Lee Carsley throw his hat into the ring to become Brentford head coach on a long-term basis.
The 41-year-old has overseen a remarkable turnaround at Griffin Park as the Bees looked in disarray at the start of October before four straight wins lifted them from the cusp of the relegation zone to mid-table, despite a 2-0 defeat to league leading Hull on Tuesday.
While Carsley has ruled out taking the job full-time, believing his strengths lie in developing young players, Bidwell, while respecting his decision, hopes he can change his mind.
He said: “All the lads would love him to stay on but at the end of the day it’s his decision.
“He’ll do what’s right for himself and we’ve got to respect that. I’m sure we’ll carry on enjoying it while he’s here.”
Carsley is a bubbly character and has put the smiles back on the faces of the squad who were fraught after a difficult start to the season.
Bidwell added: “He’s done a great job. The results speak for themselves. He’s an energetic guy and that rubs off on the squad.
“Knowing what he’s like he won’t stop there and will keep driving us on for us to get good results.
“He does demand high standards off everyone but you can relax with him and have a laugh with him.
“I can’t speak highly enough of him. He and Willo (Paul Williams) have given the place a lift and the good results will continue to come.”
Carsley could leave Brentford at the end of the season, with Kevin O’Connor stepping up to manage the development squad after his promotion to first team affairs and Bidwell believes he would have no problem walking into another club.
He added: “If he doesn’t want to be a manager I’m sure it won’t affect him getting another job. I’m sure he won’t struggle anyway with his playing career. It’s the best case scenario for everyone for us to win games.”
