Tommy Smith believes Brentford will go from strength to strength if Mark Warburton remains in charge of the club, with owner Matthew Benham plotting a complete overhaul of the club's structure .

The popular Bees boss appears set to lose his job at the end of the season, even if he guides the club to promotion to the Premier League, with Paco Jemez the favourite to take over.

Brentford fans showed their dissatisfaction at owner Benham’s decision by singing Warburton’s name during their 2-1 defeat at home to Watford on Tuesday night.

Heading for the exit: Brentford manager Mark Warburton

And the former QPR and Watford man paid tribute to Warburton, insisting that the squad was fully behind him .

He said: “We’re one unit. The gaffer has put in a lot of hard work. The players know that and appreciate that fully.

“We are behind him 100 per cent and want him in charge next year. The fans want him to stay. They were singing his name and that doesn’t surprise me.

“He’s worked brilliantly with the owner for the last four years since he’s been here, first as sporting director and now as manager of the first team. The club can go from strength to strength if he stays.

“I’ve loved my time since I’ve been here. I know what a great manager he is and he’s got a big future. Hopefully that will be with Brentford.”

The news broke hours before Brentford faced Watford and a difficult day became even harder after Jake Bidwell saw red in the closing stages of the first-half.

Andre Gray gave the Bees the lead before Troy Deeney’s penalty was saved, but a brace from Odion Ighalo handed the Hornets a victory and Smith believes the tired legs as a result of the red card was the difference.

He added: “I don’t think the speculation affected us. I think it was a good performance and with 10 men we held our own and went 1-0 up. It was just the extra man for that extra bit of time paid dividends for Watford.

“The game was hugely affected by the sending off. The extra man helped for them. It was wave after wave towards the end and I think we tired a bit.”

poll loading

Do you want Mark Warburton to remain in charge of Brentford?