Former Fulham manager Kit Symons has hailed Dean Smith as an excellent appointment for west London rivals Brentford.

While Fulham are yet to appoint a replacement for Symons, with ex-Bees boss Mark Warburton the front-runner, Brentford yesterday made Smith their new head coach.

Smith has done impressive things on a small budget for four years at Walsall, and now has the chance to show what he can do in the Championship.

Sacked: Kit Symons

Symons told Sky Sports News: “It's a good appointment. He done a good job for Walsall, and it's probably a bigger risk for Dean, leaving somewhere he has done very well. He's a good manager and a good guy, and I wish him all the best.”

Symons was also impressed with the way caretaker-manager Lee Carsley helped turn the Bees' season around and smooth the path for Smith.

Last night's draw at Bolton gave Carsley a record of five wins, two draws and three defeats from his 10 matches in temporary charge at Griffin Park.

Last game: Lee Carsley

Symons said: “Lee did a great job, I thought he was excellent. If with the U21s is where he feels his position is, at least he's been honest. It was the same for me when I got the Fulham job, but I felt ready and wanted the opportunity.”