Lee Carsley has departed Brentford after telling Bees chiefs his work at the club was done.

The former Everton midfielder leaves after a year at the Griffin Park club that saw him take on roles as Development Squad manager and interim head coach.

Carsley had already signalled his intention to move on at the end of the year following the appointment of new boss Dean Smith and his assistant Richard O’Kelly.

Brentford co-director of football Rasmus Ankersen said: “We would like to again thank Lee for all his work over the past 14 months at the Club and especially for his work as head coach.

“Lee performed a vital role in stabilising the training ground environment after a difficult start to the current season. His work ensured we were able to take our time and find the right head coach to lead the club forward and he has passed on his knowledge of the players and staff to Dean.

Big impact: Lee Carsley impressed at Griffin Park

“When Lee suggested his work at the club was done, we were happy to let him go. He has done a great job and will always be on the end of the phone if anyone here needs anything.

“He can spend Christmas with his family and take some time away from the day-to-day rigours of football. We were pleased we could give him this extra time and he goes with our best wishes.

“Lee has always been honest with us as to his thoughts and we appreciate that. I am sure he will be back in club football when he feels the time is right.

“In the meantime everyone at Brentford wishes him all the best for his work with the England Under-19 squad, a job we know he enjoys.”

Brentford are gearing up for west London derby at Fulham this weekend.

Time Line

TIMELINE: Lee Carsley at Brentford

  1. September 28

    Takes charge

    Carsley was put in charge until the end of the season after Marinus Dijkhuizen was sacked after the defeat to Sheffield Wednesday, eight games into the new season.

    League Position: 19th

  2. September 29

    Brentford 0-2 Birmingham

    Carsley's first game in charge ended in a 2-0 defeat in the rearranged game with Birmingham and the Bees boss caused a stir by insisting he didn't want the job on a permanent basis.

    League Position: 19th

  3. October 3

    Derby 2-0 Brentford

    The Bees produced a shocking performance at the iPro Stadium as Derby won more comfortably than the 2-0 scoreline suggested.

    League Position: 20th

  4. October 17

    Brentford 2-1 Rotherham

    The international break was much needed for Brentford as Carsley picked up his first win in charge of the club as Alan Judge bagged two goals to give the Bees a win over the Millers.

    League Position: 19th

  5. October 21

    Wolves 0-2 Brentford

    Marco Djuricin and Philipp Hofmann both scored as Brentford secured a strong win on the road at Kenny Jackett's Wolves to make it back-to-back victories.

    League Position: 15th

  6. October 24

    Charlton 0-3 Brentford

    Brentford ended Guy Luzon's time in charge of Charlton after a thumping win at The Valley. John Swift, Alan Judge and Lasse Vibe all found the net as the Bees made it three wins in three.

    League Position: 12th

  7. October 30

    Brentford 1-0 QPR

    Marco Djuricin gave Brentford bragging rights in west London as the Bees secured a deserved victory over a rudderless QPR team and make it four wins in a row.

    League Position: 10th

  8. November 3

    Brentford 0-2 Hull

    Andrew Roberton and Sam Clucas gave Hull a deserved win to end Brentford's winning run. The Tigers were in a battle in the first-half but the extra quality on the bench became the difference between the sides.

    League Position: 12th

  9. November 6

    Manager of the Month

    Carsley and Alan Judge were named as Sky Bet manager and player of the month respectively for October.

  10. November 7

    Blackburn 1-1 Brentford

    The Bees ended the October phase of the season with a pleasing draw at Blackburn. Lasse Vibe's goal was cancelled out by Tom Lawrence's fluke goal.

    League Position: 11th

  11. November 21

    Brentford 2-1 Nottingham Forest

    Carsley confirmed it was his final game in charge after Philipp Hofmann's 90th minute winner gave the Bees all three points against Nottingham Forest. Sergi Canos' goal was cancelled out by Henri Lansbury following Harlee Dean's red card but the German's late intervention wrapped up the points.

    League Position: 11th