Andy Scott admitted that the offer to become Watford's UK recruitment director was one he couldn't turn down.
The 45-year-old's association with Brentford began nearly 20 years ago as a player and he has had a number of roles at Griffin Park, including winning the League Two title as manager in 2009.
He rejoined the club in an official capacity in 2016 as chief scout, having done some scouting in 2015, and it later became head of recruitment.
And he paid tribute to the supporters in a parting message on the club's official website.
“It’s almost 20 years ago to the day that I first joined the club as a player,” Scott said.
“I have been a player, coach, Assistant Manager, Manager and worked in recruitment here. That is a long-standing relationship.
“Everyone at Brentford has been brilliant – Matthew, Phil, Ras, the First Team coaching staff, all the other staff and the fans.
“After managing the club, I didn’t know how people would respond when I returned but the reaction has been very positive.
“I have a great rapport with the fans and I feel that Brentford is my club but the opportunity was one I couldn’t turn down.
“Watford is an excellent opportunity for me, working in the Premier League, and one I couldn’t turn down.
“It is a fantastic role. I think the way Brentford play and the quality of players we have here is the reason I was given the opportunity at Watford. It is testament to everyone at Brentford that I got this chance.
“I believe Brentford have a great chance of getting up and hopefully Watford and Brentford will meet in the Premier League.”
Scott has two fourth division title medals from his time at the club, winning the third division as a player in 1999 and League Two in 2009.
“Brentford is a special place,” Scott reflected. “The relationship between the fans and the players is a close one. You don’t get that at many clubs.
“And the people involved at the club are fantastic. I have some great memories – winning the title at Cambridge in 1999 and that day at Darlington in 2009. I am also proud of the part I have played in the last few years.
“I have set up the club’s scouting network and that will help Brentford go from strength to strength.
“I played a part in scouting the majority of the players involved in the first team now and it is great to see the performances that have been produced in recent weeks.
“Hopefully those players can go on to achieve the things we think they can and get to the top of the game.”
