Brentford captain Jake Bidwell is delighted with the impact Dean Smith has had on the squad since taking charge at Griffin Park.

The Bees turned to the 44-year-old to replace reluctant boss Lee Carsley, who had stepped into the breach following Marinus Dijkhuizen's sacking.

And Bidwell is grateful to the work the former Everton midfielder put in, while hailing the impact of Smith and assistant Richard O'Kelly.

He said: “It's been a positive week. We've had the manager situation hanging over us. We've been thankful for Lee (Carsley) and the work he did.

“Dean and Richard (O'Kelly) have come in this week and had a positive impact on everyone as you saw against MK Dons.”

In pictures: Dean Smith's managerial career

Smith hasn't made many changes, given Carsley's methods had worked so well, but will look to make adjustments over time.

Bidwell explained: It's been very similar. He's put a couple of points across but he didn't want to confuse things in his first few days. In the coming weeks he'll put his stamp on things.

“He made it clear that what we've been doing has been working so we'll carry on. If he can add to that, then great.”

Smith is the fifth boss Bidwell has worked with in his time at Griffin Park. He started his Bees career with Uwe Rosler before Mark Warburton replaced him; spending between 18 months and two years with the pair.

The ex-Walsall manager, though, is the third boss Brentford have had this season after Dijkhuizen and Carsley and Bidwell has tried to take it in his stride.

He explained: “It's a new experience for me. You have to take it as that and take in what you can from each manager.

“Everyone has their own views. If you can take points off different people you have to use it to your advantage.”

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