Keith Andrews has sung the praises of Brentford head coach Dean Smith after the Bees boss masterminded a turnaround at Griffin Park.
The first eight games yielded just four points but the club have picked up 18 from their last eight fixtures, while still maintaining their style of football.
And the former Wolves and Blackburn man paid tribute to the job the head coach has done, considering the relative size of Brentford's budget.
Speaking on EFL Matters, Andrews said: “He gave Walsall a real identity in terms of how they played and batted over where he should be in terms of the finances at his disposal and he's doing it again.
“Early in the season they struggled and they got absolutely decimated on deadline day with Birmingham coming in and nicking three key players.
“They've recruited quite well and they've taken time to get going but they're a joy to watch and I'm a big fan of how he sets his teams up.”
Brentford lead the Championship in attempts (285), shots on target (89), chances created (208) and touches in the opposition box (470). They are second in passes in the opposition half (4,445) and third in terms of possession (56.85).
Andrews was also complimentary of the way the club is run, insofar that they remained calm in August and September when other clubs, such as Birmingham, looked to change managers.
He added: “With the finances at his disposal. They've not got a top half budget. They're going to love seeing those stats is they're a stats based club in the way they go about things.
“It's a big one for them. In terms of him and his man management and the way he gets the best from players, you don't hear rumours from the club.
“Even when the early season form wasn't great, everything was very steady and all the hierarchy and players were in sync going in the right direction.”
Andrews also believes Smith has the capabilities of managing at a higher level and is surprised he hasn't even been seriously linked with the vacant role at Sunderland.
He explained: “I don't see why not (as to whether he can manage at a higher level). Why shouldn't he be in the equation for Sunderland?
“I think he's done that well. There's no drama around him. He comes in, he works, gets them organised and buying into him. The brand of football for him is nigh on spot on.”
