Marinus Dijkhuizen has been appointed as the new Head Coach of Brentford Football Club.

The 43-year-old from the Netherlands has been in the same post at S.B.V. Excelsior since January 2014.

Marinus signed a contract late last week to leave the Rotterdam club and take up the role at Griffin Park.

He will be assisted by fellow Dutchman Roy Hendriksen.

The pair will work with Co-Directors of Football Rasmus Ankersen and Phil Giles as part of Brentford’s new football management team.

Matthew Benham, Brentford FC Owner, said: “The appointment of the new Head Coach was a very important part of the restructure of the football management we have been undertaking.

“We wanted someone who could share our vision for the future of Brentford FC.

“We want to be an innovative club in everything we do and having a Head Coach who thinks in that way was very important.

“There was a wide search and lots of candidates were considered but Marinus was the overwhelming choice of everyone involved in the selection process.

“I am sure Brentford fans will join me in welcoming him to the Club and give him all their support in the coming months and years.”

Marinus said: “I am proud to be the new Head Coach of Brentford FC.

“I have been to Brentford FC once before, with my father and brother, to see a game against Coventry City in March 2014

“We stood on the terrace behind the goal and were pleasantly surprised by the quality of football.

“There was some very good play.

“We also loved the ambiance in and around the stadium.

“That is football at its best.

“I am looking forward to working with everyone at the Club for a bright future.”

Rasmus Ankersen said: “It has been important for us to find a coach who is open-minded, forward thinking and who has great man management skills.

“In the recruitment process, Marinus has shown all those qualities, and we are confident that he will be able to succeed in the role as Brentford FC’s Head Coach."

Phil Giles added: “I have met Marinus on several occasions recently and it became apparent very quickly that he was the outstanding candidate for the role.

“Rasmus and I are very much looking forward to working with Marinus and Roy over the coming seasons and we welcome them both to Brentford.”

Marinus started his playing career at non-league 'S-Gravenzandse SV and he had two spells at Excelsior.

The former striker also played for Dunfermline in the Scottish Premier League and for FC Utrecht in the Eredivisie, the top flight in the Netherlands.

His coaching career also started at 'S-Gravenzandse SV and he successfully managed fellow non-league sides vv Montfoort and vv De Meern, leading the latter to back-to-back promotions.

He also worked at Utrecht as an attacking coach and helped them to a Europa League place.

Marinus took over at Excelsior nearly 18 months ago and led them to promotion to the top division in his first half season at the helm.

Despite being the smallest club in the Eredivisie, Excelsior were always clear of relegation danger last season and finished in their highest league position for almost 30 years.

Roy, 46, is a former central defender who played in the top flight for Cambuur Leeuwarden during a 16-year professional career.

He moved in to coaching and spent three years as assistant coach at RKC Waalwijk before leaving in 2014.

Roy spent last season as assistant trainer at NEC.

He helped the Nijmegen side win the Jupiler League, the Dutch second tier, before leaving at the end of the campaign.

Cliff Crown, Brentford FC Chairman, said: “I would also like to echo the comments made by Phil and Rasmus and to welcome Marinus to the club.

“As a member of the selection panel I was impressed by Marinus’ preparation, his insight into the way the team played and his understanding of the philosophy which we believe in and which he clearly shares.

“I wish Marinus and Roy every success at Brentford.”