Rasmus Ankersen will be stepping down from his position as Brentford FC Co-Director of Football at the end of 2021 to set up a sports investment firm. At the same time, Rasmus will step down from his position on the Club’s Board of Directors. Phil Giles will be Brentford’s sole Director of Football from the start of 2022.

Rasmus has been Co-Director of Football since May 2015 and was appointed to the Club Board in late 2016. Together with Phil Giles, the pair have overseen the running of the Club’s football department for six-and-a-half years, which has included finishing third in the Sky Bet Championship in two consecutive seasons, culminating in winning promotion to the Premier League in May via the Play-Offs under Head Coach Thomas Frank

Rasmus has also been Chairman of FC Midtjylland (FCM) since 2014, the Danish Superliga side where Brentford FC Owner Matthew Benham has the majority shareholding. He will also be stepping down from that role. Rasmus will, however, continue as a consultant at FCM in the short term to help manage the transition.

Matthew Benham said: “When I first met Rasmus, I believed he could add something to Brentford FC and in nearly seven years with us, everyone can see the progress he has helped us make. I would like to thank Ras for his commitment and his work and I’m sure we will continue to be good friends. He leaves us at a time when we are at our highest league position for more than 70 years and with good leadership in place on and off the field. I am sure Phil, together with Thomas and our excellent football staff, will continue to lead us forward on the pitch.”

Cliff Crown, Brentford FC Chairman, said: “It is with a heavy heart we say goodbye to Rasmus. He and Phil have overseen the most successful period in the Club’s history since the 1930’s and we will miss his energy and creativity as well as his excellent negotiating skills. Having said that we are very lucky to have Phil Giles, who has played an equally important role in this period, who will assume sole responsibility as our Director of Football.”

“It only remains for me to thank Rasmus for the fantastic contribution he has made to Brentford over the last six years and to wish him every future success. He will always be welcomed with open arms at the Club. “

Rasmus said: “First of all I would like to thank Matthew for giving me the opportunity to become a part of Brentford in 2015 and for the trust and responsibility given to me. I am an entrepreneur by heart and to help build the fundamentals and the system that have enabled the club to reach the Premier League has been a thrilling and satisfying experience in every way. I am really proud of what we have achieved together over the last seven years, and I feel lucky to have worked with incredible people who have also become my friends on the journey.

“Everything good comes to an end and I always hoped that when this day arrived, I would be able to leave Brentford in a good state. I am pleased that the club is now stronger than ever, and with Cliff, Phil, Jon and Thomas leading the ship I am convinced that Brentford will continue to thrive. I wish everyone at the Club all the best going forward."