Brentford manager Mark Warburton will leave Championship club at end of the season

Brentford have announced that manager Mark Warburton will leave the club at the end of the season.

The Bees are parting company with the man who led them up from League One last term and into the promotion race for a place in the Premier League.

Assistant manager David Weir and sporting director Frank McParland will also leave at the end of the current campaign.

Owner Matthew Benham has made the decision, which will be met with dismay by Brentford fans, following a disagreement over the long-term direction of the club.

Benham said: "I am a passionate Brentford fan and every decision I take is intended to be in the best long-term interests of the club.

"Some of the decisions taken to date have been easy and some, like this one, have been extremely hard.

"Under Mark's stewardship, Brentford have achieved a high league position and played football which is a joy to watch.

"It is difficult to seek to implement change, particularly when things appear to be going so well, but I am single minded in my resolve that we can leave no stone unturned in our quest for sustainable Premier League Football.

"Innovation, not increased funding, can be the only route to success for clubs such as ours, and I fully accept that innovation is never without risk.

"We are continuing to build a strong base for the future.

"Everything has been perfectly amicable between all parties and we remain friends."

PA