Ankersen steps down as Brentford Co-Director of Football
Ankersen will also step down as Chairman of FC Midtjylland
Written by Training Ground Guru — December 10, 2021
RASMUS ANKERSEN is stepping down from his role as Co-Director of Football at Brentford after six-and-a-half years to set up a sports investment firm.
The Dane will also finish being Chairman of Brentford’s sister club FC Midtjylland - a position he has held since September 2014 - although he will continue to work as a consultant for them.
Phil Giles, who, like Ankersen, has been Co-Director of Football for the Bees since May 2015, will now do the job on his own from the start of next year.
Matthew Benham, who owns Brentford and is the majority shareholder of FC Midtjylland, first met Ankersen in 2013, having reading his book ‘The Goldmine Effect,’ which set out to uncover the secrets of high-performing athletes and teams.
“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,” said Benham.
“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 (Frank) and our excellent football staff, will continue to lead us forward on the pitch.”
Ankersen, who joined the Brentford Board in late 2016, added: “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.”
