Boss Fitzgerald leaves Brentford

Fitzgerald could not save Brentford from relegation

Brentford have announced that manager Scott Fitzgerald has left the club following the club's relegation from League One.

The Bees' fate was sealed on Monday when they lost to Crewe.

"The best thing we can say about this season is that it is now effectively over and we are sorry it has been such a disaster," said chairman Greg Dyke.

Head of youth Barry Quin takes over as caretaker manager but will not be a candidate for the full-time post.

606: DEBATE Have your say on Fitzgerald's departure

Dyke told the club website: "The entire focus now is to rebuild for next season, thus giving us the best opportunity to bounce straight back into League One.

"It is encouraging that all four clubs relegated from League One last season are contenders for promotion this year. Hopefully we can match their performance next season."

Fitzgerald was handed the reins in December after a spell as caretaker boss following the sacking of Leroy Rosenior a month earlier.

However, since Fitzgerald's permanent appointment, Brentford have won only three of 20 league matches.