Brentford co-director of football Phil Giles has admitted Paul Williams decision to become first team coach at Championship rivals Nottingham Forest was inevitable.

The former England U21 international joihned the Bees in the summer as logistics manager and enjoyed a successful spell as interim head coach Lee Carsley's assistant following the sacking of Marinus Dijkhuizen.

Williams, who had a lengthy playing career with Derby County, Coventry City and Southampton, was offered a role under new chief Dean Smith.

But after spending the early part of this month in Florida coaching England’s U16 squad, a job he took on earlier this year, Williams has switched to the City Ground.

"When Paul returned last week from his coaching duties with the England U16s, we had a good conversation about his ongoing work at Brentford," said Giles.

"We offered Paul a coaching role alongside Kevin O'Connor with our development squad and he began in that role towards the end of last week.

"Understandably, the success of Paul and Lee Carsley whilst in charge of our first team attracted the interest of other clubs.

"Paul was keen to explore the other options available to him, in particular the opportunity to continue to work at first team level in the Championship.

"While we are disappointed to lose such a talented coach, Paul leaves with our thanks for a good job done this season, and in his previous role as our logistics manager.

"He will be warmly welcome back to Griffin Park in future, and we look forward to our visit to the City Ground in April."