BRENTFORD have confirmed Mark Warburton will leave his position as manager at the end of the season.

Assistant boss David Weir and sporting director Frank McParland will also depart the Bees, who are currently seventh in the Championship table.

Warburton, 52, led Brentford to promotion from League One last season and they are currently riding high in the Championship.

But, last week, reports emerged that owner Matthew Benham had made plans to bring in a new boss at the end of the season – with Rayo Vallecano boss Paco Jemez favourite to take over.

Explaining the departures are down to disagreements 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.”

Warburton insists his impending departure will not distract Brentford in their bid to reach the Premier League for the first time. The Bees are just seven points behind leaders Bournemouth.

Warburton said: "I will be forever grateful to Matthew for giving me the opportunity to be manager of this fantastic football club and for what he has done for the club since I have been here.

“It has been an absolute honour and a privilege to do the job and I have had the pleasure of working with a fantastic group of players and staff and have enjoyed the backing of a magnificent set of supporters.

“While I am disappointed that we have been unable to reconcile some key philosophical differences, I’m relieved we now have clarity.

“In my remaining time at the club, we shall move heaven and earth to get the promotion that the players, fans and Matthew deserve and, going forward, I wish the club every success in its ongoing adventure.

“I have enormous respect for Matthew and his investment in the club and he has the absolute right to run the club in the manner he deems most appropriate and beneficial.

“I have the privilege of managing an outstanding group of players, a group which has demonstrated a work ethic, a harmony and no shortage of quality.

“David and I, and indeed all the staff, remain totally focused on supporting this squad of players and ensuring they are best prepared for each and every remaining fixture this season.

“Please be absolutely reassured that nothing will detract from our work for Brentford Football Club between now and the end of the season.”