Following the sacking of Leroy Rosenior in November, Fitzgerald has been in caretaker charge and although Brentford have still not come out of their poor run which dates back to Swansea in September, the board believe Fitzgerald has show 'significant leadership qualities' and will now be free to continue the role as manager on a permenant basis.
The club issued a statement to the press and the official website this morning stating,
"We would like to thank Scott, ably assisted by Alan Reeves who have stepped in under very difficult circumstances to undertake the interim role. In a short period of time, they have worked on fitness, organisation and team spiriti and delivered encouraging performance improvement. We believe that a continuation of such improvemenet will have a positive impact upon results and achieve our goal of League One status."
They also announced,
"Scott's contract of employment is constructed in a way single mindedly focused upon survival and maintains appropriate flexibility for the future. Part of this is the incentive of a longer term contract to include performance bonuses, upon attainment of the initial goal."
It is believed that Fitzgerald would only accept the job on a full time basis if all the financial and transfer related help of the previous manager were offered to him and the club stated,
"The board have agreed to make available additional budget to enable the loan signings of a number of players in the January transfer window. The work that Scott has put in creating a robust 'Survival plan' formed a major part of the considerations in making this appointment."