Thomas Frank ‘agrees’ to take Tottenham job as Daniel Levy closes in on appointment
In a bold and somewhat surprising move, Tottenham Hotspur are set to appoint Thomas Frank as their new head coach, following the abrupt dismissal of Ange Postecoglou, who was sacked just days after delivering the club’s first piece of silverware in 17 years — a historic UEFA Europa League triumph.
Despite the emotional high of lifting a European trophy, Postecoglou’s tenure ultimately came to a dramatic end due to a disastrous domestic campaign that saw Spurs tumble down the Premier League table, ending the season perilously close to relegation. The north London club suffered a staggering 22 defeats in their 38 league matches, leading chairman Daniel Levy and the board to conclude that a change at the top was necessary to arrest the decline.
In a statement addressing the decision, the club acknowledged Postecoglou’s contribution:
“Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy, joining club legends Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw. However, the board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the club for a change to take place.”
The statement also offered a candid reflection on Spurs’ recent struggles:
“Following a promising start to the 2023/24 Premier League season, we have collected just 78 points from our last 66 league games, culminating in our worst-ever finish in the Premier League era. There were, at times, extenuating factors — including a lengthy injury list and a strategic shift toward prioritising our European campaign.
“Winning the Europa League stands as one of the club’s proudest achievements in recent history, but we must resist the temptation to let emotions cloud our judgment. Competing consistently on all fronts is vital, and we believe that a new managerial approach will offer us the best possible chance of long-term success.”
Thomas Frank, currently managing Brentford, has quickly emerged as the club’s number-one choice to lead a new era. Sources close to the negotiations suggest that a deal is all but agreed between Frank and Spurs, with only a compensation package left to be ironed out between Tottenham and Brentford.
Frank’s rise in English football has been nothing short of impressive. Since taking over the reins at Brentford in 2018, the Danish tactician has transformed the club into a respected Premier League outfit, leading them to promotion in 2021 and subsequently ensuring their survival and competitiveness in the top flight — often punching above their weight with tactical discipline and team spirit.
His name has naturally been linked with several high-profile roles in recent years. Notably, Frank was rumoured to be on Manchester United’s radar last year. When asked about that speculation during an appearance on The Sports Agents podcast, Frank was characteristically candid and philosophical:
“I’m probably at one of the best clubs in the world — full stop. When you talk about leadership, culture, and alignment, Brentford ticks all the boxes. Why would I want to leave?”
Frank also shared the emotional and personal sacrifices that have accompanied his career:
“I’ve missed my children’s birthdays five years in a row. I’ve been working 60 to 70 hours a week for the last 30 years. You never really know what awaits you at a new job. Maybe it’s better, maybe not — but that’s the uncertainty we all live with in football.”
He added:
“Of course, if a big club came knocking and I felt it was the right challenge, it might be something to consider. But I’m not chasing the next big job for the sake of it. I’m happy where I am. What will happen in the future — we’ll see.”
Now, it appears that future has arrived. Barring any last-minute hitches, Thomas Frank is poised to trade west London for north London, stepping into one of the most scrutinised and demanding jobs in English football. For Tottenham, the hope is that his fresh perspective, player development acumen, and calm leadership style can bring stability — and ultimately success — to a club desperate to reclaim its place among the Premier League elite.