Martin Keown doesn't hold back on ITV's Sam Matterface live on air – 'You're not giving respect'

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Martin Keown doesn't hold back on ITV's Sam Matterface live on air – 'You're not giving respect'
Martin Keown clashed with ITV commentator Sam Matterface in a discussion over Brentford boss Thomas Frank's proposed move to become Tottenham Hotspur's new manager
talkSPORT presenter Sam Matterface argued with Arsenal icon Martin Keown
(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images )
Arsenal legend Martin Keown clashed with ITV commentator Sam Matterface regarding Tottenham Hotspur's interest in appointing Thomas Frank as their new manager.
Spurs see Brentford's head coach Frank as their top candidate to replace Ange Postecoglou. It is understood that Frank has a £10million release term in his Brentford deal. No formal offer has been extended, but positive talks imply he might be close to joining Tottenham.
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Frank has received praise since steering the Bees to the Premier League in 2021 and securing top-10 finishes in two of the last three years. While on talkSPORT, Arsenal legend Keown challenged Matterface, who commentates on England matches for ITV, after accusing the presenter of being overly sceptical. Despite his Arsenal allegiance, Keown considered Frank to be an outstanding choice for Spurs.
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Matterface initiated the debate on talkSPORT: "[Simon Jordan] mentioned that the difference in stepping up from Brentford to Tottenham is going to be a big one," he said. "Martin, how hard is it going to be for Thomas Frank to be able to do that? Because one of the things [Spurs] said in the statement, 'It's crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts.' That's not experience that Thomas Frank has got."
Keown voiced his annoyance, comparing Matterface to fellow talkSPORT presenter Jim White. "Do you know, when I work with Jim, it's sort of much easier to sense how he feels, but there's an undercurrent with you, Sam," Keown claimed. "I'm feeling that you're not giving Thomas Frank the respect he's due."
Matterface was swift to respond: "That's just absolute nonsense. I've got a hell of a lot of respect for Thomas Frank. I've met him on several occasions. I think he's a brilliant interview, a great orator and he knows how to, not just answer a question, but motivate a football team."
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As Keown returned focus to the Brentford manager, referencing points from an earlier discussion with the Brentford coach, he declared: "We talk about strategy, we talk about structure, we talk about ambition, this fella has it all in abundance. He's going to bring it to the table. He brings that, that's part of the package."
talkSPORT presenter Sam Matterface argued with Arsenal icon Martin Keown
(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images )
Fellow pundit Jordan challenged Keown and suggested that Matterface had asked whether Frank would thrive at Spurs, given the different environment. Matterface reiterated: "[Frank] said he wants structure, organisation, ambition and culture and I'm asking can he be the one to bring that?" The talkSPORT host rolled his eyes after putting the question to the Arsenal icon.
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Keown ramped up the argument when he commented on Matterface's partnership with his former Arsenal colleague Lee Dixon on ITV. "I'm just sensing that you don't think [Frank] can bring it," Keown said. "I enjoy listening to you with Lee Dixon. You ask him a lot of questions. Sometimes I'd like to hear your opinion so be a bit stronger with your opinion!
"I think Thomas Frank is perfect and, you know, Id'v'e gone out of my way to go and get him for Spurs. He's stable, he's solid. Look what he's done at Brentford."
The 58-year-old declared Frank to be an ideal fit for Spurs. "They cannot miss out on Thomas Frank," he insisted. "If they don't get Thomas Frank, I don't see any success coming to that club."
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As the debate unfolded, Keown stressed that Spurs' chairman Daniel Levy could allow Frank sufficient time to shape the team – a point which Matterface contested. The presenter asked: "If they gave Ange Postecoglou two years and he won a trophy, you think they're going to give Thomas Frank three, four years?"
Martin Keown spoke about Thomas Frank possibly joining Spurs
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"Already you're asking for time," Keown replied. To which, Matterface responded: "You're asking for time, we're not asking for time, you are!"
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Their exchange escalated with Keown stating: "Give people an opportunity to build an argument. Is that Ok, Sam? Even Jim does that, doesn't he?"
Doubling down, Matterface said: "You've been arguing with yourself. You said that he needs time and then you said that we're asking for it."
Wrapping up the debate, Keown concluded: "Because you made it sound like that. What I'm saying is that Thomas Frank is the right man for the job and he'll bring that success to the job. He won't be fighting for time then, will he? Because he'll be bringing success to the club."