Thomas Frank clear front-runner to become next Tottenham manager and could take charge as soon as next week
ANGE POSTECOGLOU was sacked by Tottenham just 16 days after ending their 17-year trophy drought - with Thomas Frank the front-runner to take over.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy made the call based on the dismal Premier League campaign where a record 22 defeats saw the club finish 17th.
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Thomas Frank is the front-runner to replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham
Credit: PA
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Daniel Levy made the decision based on their horrific league campaign
Credit: Reuters
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Brentford boss Frank could be in charge as early as next week
Credit: Getty
Postecoglou was axed two years to the day since he was announced as Spurs chief back in 2023 - and just over a fortnight on from winning the Europa League in Bilbao.
The North Londoners are expected to make a decision on the Aussie's successor next week and though there is yet to be any contact with Brentford, their boss Frank is the favourite for the role.
Spurs said the decision to axe Postecoglou was one of the 'toughest' the board has had to make in a statement, which contained no comment from Levy.
The statement read: 'We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the club.
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'Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy, alongside legendary figures 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.
"Following a positive start in the 2023/24 Premier League season, we recorded 78 points from the last 66 PL games.
'This culminated in our worst-ever Premier League finish last season. At times there were extenuating circumstances - injuries and then a decision to prioritise our European campaign.
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"Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the club's greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph.
'It is crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts and believe a change of approach will give us the strongest chance for the coming season and beyond.
Postecoglou unrecognisable in amazing throwback video as first club share emotional 3-minute tribute after Europa League
'This has been one of the toughest decisions we have had to make and is not a decision that we have taken lightly, nor one we have rushed to conclude.
'We have made what we believe is the right decision to give us the best chance of success going forward, not the easy decision.'
The statement went on to wish Postecoglou all the best for the future and that he will always be welcome back in N17.
It also claimed an appointment of a new head coach will be announced 'in due course'.
Frank, who has worked wonders at Brentford, is in the box seat, though Marco Silva of Fulham is also in the frame.
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There was interest in Simone Inzaghi before he joined Al-Hilal as well as FA Cup winner Oliver Glasner, who has said he is '99 per cent' sure he is staying with Crystal Palace.
Spurs have been talking with managers for some time, with Fabio Paratici - expected to return in some capacity when his 30-month ban for malpractice at Juventus ends at the end of this month - understood to be having an influence.
Firing Postecoglou and hiring Frank could prove a costly business, with the former's compensation in the millions and the latter's release clause believed to be around £10million.
Postecoglou also walks away with £2m in a bonus for landing the Europa League - the club's first trophy since the League Cup in 2008.
He becomes the 13th permanent manager to be sacked by Levy during his 25-year reign in charge of Spurs, during which the club have won just two trophies.
Ange Breaks Silence On Tottenham Sacking
ANGE Postecoglou issued a statement just moments after being axed.
It read: "When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride.
"The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.
"Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.
"That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.
"There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.
"We have also laid the foundations that means this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success.
"I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them. I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters.
"I know there were some difficult times, but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.
"It's important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.
"And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years.
"A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special.
'We are forever connected. Audere est Facere.'
Postecoglou said in a statement: 'When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride.
'The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.
"Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.
'That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.
'There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.
'We have also laid foundations that meant this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success.
"I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them."
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