Tottenham CONFIRM Thomas Frank as new manager after paying £10m to Brentford to replace axed Ange Postecoglou
TOTTENHAM have confirmed Thomas Frank as their new manager.
The Dane, 51, replaces Ange Postecoglou, who was axed just 16 days after winning the Europa League with
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Thomas Frank has left Brentford to join Tottenham
Credit: Getty
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Ange Postecoglou was sacked by Spurs 16 days after winning the Europa League
Credit: Getty
Tottenham quickly identified Brentford boss
Spurs have paid around £10million in compensation for Frank, who has signed a contract until 2028.
SunSport revealed at the weekend that Frank had given the move the green light before Tottenham had even formally approached Brentford.
The switch took time to be completed due to negotiations over backroom staff - specifically highly-rated head of coaching Justin Cochrane.
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The Bees wanted to keep the 43-year-old and were even prepared to consider him as a candidate to take over from Frank.
But Cochrane, who previously worked as a youth coach at Spurs, has decided to leave the G-tech to join Frank as his assistant, along with head of performance Chris Haslam and analyst Joe Newton.
Set-piece specialist Andreas Georgson arrives from Manchester United as a first-team coach.
Cochrane is also a coach with
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Spurs confirmed the appointment in a statement, which read: "Thomas has extensive experience in English football having joined
"During his time at Brentford he transformed the Club, moving them up from the Championship to an established Premier League side, consistently and significantly outperforming expectations for an extended period of time.
Ange Postecoglou's BEST Press Conference Moments
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"In Thomas we are appointing one of the most progressive and innovative head coaches within the game.
"He has a proven track record in player and squad development and we look forward to him leading the team as we prepare for the season ahead."
Frank took over at Brentford in 2018 after two years as assistant.
He guided them to the Premier League in his second full season, and has since established them in the top flight.
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Under Frank's astute management, the Bees achieved a tenth placed finish last term.
Brentford finished seven places and a whopping 18 points above Postecoglou's Spurs.
The Aussie boss saw Tottenham fall all the way to 17th in the Premier League.
But his sacking still raised several eyebrows due to his Europa League triumph in Bilbao.
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Despite ending Spurs' 17-year trophy drought, securing Champions League qualification in the process, Postecoglou was axed 16 days on from
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Frank, 51, will now have an opportunity to manage in Europe
Credit: Alamy
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Justin Cochrane makes the move to N17 with Thomas Frank
Credit: Getty
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Postecoglou, 59, was axed despite ending Spurs' 17-year wait for a trophy
Credit: Alamy
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An excerpt of Spurs' statement read: "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 PL 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."
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Spurs yesterday today that Postecoglou's assistant coaches Mile Jedinak, Nick Montgomery and Sergio Raimundo have all left.
Ryan Mason has already left to take the
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FRANK 'PERFECT' FOR SPURS
Frank's move comes after nearly seven years with Brentford.
During that time, the Dane managed Christian Eriksen for a successful six months in 2022 before the 33-year-old midfielder joined
Eriksen, who spent seven seasons at Spurs between 2013-2020, said: 'Thomas is the right coach for Tottenham.
'I had Thomas at various times and I think he is the perfect match for Tottenham. It would be great if he takes on that challenge.
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'His personality, his way of playing and his way of being make him a good fit.
'And the club, considering where they were last season - they won a trophy of course - but they are in the process of building something and I am sure that Thomas is a good man to bring in.'
Eriksen's link-up with Frank three years ago saw him return to football seven months after suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch playing for Denmark at the delayed Euro 2020.
He moved on to United the following summer, but is leaving Old Trafford following three years there.
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The 144-cap Denmark star has stated he fancies a new challenge away from England, feeling he has 'had my turn' in the Premier League.
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.'
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an hour ago
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You just need to look at the first few paragraphs of Caoimhin Kelleher's maiden interview with the Brentford website to see how big a role Thomas Frank played in the Corkman's decision to join. Kelleher was in no hurry to decide on his future. What was clear from a long way off was that he would end his 10-year spell at Liverpool this summer. But with so many clubs linked with the 26-year-old, he could have taken his time and made his mind up closer to the start of pre-season. Kelleher's performances across his 20 appearances last season only served to embellish a reputation that had already earned him plenty of admirers and plaudits, and the unwanted tag as the 'best number two' around. We will never know whether interest from clubs such as Chelsea, Newcastle and Aston Villa would have led to concrete moves. But as Nottingham Forest's multiple bids last summer for the Boys in Green star show, the summer transfer market can spring plenty of surprises - and the clamour for Kelleher would only have grown the longer the wait for a decision. But when he spoke for the first time about the move, he revealed how his meeting with Frank and the Brentford coaching staff turned his head. And one comment in particular points to why the sudden upheaval is an unwanted headache for the 23-time capped star. 'It was interesting to see their point of view on why they wanted to sign me and how they think they can develop my game," said Kelleher, speaking to the club's official website. He added: 'I came down to meet the manager and some of the coaches. They spoke to me about why they wanted me to be here and showed me around the training ground... It was impressive and I think the club's a really good fit for me. 'I like the way the manager and the coaching staff go about their ways. It seems like a really close, tight knit, family club. They've got a really good track record of improving and developing players which is really what's drawn me to the club.' Kelleher won't get the chance to work with Frank. Just days after he signed his contract, speculation flooded the media that the highly-regarded coach was on his way to Tottenham. This week, the Dane made the switch. Kelleher's head must be spinning with the news - but this blow can be softened on the double. First, the news that Keith Andrews has emerged as the overwhelming favourite to take over from Frank. Andrews was brought into the club by Frank last summer as the set-piece coach. Andrews had no playing history at the club, but his reputation as a coach - he worked with MK Dons, Sheffield United and, under Stephen Kenny, Ireland - had director of football Phil Giles pursuing him for a while before his arrival. 'He is someone we have known for a while and always had in mind for a role at some point in the future,' said Giles on Andrews' appointment. Although yet to hold down a number one job, Andrews has done enough over the past year to put himself in the frame to replace Frank - and at least that would give Kelleher the opportunity to work with a familiar face. Secondly, Brentford can do everything in their power to stop their former boss from returning to his old club on a recruitment drive. Nathan Collins is one name that has already been linked with a reunion with Frank, but Kelleher, Ireland and Brentford can all benefit from the Leixlip native staying put. It would be a huge boost to Heimir Hallgrímsson if Kelleher and Collins built on their growing international relationship on a daily basis at club level. The news of Frank's departure has no doubt tempered some of Kelleher's excitement about his big move. However, his new club can pursue an aggressive course of damage control by taking some firm steps over the coming weeks.
The 42
an hour ago
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Keith Andrews remains at Brentford as Thomas Frank bids emotional goodbye
FORMER REPUBLIC OF Ireland international Keith Andrews is not among the Brentford backroom staff joining Thomas Frank at Tottenham, and is thus expected to start pre-season with the club as they seek to appoint a successor to their long-serving Danish boss. Andrews, who served as Ireland assistant boss during Stephen Kenny's four-year tenure, joined Brentford as set piece coach at the start of last season, having been on the staff at Sheffield United. But while Frank has brought assistant Justin Cochrane, head of performance Chris Haslam and first-team analyst Joe Newton with him to Spurs, Andrews remains at Brentford. Reports suggest Brentford had hoped to appoint Cochrane as Frank's successor. Andrews is presently the bookmakers' favourite to take the job but the fact Andrews has yet to work as a manger may work against him, with Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna heavily linked with the post. Brentford declined to comment on whether Andrews is under consideration for the job. Advertisement Frank meanwhile insists Brentford will always have 'a big piece of my heart.' Frank won 136 of his 317 matches across a seven-year spell, with the Danish coach able to lead the club into the Premier League for the first time in 2021 via Championship play-off success at Wembley. In an emotional message posted on Brentford's official club website on Friday, Frank said: 'The time has come for me to move on. But, even as I leave, I know I have left a big piece of my heart at Brentford, not just at the football club but with the community and, of course, the incredible and loyal supporters. 'I want to extend my profound gratitude to the club for giving me the chance to pursue my dreams and for everyone involved who made the journey such a memorable one. 'For my family and I, it has been a privilege to be allowed to be part of such a special community – it's an experience and adventure that we will cherish for life. So, thank you. 'Whatever we have achieved, we have achieved together, and our success is built on unity, spirit, courage and ambition at every level of the club and amongst the fans. 'Everybody has contributed, and every contribution has been invaluable. I am not just leaving a football club, I am saying goodbye to friends whose support through good and bad times I will carry with me always. 'I would like to say a special word of thanks to Matthew Benham. His trust and friendship have meant so much and the fact he gave me a chance in English football means I will always owe him a debt of gratitude. Thank you, Matt. 'So, while this is a goodbye, I hope the relationships I have built with everybody will be lasting ones and, of course, we will meet again in the wonderful world of football.' Additional reporting by PA
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an hour ago
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Thomas Frank is just what Tottenham need but will he be given time to prove it?
Brøndby appointed Thomas Frank as manager in June 2013 and did not win any of their first eight games of the 2013-14 season. Brentford appointed Frank as manager in October 2018 and lost eight of their following 10 games. So nobody should panic if Frank begins slowly at Tottenham . In reality, though, the first couple of months will be a major challenge for the Dane. These are not easy circumstances for anybody to take the Spurs job. Usually a manager takes over after a run of poor form, with fans and players ready for a change and a regression to the mean in the offing. Spurs have been on a run of poor form: one win in 12 league games over the final three months of the season, but in that time they also won the Europa League, which means everything is seen in a different light. Fans may have grumbled, they may have stopped singing Angels, and there was the contretemps at Stamford Bridge, but many of the doubts about Ange Postecoglou were forgotten amid the ecstasy of Bilbao. To judge by the victory parade after the Europa League final and the outpourings of love on social media, the players remained supportive of the previous manager. Which makes this a very unusual situation: Frank inherits a side that finished fourth-bottom of the league, that is both buoyed by recent success and expectant of improvement. READ MORE That Postecoglou started his first season so well only complicated the issue: unfair and unrepresentative of the whole as it may be, it's easy to imagine the comparisons to his first 10 league games, which yielded 26 points. There are other doubts. After working in the youth ranks in Denmark, Frank has only ever managed Brøndby and Brentford. In terms of scrutiny and expectation, Tottenham is a whole new level. It's one thing to be affable at the club with the second-lowest wage bill in the Premier League, quite another at a club like Spurs with a vast global fanbase. Already there has been some online scepticism about the wisdom of a club of their size and self-perception appointing from humble Brentford. Tottenham sacked Ange Postecoglou despite him delivering the Europa League for them. Photograph: Andrew Milligan/PA While the examples of José Mourinho and Antonio Conte show the dangers of turning to a manager who believes the club should be grateful to have them, latent doubts about the scale of the step-up could exacerbate the backlash if early results or performances are poor – as Tottenham experienced during Nuno Espírito Santo's inglorious 17-game reign. And then there's the Champions League: after the Europa League win, there should be few fears about playing in Europe, and Spurs should at the very least qualify for the playoff round, but constant high-level games are a drain on both physical and emotional energy. Frank has limited experience of balancing the domestic league and Europe, the furthest he ever took Brøndby being the fourth qualifying round of the Europa League. His European record is notably poor: played 10, won three, and two of those were against Juvenes/Dogana of San Marino. His record in domestic cups, similarly, is dismal; his past history makes it unlikely a poor league season could be redeemed by other silverware – although the depth of the Spurs squad perhaps means the cups will not be such a low priority. There is one further doubt, which is more to do with Spurs than with Frank. He is leaving an exceptionally well-run club, at which every component worked together to a coherent philosophy. There can be no certainty that any one cog from that system, however important, can achieve success in a different environment, something Chelsea have found as they accumulate more and more parts from Brighton without ever looking like replicating the efficiency of the Brighton model. It may be that such efficiency is not even possible at bigger clubs. Thomas Frank with Yoane Wissa: Brentford are an extremely well-run club - Frank will have to adjust to life at Tottenham. Photograph: John Walton/PA But there are risks in any appointment, just as there are in any transfer. There can be no guarantees that what worked in one set of circumstances will work in another. Football is complicated, and Frank has not just thrived at Brentford – taking the club with the 19th-highest wage bill to 10th in the table is a remarkable achievement – but has given every indication that he is flexible enough to adapt to a new environment. Brentford were promoted as a progressive side with 55% possession in 2020-21, stayed up in their first three Premier League seasons playing in a relatively low block with 44% or 45% possession and then, in the season just ended, began pressing higher and playing more in transition, their possession rising to 48%. That's three clear and distinct ways of playing, even before you get to the frequent tweaks of formation. Not for Frank stubbornly sticking to a philosophy – only to then abandon it when the injuries became too much, leading paradoxically to glory – which is a large part of his appeal. Frank is 51, but he is a manager on the way up. He has Premier League experience. He is the sort of profile of manager Tottenham should be looking to appoint. His track record is very good. It should work. But nothing in football is ever certain and there is a danger a poor start, combined with a confusion about realistic aspirations, could undermine his reign before it begins. — Guardian
