Tottenham Hotspur

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For weeks, it has been a case of when, not if, Thomas Frank went, despite the club's ownership and leadership team being determined to give the Dane a proper go at turning things round.

Ultimately, they deemed that, under Frank, Spurs were more likely to career into oblivion than stop the rot.

Tottenham were desperate for this appointment to work - they believe Frank is a good manager who was dealt a rough hand.

However, the toxicity among the fanbase and the meek performances on the pitch meant the club had no option but to act.

Moving forward, an interim appointment until the end of the campaign makes sense, as the managerial landscape will change drastically at the end of the season.

The most obvious development will be the potential availability of former boss Mauricio Pochettino after the World Cup.

The USA head coach has made no secret of his desire to return to the club one day and supporters have made clear their wishes for him to return.

It seems like a perfect match, but Spurs will have to wait until after the World Cup to appoint the Argentine.

And if it isn't Pochettino, the likes of Oliver Glasner, Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva will be available for nothing in the summer, while World Cup coaches Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti and Julian Nagelsmann may also be obtainable.

In the meantime, Tottenham want Frank's immediate successor in place before the players return to training on Monday.

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The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust has backed the decision to sack Thomas Frank - but questioned why it did not happen before the transfer deadline.

A statement read: "The Trust welcomes the decision to part ways with Thomas Frank.

"While his appointment initially appeared to be a positive step, it has not delivered the progress or results the club urgently needs and decisive action was required.

"We now face another rebuild whilst we are fighting relegation. This is a crucial moment for Tottenham Hotspur. Strong leadership is needed at every level of the club to restore belief and direction for both the players and the supporters.

"The club's statement that the board concluded this morning that 'a change at this point in the season is necessary', raises questions as to why this conclusion has only been reached today, after closure of the January transfer window.

"It is clear that not taking decisive action sooner, and failing to strengthen in the January transfer window, has contributed to our slide down the table and left the club facing a very real risk of relegation.

"No manager can succeed without proper backing. Serious financial investment in the squad is essential, as it is plain to see the team is down to the bare bones.

"The immediate priority must be appointing a manager who can lift the team out of the relegation battle we are currently in. But, changing the manager alone won't solve our problems; ambition, investment and strong leadership must follow.

"We need a clear long-term plan built around attacking football that plays to our strengths, rebuilds confidence and helps unite the fanbase.

"The next appointment must bring stability, belief and a clear footballing identity - and it must be backed with the resources needed to succeed.

"The club needs to show fans it has ambition and is serious about getting out of the relegation battle, rebuilding the squad, winning trophies and competing for Champions League places on a regular basis and restoring Tottenham Hotspur to where it belongs."

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Thomas Frank's dismissal comes with the former Brentford boss boasting a points-per-game tally of 1.12 in the Premier League during his time at Spurs.

That is the worst record of any manager to take permanent charge of the north London club in the Premier League era.

Osvaldo Ardiles is second worst on 1.15, with Juande Ramos on 1.17. The likes of Tim Sherwood (1.91), Mauricio Pochettino (1.89) and Antonio Conte (1.88) top the list.

Remarkably, Frank's Spurs were third after seven Premier League matches.

Their 19 games since have produced form which ranks 18th in the table.

If Frank's time was a tale of a positive start and dreary finish, it is also one distinctly lacking in home comforts.

Spurs have the third-worst home record in the Premier League, winning just twice in 13 outings this season.

And, perhaps most remarkably for fans who wanted a change, things could have been worse.

Tottenham have out-performed their expected goals by 8.6 goals this season - scoring 36 times from an expected tally of 27.4. No side in the league has out-performed by this much, meaning if Spurs reverted to more 'average' or 'expected' finishing standards, they would have perhaps struggled further.

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Spurs Chat podcast member Chris Cowlin says Thomas Frank as the Lilywhites' manager "simply wasn't working" despite initial hope.

"When Thomas Frank was appointed, I thought he'd bring a calmness, defensive qualities and a tactical versatility," Cowlin told BBC Sport.

"He played 17 different formations for Brentford last season. Spurs thought they were getting a flexible manager who would improve players.

"This is not all on Frank - the board need to deliver depth in transfer windows.

"And the players at the moment look beaten before we start the game, the body language doesn't look right.

"Frank as Spurs boss - it simply wasn't working. Someone is going to come in and give these players confidence and put some energy back into Tottenham.

"Hopefully we can climb up that table."

Tottenham are sixth in Premier League and five points above relegation zone.

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

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Former chairman Daniel Levy was a permanent lightning rod for the anger of Spurs fans. When he departed in September, it was welcomed by the majority but left Thomas Frank more in the firing line - and with a shield removed.

Frank was - justifiably - a hugely popular figure at Brentford, not just for his success on the field but the close connection he forged with supporters.

The sight of him leading his players on a post-game lap of honour became familiar - and he would acknowledge faces he recognised in the crowd.

It was ironic, then, that one of the most toxic moments of Frank's brief reign came at the Gtech on New Year's Day, when he was greeted with loud jeers from the visiting Spurs fans at the end of a mind-numbing goalless draw.

It was not so easy to forge close bonds in a vast, state-of-the-art arena housing more than 61,000 supporters. They have to be forged by results - results which did not come, winning just two of 11 home league games.

Frank's post-match lap of honour became a point of contention and controversy when defenders Djed Spence and Micky van de Ven brushed past him and refused to take part after the defeat at home by Chelsea, though they later apologised.

Even if they were angry with fans, the manner in which they brusquely dismissed Frank's wishes sent out poor signals, raising doubts about his level of control.

For all Spence's contrition, the manager again faced awkward questions about his defender's reaction to being substituted during the dismal 3-0 loss at Nottingham Forest.

It has been a miserable, joyless reign. Too often games ended in discontent - a disconnect noted by the club.

Frank certainly never felt the need to publicly criticise his own supporters at Brentford - a move that rarely ends well - but after a defeat by Fulham he declared the booing of goalkeeper Vicario "unacceptable" and not the actions of "true Spurs supporters".

To do so - even to only a section of the crowd - was a high-risk strategy. He never got the wins to heal that fracture.

Frank's honesty, upbeat demeanour and results meant he was idolised at Brentford. It was the polar opposite at Spurs.

Time and patience - precious commodities at Brentford - were in short supply. Not just from the post-Levy powerbrokers, but from fans who simply never warmed to Frank, and who were unconvinced by his pedigree and methods.

There was no doubt many Spurs supporters felt Frank was not up to the job from the start - his solid grounding at a smaller club in Brentford not, in their eyes, the background required to wrestle with the unwieldy beast in north London.

Frank needed to make an instant impact to dispel the doubts. He was unable to do so.

Read more from Phil on what went wrong for Frank at Spurs

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Confirming Thomas Frank's dismissal, Spurs released the following statement: "The club has taken the decision to make a change in the men's head coach position and Thomas Frank will leave today.

"Thomas was appointed in June 2025, and we have been determined to give him the time and support needed to build for the future together.

"However, results and performances have led the board to conclude that a change at this point in the season is necessary.

"Throughout his time at the club, Thomas has conducted himself with unwavering commitment, giving everything in his efforts to move the club forward. We would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him every success in the future."

Follow our live page for all the reaction to Frank's sacking

And have your say on what Spurs should do next here

So Tottenham have dismissed head coach Thomas Frank with the club seemingly in a relegation battle.

But what next for Spurs? Who should they go for now?

Get in touch with your views here

We asked for your views after Tottenham Hotspur's latest defeat by Newcastle United and you have had your say...

John: I have directions of every Championship club - anyone need them?

Sean: We are awful and will probably go down. Starting to play a bit better after 50 minutes is not good enough. The two teams below us are more up for the fight than we are. It's sad and embarrassing, but the result of years of bad recruitment and appointments are now being played out on the pitch. We have a manger that doesn't seem to know what direction the team should be going, and a captain that can't be trusted.

Mike: Spurs should never have employed Thomas Frank and they have now kept him for too long. I can see him being sacked after the next match with Arsenal.

Tommy: Doomed. We've only mustered two wins in 17 league matches. The bottom three have all beaten us already (as have Nottingham Forest). We're terrible at home and not much better away. We have 11 players out injured. We have a manager who, politely, seems out of his depth. We can't pass. We can't score. We point-blank refuse to defend the edge of our penalty area. Our captain gets sent off every week, and the only positive news the board has offered us is telling us about the players we've failed to sign. Other than that, we're golden. Arsenal next...

Paul: As a Spurs fan, I think we are getting what we deserve after failing to give Ange Postecoglou another season. Frank was an underwhelming appointment and I am starting to dislike him! He is getting nothing out of this squad - forget the injury issue, we are in an eat, sleep, repeat mode! The football is simply awful - no style and seemingly little direction. Every first half is a nightmare. That is the manager's fault! We are now closing in on a relegation battle and we need to change it up before it is too late. Xabi Alonso, Xavi and Oliver Glasner are out there and we need to think bigger for a wealthy club. It clearly wasn't all Daniel Levy's fault after all.

Jon: I'm a season ticket-holder. I don't boo, I try to back the team - but there has to be something to back. We are getting worse and there is no pattern to the play. There is no plan. We have relegation written all over our form. The stadium now is just full of apathy. Everyone has lost hope. Thomas Frank has to go as it's the only thing the board can change - and we must change something. I have no doubt where this fault lies - the ownership of the club. Years of bad planning in terms of squad building and a medical department that cannot keep players fit. We have no momentum, no clue and the players left out there think they are better than they are. Championship here we come!

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The BBC Radio 5 Live Football Daily panel were discussing what now for Tottenham and Thomas Frank.

Tuesday's 2-1 home defeat by Newcastle leaves them five points above the relegation zone.

"I'm just looking at the bench and most of them are just kids," said ex-Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul.

"I feel for Thomas Frank in this way, but ultimately it's a whole season. There are 12 games to go.

"Is this enough time for somebody to turn this around and cement their Premier League status? This is not a stadium that should be in the Championship, but this is where it's at. The decision makers will wake up with a headache if they don't make the right decision."

Former Spurs midfielder Michael Brown suggested that if Daniel Levy - who left in September - was still chairman he would have been making contingency plans "weeks ahead".

He then wondered if Ryan Mason could have a third spell in interim charge - referencing the success Michael Carrick has had in a similar role at Manchester United.

"Ryan Mason stepped into that before and he knows the club," said Brown.

"Is he somebody who they get in just for a change of voice just while they have a little look at the situation if they're going to make a change?"

When asked if Mason would want to come in just for the short term, Brown added: "He'd go for even three games in a heartbeat."

Listen to the full episode here on BBC Sounds

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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The Tottenham hierarchy now has a huge decision to make.

Thomas Frank's future at the club is uncertain. That isn't a secret, of course - it has been the case for weeks.

Large sections of the supporters want him sacked. The boos that rang out at full-time were testament to that prevailing feeling from a disgruntled fanbase.

Crucially, there has been a loss of support towards the Dane internally.

So, the fact Frank's disastrous first season in charge lurched to deeper depths with this home defeat by Newcastle may have significant consequences.

If Nottingham Forest, who occupy 17th, beat Wolves on Wednesday they will go level on points with Tottenham.

Frank is understandably hesitant to admit his side are in relegation fight - but the numbers don't lie.

That said, it may not be Frank's problem for much longer - Tottenham's latest loss will push the beleaguered manager closer to what appears an inevitable exit.

Indeed, such has been the level of contemplation regarding Frank's immediate future at Tottenham in recent weeks that this loss will almost certainly trigger further soul-searching from the club's leadership group.

The fact the Spurs board has stuck by Frank during such a difficult period proves the desire is for the appointment to work.

The easier decision would have been to show Frank the door by now, but the belief is the 52-year-old has been dealt a rough hand.

There is an acknowledgment the season has been disrupted by multiple injuries to key players and also recognition the squad needs repair work - particularly considering the departures of their two main sources of goals in Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.

There is also a sense behind the scenes the squad is lacking leadership - it was why they signed England international Conor Gallagher and tried to land Andy Robertson from Liverpool.

There is also a sense from Spurs' executive team that they require a period of managerial stability.

If the decision is made to part ways with Frank in the immediate aftermath of this Newcastle defeat, they will have 12 days until their next fixture against Arsenal on 22 February.

That leaves Tottenham with a prolonged window to execute their replacement plan and leave Frank's successor with time to implement a blueprint for the north London derby.

The pressure on Frank is at breaking point. We are about to find out if Tottenham crack.

Listen to more Spurs reaction and analysis on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast

Real Madrid are looking for a centre-back and Tottenham skipper Cristian Romero has emerged as a target, with the 27-year-old also linked with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: "I have been better. Of course, we are massively frustrated that we couldn't get the win today. No doubt about that. I see a team running and fighting out there.

"They gave everything in a tricky and difficult situation against a good team who make it difficult for us, especially in the first half."

On squad depth affecting results: "I think it is a two-sided question. 10 players with injury and suspension, and another injury after 30 minutes 100% doesn't help.

"I am absolutely sure any coach would like to have more available players as it is easier to get more out of everything. I have never complained. We do everything we can to put out a competitive team out there."

On fans booing: "I understand the frustration. It has been building up a little bit - last season it was similar playing Europe and Premier League.

"This season is similar playing Europe and the Premier League. So there is something in the squad we need to be resilient, mentally and physically."I am 100% sure that it is a team effort, and it is not only one person. We are all aligned and we know what needs to be done."

Spurs striker Dominic Solanke, speaking to TNT Sports: "Not great, we want to be winning games. We know it's not good enough from us. We're obviously frustrated and want to turn this form around.

"It's tough to put a finger on it. We're not doing the business at the moment, we've got a lot of players out injured.

"We're trying to get it right and turn it around as quickly as possible. We wanted to get the win but it didn't go our way.

"We don't want to be anywhere near the bottom of the table, but we know we can turn it around. It's a matter of when. We have a while until the next game now.

"We've got great players on the team. We need to be doing better and the next game will be another tough one. We've got time to get that right."

Did you know?

• Tottenham are winless in eight Premier League games (D4 L4), their longest run since going nine without victory from May to October 2008 under Juande Ramos.

• No side has conceded first in more Premier League home games this season than Spurs (9 - level with Burnley and Wolves).

• Spurs have scored 13 goals from corners in the Premier League this season (only Arsenal have more with 14) – their joint-most in a single campaign in the competition (also 13 in 2022-23).

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Tottenham's performance

What did you make of Newcastle's display?

Come back on Tuesday for a selection of your replies

Djed Spence returns as Tottenham Hotspur make three changes for the visit of Newcastle United.

The full-back missed the games against Manchester United and Manchester City with a calf strain but is fit to start in the absence of the injured Destiny Udogie.

Radu Dragusin replaces suspended captain Cristian Romero in the starting line-up after the defender was sent off in the 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford last time out while midfielder Yves Bissouma also comes into the side.

Tottenham XI: Vicario, Gray, Dragusin, van de Ven, Spence, Sarr, Bissouma, Gallagher, Odobert, Solanke, Simons

Subs: Kinsky, Palhinha, Tel, Souza, Kolo Muani, Oluesi, Byfield, Williams Barnett, Rowswell

Image source, Premier League

Anthony Gordon looks set to lead the line as Newcastle United make four changes for the game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The forward has recovered from a hamstring issue to take his place up front as Newcastle line up without a recognised striker.

Dan Burn, Jacob Ramsey and Anthony Elanga also return to the starting line-up.

Newcastle XI: Pope, Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Guimaraes, Ramsey, Willock, Elanga, Gordon. Barnes

Subs: Ramsdale, Hall, Tonali, Wissa, Osula, J.Murphy, Woltemade, A.Murphy, Shahar

There are four games in the Premier League on Tuesday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Chelsea v Leeds

• Everton v Bournemouth

• Tottenham v Newcastle

• West Ham v Manchester United (20:15)

Kick-off times 19:30 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

And listen to Around The Grounds on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds from 19:00

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Ali Speechly
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

In November, I named Cristian Romero as our most important player. I argued that, despite his temperament, he is a player in control.

Following his reckless display against Manchester United on Saturday, I am now questioning my previous appraisal of our captain.

Added to his on-field misdemeanours, Romero has also been very vocal on social media this season, strongly criticising the club.

While many fans have found this refreshing and, in some cases, quite entertaining, is it really the behaviour we require from our captain?

It is much easier to lead when things are going well, but what about when you are on the cusp of a relegation battle?

Now, more than ever, we need a leader we can rely on.

This is not the time for Romero to play by his own rules, no matter how passionate he may be.

Perhaps more concerning than Romero's most recent red card, was Thomas Frank's lack of knowledge on his captain's overall discipline.

Given that Frank was unaware Romero has the most red cards of any player in the period since he joined Spurs, it feels fair to question how informed his decision-making has been in general.

Nevertheless, the Tottenham head coach is adamant Romero will reclaim the armband when he returns from his four-game suspension.

So, for that period, with James Maddison still sidelined through injury, captaincy will be handed over to our other vice-captain, Micky van de Ven.

Will the Dutchman use this as an opportunity to stake his claim for the position on a more permanent basis, or will he happily relinquish the responsibility once Romero returns?

Either way, I just hope someone can bring some much-needed composure to a team that is unravelling.

Find more from Ali Speechly at Women Of The Lane, external and on Instagram, external

Noel Sliney
BBC Sport senior journalist

This is the most played Premier League fixture never to finish goalless, with the 61 meetings producing 196 goals at an average of 3.2 per game.

True to form, December's reverse fixture ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw, with Tottenham twice coming from behind late on to earn a point thanks to Cristian Romero's 95th-minute overhead kick.

Spurs 'desperate to win games'

Just as Romero eased the mounting pressure on head coach Thomas Frank two months ago by preventing a sixth defeat in eight games for Spurs, he has added to it with his recent words and deeds.

At the end of a week in which Romero publicly took aim at the club's hierarchy for the second time in a month, the team captain incurred a red card and four-match ban on Saturday for his forceful challenge on Manchester United midfielder Casemiro.

Frank, who has repeatedly defended Romero, admitted on Monday that players and staff are "desperate to win games" - Spurs and Burnley are the only sides not to do so in the Premier League this calendar year.

Spurs had 10 players out at the weekend, and Destiny Udogie now faces a month out because of the hamstring injury he sustained at Old Trafford. Nonetheless, the team's form - even preceding Frank - makes for damning reading:

• Tottenham are on a seven-match winless league run for the third time since the start of last season – they hadn't previously gone that long without a victory since 2008.

• They've only managed two wins in 16 top-flight games since the start of November, drawing six and losing eight.

• Spurs have won just four of 26 home league fixtures, suffering 15 defeats.

• In the 14 months since 16 December 2024, Tottenham have won more matches in Europe (12 of 18) than in the Premier League (11 of 47).

Defiant Howe has problems to fix

Like Spurs, Newcastle are a big club at a crossroads in their season. They've suffered three successive league defeats and only won one of their past nine matches, excluding the FA Cup penalty shootout success against Bournemouth.

In the build-up to this game, head coach Eddie Howe said there's "no doubt" in his mind that he's best-placed to restore Newcastle's fortunes. "If I didn't think I was the correct man to take the team forward, and I couldn't give the players what they need, then I would step aside and let someone else do it."

Newcastle's poor away form – two league wins in 15 attempts on the road – is one of several issues for Howe to fix.

Another was highlighted by Romero's last-gasp equaliser for Spurs in December and also when Brentford scored a late winner at St James' Park on Saturday. It means Newcastle have dropped 19 points from winning positions this season, more than any other Premier League side.

Tottenham captain Cristian Romero let his manager down with his red card against Manchester United, and now he is facing a four-game ban.

It's fine for Romero to be a motor mouth on social media, calling the club's recruitment "disgraceful", but he clearly needs to concentrate on his own game because he has been wild in the challenge again.

For a manager like Thomas Frank, who is under pressure, that is the last thing you need.

Poor old Eddie Howe is feeling the heat at Newcastle too, though. We had callers in to 606 at the weekend saying it is time for a change.

I really don't get that thinking at all, and not just because Howe's the guy who ended their long wait for a trophy, less than a year ago.

His squad is stretched now because of the Champions League and their run to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, and he also had everything around Alexander Isak's exit to deal with at the start of the season, when it wasn't his doing.

Howe just hasn't been able to replace Isak, either. Yoane Wissa has taken a while to get up and running and Nick Woltemade is very different to Isak in that he likes to come to the ball all the time.

People are saying a change of voice might help, but what about backing the guy who has given you so much happiness? I don't understand why you'd want him out.

This is a very difficult game to predict for various reasons, but we do know Spurs are poor at home and Newcastle aren't great away.

I still think someone will win it, but I am going to sit in the middle anyway, and go for a draw.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Premier League game against Newcastle at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (kick-off 19:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Frank confirmed that Destiny Udogie will "out for four to five weeks", and that Kevin Danso is also ruled out with injury, but Djed Spence has returned to training with the squad.

• Dejan Kulusevski, who has not featured this season for Spurs, will have "another appointment" as he aims to make a comeback after suffering a knee injury last season.

• Frank says his side are "desperate" for a league win as Spurs sit six points above the relegation zone: "There is no doubt we are desperate to win games. Desperate. I am focusing on Newcastle tomorrow. That is a great opportunity ahead of us against a good team. That is the main thing."

• On needing the fans during these desperate times: "Not everything has been perfect, but the ability to run and fight has been very good. We desperately need them because when you're in a situation when it is not going straightforward, you need the fans even more."

• On whether Cristiano Romero is a leader or a liability: "For me, I think he is a leader. I have said it before, he is a young leader, so he is learning every day. I remember when I was 30 years old, I thought I was on top of the world. When you have a player that is playing so much with passion, then sometimes things like that can happen. Of course, he should learn from it [red card against Manchester United]."

• On facing Newcastle: "I think every Premier League game is a battle. It is the most physical, competitive, relentless league in the world. Newcastle are very physical and intense in the way they play. It is a coach [Eddie Howe] I admire a lot. He has been part of transforming the club and making sure they didn't go down. Then you can see they have the second year they have experienced in the Champions League. It is not easy to play the Champions League and Premier League."

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