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From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more.Signup +Once a week...And its LIVE!Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off!Signup +Join the clubGet full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.Explore An account already exists for this email address, please log in.Subscribe to our newsletterTottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has been sacked with immediate effect. But how did it go so wrong?Last nights turgid 2-1 defeat to Newcastle appears to have been the final straw for the Tottenham board, as the club sit 16th in the Premier League, winless in their last eight league games dating back to December.The 52-year-old Dane was a popular appointment following Ange Postecoglous dismissal last summer, but he has failed to recreate the formula that brought Brentford to ninth and tenth-placed finishes in his tenure.You may likeTottenham Hotspur will move for free agent manager after Thomas Frank dismissalThomas Frank said Tottenham wouldn't make his life better - does he wish he had followed his own advice?Tottenham Hotspur report: Interim Dutchman poised to replace Thomas FrankPre-season ambitions were highSpurs current league position is hugely damaging to a club that was targeting Champions League football again next season after encouraging summer business.Xavi Simons, Mohamed Kudus, Randal Kolo Muani and Joao Palhinha were recruited alongside Thomas Frank, who had cost �6.7m in compensation to be plucked away from Brentford, where he had managed for nine years.It seemed a shrewd acquisition, as Frank had transformed the mid-table Championship side into a solid Premier League outfit, playing incisive and efficient football. Innovative scouting and exploitation of attacking set-pieces contributed to the successful model, but it was Franks management that was the key ingredient in their relative success.At Tottenham, however, that efficiency has turned completely stale. Twenty-six games into the season, they have won just seven and will be nervously eyeing the five-point gap between them and West Ham in the relegation zone.Get the FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Fans have consistently pointed to an injury crisis within the squad, which has led to Spurs struggling to field a senior starting 11 at points this season. But after Januarys �35 million acquisition of Conor Gallagher, a torrid run of two wins in 17 games has proved inexcusable.Europe was Franks and Tottenhams safe space. They finished fourth in the 36-team league phase, losing only to reigning holders Paris Saint-Germain, though critics have said their fixtures were largely favourable. Factor in the PR own goal of Frank being pictured drinking from an Arsenal-branded cup during Spurs' trip to Bournemouth, the team's dismal attacking output and dwindling attendances towards the end, it is clear Tottenham fans eventually voted with their feet.His departure will raise questions about the tenability of proven mid-table managers amongst the elite jobs. Franks success with Brentford meant he was a coveted asset across Europe, but he unquestionably failed to inspire success in North London.Thomas Franks record after eight months as Spurs head coach: 38 games 13 Wins | 10 Draws | 15 losses 62 scored | 54 conceded Out of FA Cup, League Cup 16th in Premier League In UCL knockouts after finishing 4th in League Phase pic.twitter.com/MxuJYjFIczFebruary 11, 2026The attention now turns to who his successor will be. The board may be tempted to see out the remainder of the season with a caretaker manager, which Manchester United have proven can be a successful short-term strategy, but with relegation a very real worst-case scenario, the Spurs board may not want to take that risk.Instead, recently dismissed Marseille manager Roberto de Zerbi has proven Premier League experience with Brighton, while Xavi Hernandez has been patiently awaiting a call since departing Barcelona in 2024.Ferencvaros boss Robbie Keane scored 122 goals for the club across two spells, but may be unwilling to abandon the Hungarian side who sit top of the Hungarian NB I on goal difference. Perhaps the Spurs board pulled the trigger at this juncture because of De Zerbis sudden overnight availability.Get VIP Tottenham Hotspur tickets HERE with Seat Unique!Tottenham Hotspur hospitality offers a diverse range of premium experiences, from vibrant social lounges to private boxes. Packages include premium padded seating in prime locations, exclusive lounge access pre- and post-match, gourmet dining, and a complimentary drinks package. Guests may also enjoy live entertainment and Spurs legend appearances.View DealTOPICSRandal Kolo MuaniConor GallagherJoao PalhinhaXavi SimonsTottenham HotspurMarseilleBrentfordNewcastle UnitedFerencvarosBarcelonaPremier LeagueChampions LeagueJoseph SaundersSocial Links NavigationJoseph is a current News Associates trainee studying for his NCTJ qualification after graduating from Durham University with a Physics degree. He spends his free time watching any sport he can find on TV and explaining how his degree is applicable to sports journalism to his family. Joseph supports Arsenal and has years of past FourFourTwo magazines storage, but has written on over 20 sports for publications such as The Mirror, LondonWorld, and Yahoo.com.
