Opinion: Three reasons why Spurs should consider Thomas Frank as new manager

Many names have been thrown around for the new Tottenham head coach role and among them have been some exciting prospects, such as Erik Ten Haag and Brendan Rodgers.

But for every intriguing rumour, there have also been some distinctly underwhelming names being thrown in the ring, including Scott Parker.

But one manager who hasn’t been mentioned is Brentford’s Thomas Frank. Here are a few reasons why he is not to be sniffed at:

Look at what he’s done 

Two Championship play-off finals in two years with Brentford is some achievement.

They finished the 2020-21 regular season with the most goals scored in the league, and with the second-best goal difference, meaning that Frank knows how to show flair in the attacking third, whilst keeping things relatively tight at the back (FBRef).

And the key thing for me is that, despite only managing in England’s second tier, he has been fighting at the very top of the division for two years now.

I can only speak for myself, but I would much rather Spurs hire a manager who has been at the right end of a league, rather than a manager who has been staving off relegation.

I understand that two of the linked coaches, Scott Parker and Graham Potter, have Premier League experience, but Brentford’s ability to bounce back this season after Wembley heartbreak last year bodes well for him and his squad’s mentality.

A Good Fit for the Club

As has already been mentioned, Brentford play free-flowing attacking football, which is exactly what Spurs fans, and the board alike, want to see.

But as well as this, his backroom team have worked on a pretty small budget, targeting good players, who have been successful at Championship level, with some even going on to make waves in the Premier League. 

One only has to look at Ollie Watkins’ success story in his debut Premier League season, as well as former Bees forwards Neal Maupay and Said Benhrama, to understand just how skilful Brentford’s recruitment has been.

Therefore, there is a serious case to be made to suggest that as well as Frank, Daniel Levy should be looking to employ the entire background team at Brentford.

After all, what Spurs have been lacking in recent years, through the hopeless scouting of Steve Hitchen, is signing players who actually benefit the team. 

Daniel Levy’s Dream

And leading on from this point about Brentford signing the right types of player, these players have all been moved on for serious profit.

For example, Ollie Watkins was signed from Exeter for just over £6m, and was shipped on to Aston Villa just three years later for a whopping £30m (TransferMarkt).

Neal Maupay only spent two years playing for the Bees, and yet, Brentford sold him to Brighton for £18m more than they paid for him, from Saint-Etienne. 

With these substantial sell-on values, Daniel Levy would surely be licking his lips at the opportunity to strike some business dealings from these types of players. 

And finally, without any disrespect, a manager like Thomas Frank would be relatively cheap. The 47-year-old only has Brentford and Danish side Brondby on his CV as senior teams managed, so won’t come with the same contract expectations as other managers. 

To me, it seems like a free-hit, by hiring an up-and-coming manager who has proved that on a shoe-string budget, he can work miracles. And Spurs certainly need a miracle.

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