Tottenham sack Thomas Frank after £6.7m gamble backfires
Thomas Frank dismissed as Spurs boss. Image Credit: Getty Images
Tottenham Hotspur have sacked Thomas Frank after just under eight months in charge, bringing an abrupt end to a tenure that began with promise but spiraled into crisis. The decision follows a 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle, leaving Spurs 16th in the Premier League, just five points above the relegation zone.
The north London club confirmed the dismissal on Wednesday morning, stating that while they had been “determined to give Frank the time and support needed,” recent results made “a change at this point necessary.”
Frank’s departure marks another turbulent chapter for Spurs, who had paid £6.7 million in compensation to Brentford last summer to secure the Dane and his coaching staff.
Why Was Thomas Frank Sacked? Poor League Form Proved Decisive
Despite a strong reputation earned at Brentford, Frank struggled to stabilize Tottenham’s domestic form. Spurs are winless in their last eight Premier League matches, their longest such run since 2008.
The statistics paint a stark picture:
- Just two wins in 17 league matches
- Only 12 points collected in that stretch
- A home record of 10 league points under Frank
- Seven wins, eight draws, and 11 defeats overall this season
Heavy defeats to Arsenal (4-1) and Nottingham Forest (3-0) compounded fan frustration, while recent boos at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium underscored growing unrest.
Frank had insisted earlier this week that he believed he retained board support, stating: “I will work day and night to turn this around.” However, internal scrutiny had reportedly intensified in recent weeks.
£6.7m Compensation Fee: A Costly Gamble
Tottenham’s decision to appoint Frank was not without financial weight. According to Brentford’s published accounts, Spurs paid £6.7m in guaranteed compensation to secure Frank and his backroom staff.
The fee covered Frank and assistants including Justin Cochrane, Chris Haslam, and Joe Newton. With Frank signing a contract until 2028, his dismissal is expected to cost Tottenham millions more in severance compensation.
The significant outlay has now come under renewed scrutiny, especially given Spurs’ precarious league position.
European Success Could Not Mask Domestic Struggles
Ironically, Frank’s European campaign told a different story. Tottenham qualified automatically for the Champions League last 16, finishing fourth in their group after winning five of eight matches.
However, domestic cup exits, to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup and Aston Villa in the FA Cup, added pressure to an already faltering league campaign.
The contrast between European competence and Premier League inconsistency ultimately proved unsustainable.
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Injuries and Squad Issues Hampered Frank’s Tenure
Frank’s supporters point to severe injury disruptions as a mitigating factor. Spurs have been without key players including:
- James Maddison
- Richarlison
- Rodrigo Bentancur
- Dejan Kulusevski
- Ben Davies
- Mohammed Kudus
- Lucas Bergvall
Captain Cristian Romero’s suspension further weakened the squad. Romero had also publicly criticized the club’s board over squad depth, highlighting internal tensions.
Nevertheless, the club hierarchy concluded results were insufficient to justify continued patience.
From Brentford Success to Spurs Setback
Before joining Tottenham, Frank spent seven years at Brentford, guiding them from the Championship to Premier League stability. His progressive, structured approach earned widespread admiration.
But Spurs represented a significant step up in expectation and scrutiny. What began as an ambitious project has now become a cautionary tale of high-stakes managerial turnover in the Premier League.
FAQ
Why was Thomas Frank sacked by Tottenham?
Thomas Frank was dismissed after a prolonged poor run in the Premier League, with Spurs winless in eight games and sitting 16th in the table.
How much did Tottenham pay to appoint Thomas Frank?
Tottenham paid Brentford £6.7 million in compensation to secure Frank and his coaching staff in 2025.
How long was Thomas Frank at Tottenham?
Frank was in charge for just under eight months, having been appointed in June.
What was Thomas Frank’s Premier League record at Spurs?
He oversaw seven wins, eight draws, and 11 defeats this season, with only two wins in the last 17 league matches.
Did Tottenham perform well in Europe under Frank?
Yes. Spurs qualified automatically for the Champions League last 16 after finishing fourth in their group.
Are Tottenham in a relegation battle?
Spurs are currently 16th, five points above the relegation zone, placing them in potential danger if results do not improve.
Who could replace Thomas Frank at Tottenham?
The club has not yet announced a successor. Speculation is expected as Spurs seek stability during a critical phase of the season.
How much will it cost Tottenham to sack Thomas Frank?
In addition to the £6.7m compensation paid to Brentford, Spurs are likely to incur further financial costs due to severance and contract obligations.