Thomas Frank Backed for Crystal Palace Role After Tottenham Exit
Thomas Frank has been tipped for a swift return to Premier League management with Crystal Palace, just days after his sacking by Tottenham Hotspur. The 52-year-old Dane's disappointing eight-month tenure at Spurs came to an abrupt end following a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United that left the Europa League holders languishing in 16th place, just five points above the relegation zone.
Dismal Tottenham Spell Ends Abruptly
Frank's reputation, built impressively during his successful spell at Brentford, suffered significant damage during his brief time at Tottenham. The club endured an eight-game winless streak in the Premier League under his leadership - their longest such run since 2008. Tottenham's board made the decision to terminate his contract on Wednesday morning, citing unsatisfactory results and performances as the primary reasons.
The club stated: "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."
Sherwood Analyzes the Situation
Former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood expressed sympathy for Frank while acknowledging the inevitable nature of his departure. Speaking on Sky Sports, Sherwood noted that Frank's tactical approach, while successful at Brentford, proved incompatible with Tottenham's expectations and fan demands.
"I think if you've seen Thomas Frank's style of play down the years you would have known that it was very unlikely he was going to change his style," Sherwood explained. "The nature of the job at Tottenham, comparing it to Brentford, it's a completely different animal. The expectation at Tottenham, you can't just win a game, lose one, draw a couple... it's not acceptable, especially when you're at home."
Crystal Palace Emerges as Potential Destination
Despite his Tottenham struggles, Sherwood believes Frank's managerial career remains intact and specifically identified Crystal Palace as a potential ideal fit. The Eagles are searching for a new manager after Oliver Glasner announced his departure at season's end, despite leading Palace to FA Cup glory last campaign.
"I'm sure Thomas will go on and manage elsewhere," Sherwood predicted. "I wouldn't be surprised if we saw him at Crystal Palace. I think that's a fantastic fit for him."
Tottenham's Relegation Concerns
Sherwood emphasized the seriousness of Tottenham's current predicament, describing the club as being "in a relegation battle" that requires immediate attention. With a crucial north London derby against league leaders Arsenal approaching on February 22, Tottenham faces mounting pressure to secure results rather than focus on performances.
"Let's face it, they're in a relegation battle," Sherwood stated bluntly. "Tottenham fans are looking down rather than up which is not a very positive sign. They are 100 percent in a relegation battle and it's not necessarily for the interim manager to go in and to worry about performances too much. He's just got to concentrate on results, it's all about the results now and just digging them out."
Crystal Palace themselves have experienced difficulties this season, winning just eight of their 26 league matches to sit 13th in the table, eight points clear of the relegation zone. The managerial vacancy at Selhurst Park presents Frank with an opportunity for redemption in the Premier League, should Palace's hierarchy view his Brentford successes as more indicative of his capabilities than his Tottenham struggles.
