Thomas Frank has expressed heartfelt gratitude to Brentford and its supporters following his appointment as the new head coach of Tottenham Hotspur, a move he described as leaving “a big piece of my heart” behind.
The Danish manager was officially unveiled by Tottenham on Thursday, having signed a three-year contract to take charge of the North London club. He steps in as the successor to Ange Postecoglou, who was dismissed after a challenging domestic campaign despite securing silverware in Europe.
Frank, 51, leaves behind a legacy at Brentford where he managed 317 matches over a seven-year period, securing 136 victories. One of his most significant achievements came in 2021 when he led the club to Premier League promotion, establishing them as a competitive force in the top flight.
In a deeply personal message published on Brentford’s official website, Frank reflected on his departure, stating: “The time has come for me to move on. But, even as I leave, I know I have left a big piece of my heart at Brentford, not just at the football club but with the community and, of course, the incredible and loyal supporters.”
He went on to thank the club for believing in his vision and offering him the platform to fulfil his professional goals. “I want to extend my profound gratitude to the club for giving me the chance to pursue my dreams and to everyone involved who made the journey such a memorable one.”
Describing his time at Brentford as being part of a “special community,” Frank highlighted the collective nature of the club’s achievements. “Whatever we have achieved, we have achieved together, and our success is built on unity, spirit, courage, and ambition at every level of the club and amongst the fans,” he noted.
He also paid tribute to those who stood by him during both the highs and lows. “Everybody has contributed, and every contribution has been invaluable. I am not just leaving a football club, I am saying goodbye to friends whose support through good and bad times I will carry with me always.”
Frank now becomes the fourth individual to take on the role of Tottenham’s permanent manager since 2021. He assumes leadership at a time when the club is looking to re-establish itself among the Premier League’s top sides after a turbulent period.
Despite Tottenham’s triumph in the Europa League final against Manchester United, which earned them a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League, the team struggled domestically. They ended the Premier League campaign in a disappointing 17th place, having lost 22 of their 38 matches.
Ironically, Frank’s Brentford side ended the season seven places and 18 points ahead of Spurs in the standings, underlining the stark contrast in form between the two teams.
Postecoglou had initially won the affection of fans with his bold proclamations and attacking philosophy, famously asserting that he always captures a trophy in his second season. He stayed true to that declaration by delivering Tottenham’s first European trophy in over four decades with their narrow 1-0 win in Bilbao.
However, the club’s dismal league performance ultimately led to his dismissal, paving the way for Frank’s arrival and the beginning of a new chapter at Tottenham Hotspur.
What you should know
Thomas Frank, who guided Brentford to Premier League stability and earned widespread admiration for his leadership, has been appointed Tottenham Hotspur’s new head coach. Despite Spurs winning the Europa League, their poor league showing prompted the change.
Frank now takes over with the challenge of restoring Spurs to Premier League prominence.
