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Tottenham news: Opinion - Fan on Thomas Frank future

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Tottenham news: Opinion - Fan on Thomas Frank future - BBC
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It might be time to put Thomas Frank, and therefore everyone else at Spurs, out of their misery.

I have been desperate for it to work with Frank, not least because I am so bored of this endless cycle of replacing managers without changing anything else behind the scenes to support them.

I know much of the fanbase has been calling for him to be sacked for a while now, but I had been prepared to endure a season of change under Frank, fully aware that it would take time and might not initially be fun to watch.

However, even taking our significant injury list into consideration, Frank has failed to convince an increasingly impatient, unforgiving and vocal audience that he has a clear plan and intended identity for his team.

Tellingly, Frank himself appears utterly dejected by the whole experience. He looks exhausted and emotionally drained, and sounds increasingly monotonous in his interviews.

It feels inevitable that eventually this situation will become so toxic – if it has not already – that the board will be forced to part ways with yet another manager.

The most frustrating part for me is that I am confident Frank will succeed wherever he goes next. I do not think he is a bad coach. He is simply struggling to thrive at Spurs – and, worryingly, he is not the first.

Which brings us to question of who is likely to be next? Who would even want this poisoned chalice of a job?

Even if we can lure a strong candidate to agree to the role, what else will change to ensure it is any different for them?

The painful truth is that so much more than a change of manager is needed at Spurs. Let's hope we see it.

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Tottenham news: Rodrigo Bentancur undergoes surgey

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Tottenham news: Rodrigo Bentancur undergoes surgey - BBC
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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has had surgery on his right hamstring and is set to be out at least three months.

The Uruguay international, 28, suffered the injury in Spurs' 3-2 defeat by Bournemouth in the Premier League.

He is set to start his rehabilitation immediately with Tottenham's medical staff.

With Bentancur set to miss the majority of the rest of the season, it remains to be seen whether Spurs will enter the transfer market to bolster their midfield options.

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Tottenham news: Fan views on Atletico Madrid's Conor Gallagher

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Tottenham news: Fan views on Atletico Madrid's Conor Gallagher - BBC
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We asked for your views on Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, who is expected to be Tottenham's next signing for £35m.

Here are some of your comments:

Johna: Gallagher is a decent, hard-working midfielder, but unfortunately he will not add anything that we have not already got in central midfield. He is all action, like Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Joao Palhinha. We need someone who can control the game and slow it down a bit and make the correct pass.

Jim: Gallagher is better than any of our other current midfielders. He will give us more bite and with Xavi Simons and Palhinha we have three players with good strengths. We need to see more of Xavi breaking through the lines as he did in the second half on Saturday. Gallagher could be the right signing to support and cover those runs.

Stan: An established England international, who wants to shine to cement his place in the World Cup squad; one who knows that you're supposed to pass the ball towards the opposition goalie not your own; and at a reasonable price. What's not to like?

Doug: He is 100% what we need. He's Thomas Frank's sort of player as he's attacking minded and a grafter. He works hard for the team and he will add a much needed energy and attacking flair to our play. He's not afraid to run at players, giving us a more direct style of play rather than the sideways or backwards play we do now.

John: Definitely a good signing. I think he will fit in really well. He will take the pressure off Archie Gray and with Sarr back soon, I think midfield is sorted. We desperately need a new winger still.

Tom: I think Gallagher has shown himself to be quietly useful. He could easily become a James Milner or Jordan Henderson in terms of his midfield contributions - we need and have lacked a calm presence in there for years. He's no blockbuster, but in his position, you don't necessarily need one. You want a metronome - steady, constant, reassuring - and he could be that if we use him and treat him right. Am I blown away by it? No. Do I like it? Yes.

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Tottenham news: Is Conor Gallagher a good signing? Have your say

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Tottenham news: Is Conor Gallagher a good signing? Have your say - BBC
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Tottenham expect to complete a £35m deal for Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher after moving ahead of Aston Villa in the race for the England international's signature.

Gallagher has not yet agreed personal terms with Spurs, but that is understood to be a formality.

Spurs are looking to add to their midfield options after Rodrigo Bentancur was ruled out for at least three months.

Will Gallagher be a good addition to the squad? Or do you think there were better options out there for that price?

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Conor Gallagher: Aston Villa and Tottenham hold talks over move for Atletico Madrid man

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Conor Gallagher: Aston Villa and Tottenham hold talks over move for Atletico Madrid man - BBC
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Aston Villa and Tottenham have both held talks over a move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher this month.

The England international can leave the La Liga club in January, which has alerted a number of clubs.

It is Atletico's preference to sell Gallagher on a permanent deal this month, or on a loan with an obligation.

Villa's interest is said to be the most advanced as things stand but Spurs have now entered the race to sign the former Chelsea midfielder and sources are indicating that Spurs' interest in Gallagher is both concrete and accelerating.

A move back to the Premier League is likely to suit Gallagher as he tries to break back into Thomas Tuchel's England squad before the World Cup this summer.

Spurs could be looking to add to their midfield options after a recent injury blow, as Rodrigo Bentancur faces at least three months on the sidelines.

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Tottenham news: Why did Spurs players wear shirts with no names on the back?

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Tottenham news: Why did Spurs players wear shirts with no names on the back? - BBC
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Why Spurs wore a different kit without the players' names on the back for their FA Cup match against Aston Villa at the weekend has been subject of several questions sent in via our 'Ask about Tottenham' form.

As part of a campaign launched by the club on Friday, Tottenham wore kits inspired by the historic 1901 FA Cup-winning team.

April will mark 125 years since Spurs became the first - and still only - non-league side to win football's oldest cup competition.

The club want to commemorate the historic achievement between now and that date and - alongside activities, including tours of local schools and educational content - they launched a limited edition shirt that was worn by the players in Saturday's third-round defeat.

In the announcement, Spurs said: "The special edition shirt features a heritage crest which, along with our sponsor logos, will appear in Lilywhite, and no player surnames feature on the back, with only the shirt number visible."

The style, without the names and with a different badge, is a nod to the kit that would have been worn by the team 125 years ago.

You can read more about the campaign here

Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.

We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.

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Tottenham's Rodrigo Bentancur to miss three months with hamstring issue

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Tottenham's Rodrigo Bentancur to miss three months with hamstring issue - BBC
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Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur requires hamstring surgery and is set to miss at least three months.

The Uruguay international, who has been a key player for Thomas Frank's side this season, suffered the injury in Spurs' Premier League defeat at Bournemouth last week.

With the 28-year-old set to miss the majority of the rest of the season, it now remains to be seen whether Tottenham will enter the transfer market to bolster their midfield options.

He joins team-mate Mohammed Kudus on the sidelines, with the Ghana winger out until after the international break in March with a thigh injury.

Spurs also sold forward Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace for £35m earlier this month.

The absence of Bentancur comes with Frank under pressure amid his side's struggling form and growing unrest at the club.

Spurs are 14th in the Premier League and suffered an FA Cup third round exit on Saturday when they were beaten by Aston Villa.

Tottenham fans booed the team at half-time, with their side going into the break 2-0 down, and supporters are planning a protest over the running of the club at their home game against West Ham on Saturday.

Fans' group Change for Tottenham have asked supporters to bring yellow banners, flags and scarves for an in-stadium protest prior to the Hammers match.

It follows the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust (THST) accusing the club of a "dramatic fall in ambition" after meeting with senior club figures.

"There is growing frustration within the fanbase surrounding the board's transfer strategy, clarity on the director of football role, our continuous injury crises season after season, recent results/performances on the pitch and extortionate ticket prices," said Change for Tottenham.

"We believe acting now will hopefully mean our voices are heard at such a pivotal time during the January transfer window.

"Our first team and squad needs serious investment, and after The Lewis Family Trust, Vinai Venkatesham and Fabio Paratici told supporters that they were ready to be ambitious and prioritise trophies after Daniel Levy stood down, all we ask as fans is that these promises are kept."

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Tottenham transfer rumours: Conor Gallagher, Mathys Tel

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Tottenham transfer rumours: Conor Gallagher, Mathys Tel - BBC
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Tottenham remain interested in a move for Atletico Madrid and England midfielder Conor Gallagher, despite Aston Villa being favourites to sign the 25-year-old. (Teamtalk), external

Spurs' sporting director Fabio Paratici is set to leave the club for Serie A side Fiorentina after the January transfer window. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Meanwhile, Paris FC are among the clubs keen on signing French winger Mathys Tel on loan this month, but Tottenham want the 20-year-old to stay. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Mondays full gossip column

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Tottenham 1-0 Leicester City: Signe Gaupset shines as Spurs boost Champions League bid

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Tottenham 1-0 Leicester City: Signe Gaupset shines as Spurs boost Champions League bid - BBC
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Signe Gaupset impressed on her Women's Super League debut as Tottenham defeated Leicester City to boost their push for a Champions League place.

An own goal from former Spurs defender Ashleigh Neville settled the outcome for the hosts, who already have more points than they earned in the entirety of last season and moving them alongside third-placed Arsenal in the table.

Neville left Spurs for Leicester on Thursday after almost a decade in north London, but could do nothing when Foxes goalkeeper Olivia Clark punched a corner against her head and in.

Leicester were happy to sit back and play on the counter, twice forcing Lize Kop into smart saves through Emily van Egmond and Hannah Cain before the break.

The second half continued in similar fashion, with midfielder Gaupset orchestrating Tottenham's attacks and combining brilliantly with Olivia Holdt and Bethany England.

The Norwegian international, 20, has joined from Brann and is widely regarded as one of the world's most exciting young talents.

"She should be pleased with that for her first game," said Spurs boss Martin Ho.

"We have only seen flashes of her today. I know what she can deliver, and she knows what she can deliver."

Leicester looked the better side after Gaupset was withdrawn with 25 minutes left to play, but were again denied by Kop when Noemie Mouchon looked for the bottom corner after powering into the box.

Substitute Mouchon looked to turn provider shortly after, but Shannon O'Brien - scorer of Leicester's past three WSL goals - fired narrowly wide from her cross.

Despite their sharp build-up play, Spurs did not muster a shot on target until the 81st minute when Clark pushed away an England header.

They wrestled back control thereafter, with Clare Hunt hitting the woodwork and Toko Koga firing wide when it looked easier to score.

Tottenham stretched their unbeaten home record in the WSL this season to seven games, with only Manchester City (21) earning more points at home than their 16 this term.

Despite a positive performance, Leicester's winless run away from home extended to 22 WSL games.

Although she didn't mark her debut with a goal or assist, new signing Gaupset showed glimpses of her undoubted talent.

She went straight into the starting XI and looked right at home, so much so that she was named player of the match.

Gaupset should have scored early in the second half following some neat link-up play with Holdt and England, but ran on to the former's through-ball slightly too early and was caught offside before Clark saved her effort.

Until her substitution the Norway international led her side for shots and touches in the opposition box, and looked like creating something whenever she was on the ball.

"It's fun to be part of this team finally," said Gaupset, who also worked under Spurs boss Ho at Brann.

"Everyone has been really nice and taken good care of me. I'm excited to be part of this amazing team.

"[The WSL] is more competitive than in Norway, it's a good challenge and fun to be part of. We will keep developing and become a better team."

Gaupset could have joined several European heavyweights, including Lyon and Real Madrid, but chose to reunite with Ho, whose only concern in the victory will be that his side lost momentum after her withdrawal.

"She [Gaupset] is adjusting to the team, the players, new environment, new culture and making sure when she gets on the pitch she plays with a bit of freedom because when she does she is at her best," added Ho.

"It's really important that she settles in quickly because you have games coming thick and fast and she will want to be part of that."

With Spurs now only behind Arsenal on goal difference, Gaupset will clearly be key to their hopes of securing Champions League football come the end of the season.

While their wait for a WSL away win continues, there is no denying boss Rick Passmoor is putting his stamp on his side.

The Foxes looked defensively organised for much of the match, which made Neville's unfortunate own goal all the more frustrating.

Her arrival heralded a switch-around at the back, with Sarah Mayling and her operating as wing-backs.

That system allowed the visitors to counter-attack at pace down the flanks and, on another day, Cain and Van Egmond might have taken the chances that came their way.

With a league-low seven goals in 12 games, scoring is still clearly an issue - as is the reliance on O'Brien to provide them - but Leicester's identity is becoming clearer with every match as Passmoor's players gain a greater understanding of their gameplan and style.

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Women's Super League LIVE: Scores and live text updates from five games in the WSL

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Women's Super League LIVE: Scores and live text updates from five games in the WSL - BBC
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Man City 2-0 Everton

Izzy Christiansen

Former Man City midfielder on Sky Sports

The battle goes on and on and on between Bunny Shaw and Brosnan in the WSL.

You always think it's inevitable with Shaw but not with Brosnan. She comes out and eats up the space and Shaw shoots it right at her and it's a good save with the knee.

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Chelsea 4-0 West Ham

Chelsea are gunning for a fifth goal here.

They'd hardly get a better chance to pad their goal difference than against a side struggling at the bottom of the table who are low on confidence having conceded four already.

The Blues know all too well how precious goal difference can be in a title race having pipped City on goals scored on the final day two years ago.

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Man City 2-0 Everton

Bunny Shaw wants her goal, but she just cannot find a way past Courtney Brosnan today.

She absolutely smashes that strike at the Everton goalkeeper.

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Man City 2-0 Everton

That goal was Vivianne Miedema's last bit of action. Andree Jeglertz brings off the Dutch forward for Grace Clinton.

There's also changes for Everton, with Karen Holmgaard and Rosa van Gool replaced by Hikaru Kitagawa and Nicole Momiki.

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Chelsea 4-0 West Ham

Veerle Buurman has had little to do in the Chelsea back line but she's just had to put in a last-ditch tackle to prevent Shekiera Martinez from shooting at goal from the edge of the D.

A crunching slide tackle it was too.

'She doesn't miss from there'

Man City 2-0 Everton

Izzy Christiansen

Former Man City midfielder on Sky Sports

Miedema deadly.

Just a little moment is all it takes. Everton have been resilient but it's come again from a turnover of possession. City ruthless. A little dink from Bunny Shaw and it's a super touch from Miedema - she doesn't miss from there.

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Chelsea 4-0 West Ham

Sonia Bompastor opts to make a trio of changes as we reach the hour mark.

Goalscorers Alyssa Thompson and Lauren James make way, as does Sjoeke Nusken.

On come Guro Reiten, Lexi Potter and Sam Kerr.

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Aston Villa 2-1 Brighton

That change is an odd one from Natalia Arroyo.

Kirsty Hanson is perpetually one of Villa's most dangerous attacking threats and she had just put the side a goal up.

Perhaps it's a case of managing minutes? She didn't look like she was carrying a knock though.

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Chelsea 4-0 West Ham

Johanna Rytting Kaneryd has tormented the left side of the West Ham defence.

She does so again here but her cross is turned behind for a corner that Chelsea can't make much of.

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