The Sun

TOTTENHAM’S under-fire manager Thomas Frank has the worst home win record out of all of his predecessors in the Premier League era.

Frank, 52, oversaw Spurs’ latest disaster class at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday as they lost 2-1 to London rivals and relegation scrappers West Ham.

The struggling Hammers got the big Premier League win thanks to Crysencio Summerville’s opener and Callum Wilson’s late winner, which were sandwiched between Cristian Romero’s temporary equaliser.

Fourteenth-placed Tottenham endured their ninth defeat in 22 Prem matches under the Danish tactician this season, and that was courtesy of one of their many former managers since 1992 in Nuno Espirito Santo.

Nuno lasted less than five months at Spurs back in 2021, but he still holds a better home record than Frank, who has been at the wheel for almost seven months.

In fact, the Dane currently holds the worst record at home since the Premier League was created 33 years ago.

The ex-Brentford boss holds a win percentage of a mere 18 per cent since his arrival in June when he replaced Ange Postecoglou who landed the team’s first trophy in 17 years following their Europa League triumph.

That is below all 19 of his predecessors that sat in the dugout for at least five home matches before him.

Tim Sherwood leads the way with 73 per cent from his five-month tenure until his dismissal in May 2014.

Antonio Conte follows with 71 per cent with Mauricio Pochettino and Harry Redknapp at 64 per cent.

Nuno, who has put Frank’s future under immense scrutiny, completes the top five with 60 per cent.

Martin Jol follows with 59 per cent, while Jose Mourinho and Ryan Mason are tied at 57 per cent despite the former coaching for two years and the latter counting about five months in total across two stints.

The duo of Doug Livermore and Ray Clemence enjoyed a 52 per cent winning ratio during their brief stint as joint-caretaker managers in the Premier League’s maiden campaign.

And Andre Villas-Boas completes the top 10 with the same return.

George Graham, Postecoglou and David Pleat follow with 50 per cent each.

Glenn Hoddle is just behind with 49 per cent, while Gerry Francis is at 47 per cent.

Juande Ramos, who was the last Tottenham manager to win silverware before Postecoglou in 2008 when he lifted the League Cup, counts 39 per cent.

Christian Gross (33 per cent), Osvaldo Ardiles (22 per cent) and Jacques Santini (20 per cent) complete the list.

THOMAS FRANK was seen arriving at Tottenham’s training ground early this morning amid intense uncertainty over his future.

Things went from bad to worse for the Dane on Saturday afternoon as Spurs suffered a last-gasp 2-1 defeat to West Ham.

Fans called for Frank to be “sacked in the morning” during their NINTH league defeat of the season.

And SunSport understands the Tottenham brass are weighing up relieving the 52-year-old of his duties.

The Spurs’ hierarchy, and in particular chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, have previously been steadfast in their support of Frank amid his struggles.

But they are now weighing up whether to persevere with the Dane just seven months into his reign given the poor results and how toxic the situation has become with the fanbase.

It is understood the support for Frank among the board is not as unanimous as it once was.

It was, however, business as usual for the former Brentford boss on Sunday morning as he reported to the club’s Hotspur Training Ground.

Former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, who is currently in charge of the USA, is reportedly interested in a return to the club if Frank is given his P45.

That’s according to talkSPORT, who claim the Argentine would be “open” to a second stint in charge of the north Londoners after this summer‘s World Cup.

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Pochettino spent five seasons with Spurs and guided them to the 2018/19 Champions League final.

He was sacked by the club the following November, but is still a beloved figure among Spurs fans.

The same can’t be said of current boss Frank, who was BOOED and JEERED by fans after the final whistle.

Frank said of the boos: “That’s not a nice feeling to go out with, but I understand [their] frustration. I completely understand [their] frustration.

“We are losing to a big London rival, there’s nothing worse, and to do it in the last minute.

“We couldn’t win at home, which we have worked very, very hard to try to do that.

“I hope they can see they effort from the boys, they are working very hard.

I completely understand [their] frustration.”

Thomas Frank on Spurs fans booing after defeat to West Ham

“They did everything right in the second half.

“Right now we are in that spell where everything — we put one foot right and it should have been left, and the other.”

When pressed on the ‘sacked in the morning chants’, Frank said: “I am feeling the absolute backing from everyone here at the club.

Everyone wants the same thing — long-term success. We are doing a lot of things right behind the scenes.

“We just don’t get the results, which is super crucial and important, so we just keep going.”

Spurs will be in Champions League action on Tuesday night, welcoming Borussia Dortmund to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It remains to be seen if Frank will be in the dugout for the visit of the German giants.

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FURIOUS Tottenham fans SLAMMED Thomas Frank after a late defeat to fierce rivals West Ham – and Spurs icon Tim Sherwood piled in by slating the players.

The North Londoners suffered a dire 2-1 loss to West Ham to increase the pressure on their chief.

Callum Wilson came off the bench to bag a stoppage time winner for the Hammers in a toxic atmosphere.

And, after referee Jarred Gillett blew the final whistle, Tottenham fans booed Frank down the tunnel.

The Dane is now facing a serious battle to keep his job after a ninth Premier League defeat of the season.

And former Spurs midfielder and boss Sherwood, 56, warned that Frank could be out of a job before the Champions League showdown with Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.

He told Sky Sports: “It doesn’t look good. Spurs cannot win a game at home and they have lost to their local rivals, who appear doomed at the bottom of the Premier League.

“The pressure is on Frank. But the only thing that might save his job is who could come in?

“They won a trophy last year and finished 17th. They aren’t going to win a trophy this year. They are out of both cups and towards the bottom of the league.

“They are still in the Champions League but it is highly unlikely they win that. Where do Spurs go from here?”

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Ex-Liverpool left-back Stephen Warnock reckons that Tottenham fans are desperate for Frank to be sacked – just SEVEN MONTHS after he was plucked from Brentford.

He told BBC: “They’ve had enough. They’ve been supporting their team today, flags, banners, they want a change.

“I don’t think it’s just in the hierarchy of the club but also in the managerial position of Thomas Frank.

“There was huge, huge pressure on both of these managers today. It looks like Nuno [Espirito Santo] has come out on top.”

But Frank, 52, pleaded for Spurs’ irate fans to back him as he bids to turn the North Londoners’ season around.

In his post-match press conference, he said: “I’ve probably had better times.

“I understand, I’m the man in charge. As long as they back the players to drive them forward. And we will keep going forward.

“It is the perfect storm at the moment. A last-minute defeat and you get a sucker punch, it is unbelievably tough to take.

“Football is emotional. There’s only one way, to keep going forward.”

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BEN DAVIES needed oxygen and had his leg in a brace after a horror injury.

The Tottenham defender slid into a tackle on Jarrod Bowen with a quarter of an hour gone against West Ham.

The Hammers captain came away unscathed.

But Spurs man Davies, 32, stayed down and was in serious pain.

He needed specialist emergency treatment.

The doctors gave him oxygen and then wrapped the injured leg in a brace before carrying him off on a stretcher.

Welshman Davies was replaced by Djed Spence at left-back on 19 minutes.

The full-back is out of contract at the end of the season and a lengthy spell on the sidelines could mean he does not play for Tottenham again.

It also throws his potential involvement in helping Wales qualify for the World Cup – and featuring in North America in the summer – into doubt.

And plenty of fans sent their best wishes with messages of support on social media.

One said: “Absolutely gutted for Ben Davies. Looks like a really bad injury.”

Another wrote: “Devastated for Ben Davies. Could be his last ever game for Spurs, and potentially missing a World Cup. It’s a cruel world.”

A third added: “Really sad to see Ben davies get stretchered off, probably his last game for the club. Wishing him the best recovery.”

And a final user replied: “This is shocking. Ben Davies’ World Cup now in danger. Criminal given the effort that man puts in.”

Tottenham were 1-0 down at the time after Crysencio Summerville’s deflected strike moments before the shocking injury.

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TOTTENHAM fans will fall in love with willing worker Conor Gallagher straight away – regardless of his Chelsea past.

That is the view of Gus Poyet, who also played in midfield for both bitter rivals around the turn of the century.

The Uruguayan believes ex-Blues star Gallagher, who left Atletico Madrid for Spurs this week, will be an instant hit with any doubters thanks to his committed style.

While the £35million new man’s energy can help Spurs clinch victory in Saturday’s “must-win” game at home to West Ham.

Asked how hard it is to win over the Spurs faithful being an ex-Chelsea player, Poyet told SunSport via Stake Casino: “For Conor, this is no issue.

“It’s easy for him, simply by the way he plays football. He brings energy and drive on the pitch and that is what Spurs fans want.

“They want to see commitment, players fighting for the badge and this is what Conor brings.

“He runs, he works hard, he brings passion and can show this instantly so get them on side.

“It’s an unbelievable, top signing for Spurs.

“He gives everything on the pitch, takes responsibility and this is what Spurs need right now.

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“This signing could really help Spurs and his way of playing can also spur others onto his level.”

Tottenham moved quickly to bring in Gallagher on Wednesday after Poyet’s compatriot Rodrigo Bentancur underwent surgery on a serious hamstring injury.

Gallagher comes from a family of Chelsea fans and made 95 appearances for the West Londoners, before his sale to Atletico 18 months ago.

Poyet moved directly from Chelsea to Spurs in 2001 for £2.2m where, by his own admission, he underestimated the depth of feeling between the two sides at the time.

The 58-year-old explained: “I was a little naive.

“Chelsea wanted to beat Manchester United and Arsenal at the time as these teams were fighting for trophies. It wasn’t Tottenham at all who were a main rival at all during my time.

“After I signed, I realised, ‘Oh, maybe it was not as simple as I thought!’

“My first game was a pre-season friendly v Stevenage where I scored a hat-trick. I didn’t guarantee that every game, but the fans could see I gave everything on the pitch for them.

“Conor is the type of player Spurs can relate to as he has so much drive to play forward thinking football.

“He is English as well, so this can help with dialogue with fans and showing his commitment.

“His leadership qualities are massive. I hope they understand his personality (in the dressing room) as Spurs players need to take responsibility on the pitch.

“This is part of the reason they are where they are and it’s too comfortable.”

Spurs are 14th in the Premier League and out of both domestic cups going into Saturday’s hosting of relegation-threatened West Ham, with pressure rising on Thomas Frank.

Poyet added: “I am worried for Frank. The results are not good enough, performances as well.

“It’s a must-win for Spurs. Simple as that. They need to step up and be brave and perform, especially at home.

“With Conor in, he can give a big boost to the team. He will bring the energy.”

THOMAS FRANK has been dealt a fresh injury blow at Tottenham with Richarlison ruled out for seven weeks.

The Brazilian striker, 28, came off with a hamstring injury after 31 minutes in Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round.

Spurs boss Frank, who already has a number of long-term crocks, confirmed his centre-forward is set for a spell on the sidelines in his pre-West Ham press conference on Thursday.

The Dane said: “Richy unfortunately got a hamstring injury which will keep him out for up to seven weeks.”

Richarlison has a history of injury problems during his time at Spurs, whom he joined for Everton for a club-record £60million in 2022.

But up until last weekend, Frank and his coaching staff have managed to have the Samba star playing regularly this term.

Richarlison has played 31 times for Spurs this season, netting eight times.

The former Everton and Watford ace had played the joint most games for Frank’s side this season, with his 31 appearances only matched by Pedro Porro in all competitions.

While he also played four matches for his country, and is hoping to be part of Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad in the summer.

His seven league goals, and eight in all comps, also mark him out as the club’s top scorer this season.

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The time in the medical room means Richarlison is also set to miss the second north London derby of the season, due to be played out on February 22.

Richarlison scored his sides only goal in the 4-1 defeat to Arsenal back in November.

Frank is already without Ghanaian winger Mohammed Kudus until April with a quad injury and Rodrigo Bentancur for three months with a hamstring problem.

James Maddison is out for the majority of the season – if not all of it – with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

While Dejan Kulusevski still looks a way off from returning since undergoing kneecap surgery in May.

Centre-forward Dominic Solanke, 28, has been missing for most of the campaign but did make a return from a long-term ankle problem as a late sub against Villa.

Frank gave updates on Solanke and three other stars nearing returns to action.

He added: “Lucas Bergvall could be available, hopefully be available for Saturday. (Yves) Bissouma is back, so he is available as well.

“Both Destiny (Udogie) and Dom (Dominic Solanke) are close to finishing a good week of training, so they are a bit closer.

“Both will be involved and available (at West Ham) but they are closer to playing even more minutes, so that’s positive. They look good, both of them.”

Yesterday Tottenham announced the signing of Conor Gallagher, adding a much needed body to the Spurs squad amid their injury crisis.

They currently sit 14th in the Premier League, but just six points off the top five.

TOTTENHAM have hired Arne Slot’s former Liverpool No2 John Heitinga as Thomas Frank’s new assistant.

Ex-Everton defender Heitinga, 42, replaces Matt Wells, who left recently to become a manager in his own right at MLS side Colorado Rapids.

Boss Frank said: “John is a great addition to our coaching staff. His ability, personality and character will add huge value both on and off the pitch.

“He had an impressive playing career across Europe – including five years in the Premier League – and with the Dutch national team.

“As a former defender, that will be one of his main responsibilities on the training pitch, and he brings great coaching and management experiences from all levels of the game, which will really help us moving forward.”

Heitinga, who won 87 caps for the Netherlands and also played for Fulham, was an assistant to David Moyes at West Ham between 2023-24.

He then moved to Anfield to assist Slot, who guided the Reds to the Premier League title in 2025.

That prompted a switch back to old club Ajax as head coach in May of that year.

But that switch lasted just five months before Heitinga was sacked following a 3-0 home defeat in the Champions League.

Meanwhile, Spurs have also confirmed the arrival of a highly-rated supremo from Manchester City’s umbrella group – though he will not start work for a few months.

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Carlos Raphael Moersen has been appointed as director of football operations from City Football Group, the company that has a stable of clubs including City.

‘Rafi’, as he is known, is currently on gardening leave so it will be a couple of months before he takes up his role, though he will be in place before the summer transfer window.

Moersen is NOT a replacement for Fabio Paratici, the co-sporting director who is leaving for Fiorentina after the January window.

But he will be a core part of the recruitment team, reporting into the other co-sporting director, Johan Lange.

That is except for issues regarding women’s football at the club, where Moersen will answer to chief executive Vinai Venkatesham.

Moersen brings a decade’s worth of experience from CFG, where he was most recently involved in player trading, as well as a key role in planning at Manchester City.

Lange said: “We are delighted to welcome Rafi to the club in the newly-created role of director of football operations.

“He was the outstanding candidate from a highly-competitive process and brings a wealth of experience in this critical area of our football operation.

“His appointment is an important step as we continue to strengthen our football structure and support long-term success.”

Moersen will lead Tottenham’s football administration, player care and training ground operations and join the club’s executive leadership team.

He will also oversee women’s football at the club.

Spurs said Moersen’s arrival, along with Dan Lewindon who joins as performance director, “is part of a sustained focus on strengthening the foundations that support performance on the pitch and increased investment in our academy to enhance the pipeline of talent ready for first-team men’s football.”

It follows a number of high-profile executive exits in the past year at Spurs, including director Donna-Maria Cullen, chief football officer Scott Munn and, of course, former chairman Daniel Levy.