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Tottenham transfer rumours: Micky Van de Ven

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Tottenham transfer rumours: Micky Van de Ven - BBC
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How popularity overwhelmed Eala - and the Australian Open

The day I discovered the Everton contract Revie never signed

The day I discovered the Everton contract Revie never signed

Who has made Troy's Premier League team of the week?

Is a Panenka ever the right choice for a penalty?

Who will win title race between Hearts, Celtic & Rangers?

'Shameful' and 'terrible look' - the chaos that marred Senegal's Afcon triumph

'Arsenal will never forgive themselves if they don't win title now'

Rams hold off Bears fightback in overtime classic. VideoRams hold off Bears fightback in overtime classic

'Abandoned' or 'business' - was Glasner right to 'attack' Palace owners?

Bath v Saracens and Leicester at Bordeaux - Champions Cup last 16

How riverside walk & a nap set up Raducanu for dominant Melbourne win

GB's Fear and Gibson can win Olympic medal - but only if they are flawless

Boots from Easter Bunny and teenage parties - Glasner tells his story

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Monday Night Club: Will Glasner and Frank see out the season?

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Monday Night Club: Will Glasner and Frank see out the season? - BBC
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Kelly Cates is joined by Rory Smith, Andros Townsend and Joe Hart to reflect on what’s been a tough few days for Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur, but will either Olivier Glasner or Thomas Frank make it until the end of the Premier League season?

Oliver Glasner confirmed on Friday he we will be stepping down at the end of the season, but after the sale of captain Marc Guehi to Man City, reports that Jean-Philippe Mateta is also on the verge of an exit and defeat to Sunderland meaning it’s no win in 10 for Palace – things have gone from bad to worse. The Palace boss gave an explosive post-match interview in which he claimed the team had been ‘abandoned’ by the board.

There’s also mounting pressure on Thomas Frank at Spurs. With just seven wins from 22 Premier League games this season, there are reports that the club are considering calling time on his seven-month reign.

BBC Senior Football Correspondent Sami Mokbel gives the latest on both Glasner’s and Frank’s future and Palace fan Dan Cook discusses whether fans will be sticking by the manager or the board.

Plus, journalist Maher Mezahi reflects on Senegal’s win over Morocco in the AFCON final which saw a walk-off, 17-minute delay, a missed-Panenka penalty and extra-time winner.

Timecodes:

Commentaries this week:

Tuesday 1745: Bodo Glimt v Man City on 5live

Tuesday 2000: Spurs v Dortmund on 5live

Wednesday 2000: Newcastle v PSV on 5live

Wednesday 2000: Marseille v Liverpool on Sports Extra

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Thomas Frank: Tottenham head coach says he 'feels trust' of club's board amid poor form

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'We had a good conversation' - Frank on Tottenham board support. Video, 00:01:14'We had a good conversation' - Frank on Tottenham board support

Up Next. 'The fans have spoken' - Why Frank's future at Spurs looks bleak. Video, 00:01:48'The fans have spoken' - Why Frank's future at Spurs looks bleak

'He's done a lot of things right' - Frank on Romero's social media post. Video, 00:01:47'He's done a lot of things right' - Frank on Romero's social media post

'I might be back for a job!' - Wilson laughs off transfer saga. Video, 00:02:12'I might be back for a job!' - Wilson laughs off transfer saga

I'll be happy to have Salah back - Slot. Video, 00:00:30I'll be happy to have Salah back - Slot

What will Carrick's Man Utd look like? Video, 00:03:09What will Carrick's Man Utd look like?

'He knows what he wants' - Chalobah on new manager Rosenior. Video, 00:01:14'He knows what he wants' - Chalobah on new manager Rosenior

'Wales is made for bikes' Video, 00:01:28'Wales is made for bikes'

Celtics coach gives same two-word answer to all questions after loss. Video, 00:00:45Celtics coach gives same two-word answer to all questions after loss

Carrick would bring spirit of Man Utd back - Rooney. Video, 00:02:41Carrick would bring spirit of Man Utd back - Rooney

Top four or FA Cup? - Rogers on his Villa ambitions. Video, 00:01:12Top four or FA Cup? - Rogers on his Villa ambitions

I've worked so hard for this opportunity - Rosenior. Video, 00:01:50I've worked so hard for this opportunity - Rosenior

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Tottenham: Thomas Frank 'feeling the trust' of the board despite pressure

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Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank says he is "feeling the trust" of the club's hierarchy despite a disappointing season so far.

BBC Sport understands Frank is under significant scrutiny within the club as they considering ending his seven-month reign.

Spurs have so far backed Frank publicly despite their struggles this season, although Saturday's home defeat by West Ham has added to the pressure on the Dane.

Frank had lunch on Monday with chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, as well as other board members Nick Beucher and Johan Lange, which he said was "all good".

"We had a good conversation about life and football and the future of the club," said Frank at a news conference before Tuesday's Champions League match at home to Borussia Dortmund.

"It is an extremely good sign because normally people run away if there is bad news or bad weather coming, they are normally not coming in and being friendly for lunch."

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Tottenham news: Thomas Frank will have to win fans back 'the hard way'

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This is the second pre-match news conference in a row that Thomas Frank has been very positive despite the despair from Tottenham supporters.

The head coach said he is "ready for the fight" and is convinced he can win back the Tottenham fans. But, if he is to do that, he will have to do it the hard way.

They only have 11 outfield senior players for Tuesday's Champions League match at home to Borussia Dortmund. Injuries have been a theme of Frank's reign.

He has not managed to start Dejan Kulusevki, Dominic Solanke and James Maddison on the pitch together this season. Now he has Richarlison out for seven weeks too.

They look a bit lame in attack and Guglielmo Vicario has not been in the best form at the other end of the pitch. The problems are mounting for the Spurs boss.

He said he had lunch with chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange on Monday. They want him to succeed, but the performance and crowd reaction on Tuesday night may decide Frank's future.

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Thomas Frank future LIVE: Tottenham manager holding news conference and taking training

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Recap: Frank news conference

Tottenham v Borussia Dortmund (Tue, 20:00 GMT)

Tottenham Hotspur

That's your lot from Thomas Frank's news conference and also from this page.

More positivity than maybe you'd expect considering the situation, but once again the Spurs boss is reiterating that he can turn things around.

Here are some of the top lines:

Frank said he is still "feeling the trust" from the Spurs hierarchy despite the, in his words, ongoing "media circus"

He claimed he has 11 fit outfield players available for selection for Tuesday evening and three of those will struggle to finish 90 minutes

The Danish manager said he is "not in doubt" that he can win over disgruntled fans and explained that he is happy to continue taking the blame for bad results as long as the players receive support

Frank confirmed that Dominic Solanke will replace Mathys Tel in the Champions League squad for Tuesday's game and gave this explanation as to why

He once again reiterated he belief that things will turn around and emphasised how important the fans' support will be on Tuesday evening

Finally, he discussed his recent lunch with the Tottenham hierarchy, claiming his position wasn't spoken about - something he called "an extremely good sign"

Frank positive in adversity once more

Tottenham v Borussia Dortmund (Tue, 20:00 GMT)

George Cummins

BBC Radio 5 live

This is the second pre-match press conference in a row that Thomas Frank has been very positive despite the despair from Tottenham supporters.

The manager said he is "ready for the fight" and is convinced he can win back the Tottenham fans. But if he is to do that he will have to do it the hard way.

They only have 11 outfield senior players for tomorrow's match at home to Borussia Dortmund. Injuries have been a theme of Frank's reign. He hasn't managed to start Dejan Kulusevki, Dominic Solanke and James Maddison on the pitch together this season. Now he has Richarlison out for seven weeks too.

They look a bit lame in attack and Guglielmo Vicario hasn't been in the best form at the other end. The problems are mounting for the Tottenham manager.

He said he had lunch with chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange today. They want him to succeed, but the performance and crowd reaction tomorrow night may decide Frank's future.

'We had a good conversation about life, football and the future'

Tottenham v Borussia Dortmund (Tue, 20:00 GMT)

Tottenham Hotspur

A final word from Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank on whether he was given any assurances about his future when he had lunch with the hierarchy: "I haven't heard any situation like that in football where someone says 'hey mate if you win tomorrow no problem'. We had a good conversation about life and football and the future of the club.

"I think it is an extremely good sign because normally people run away if there is bad news or bad weather coming, they are normally not coming in and being friendly for lunch."

'The more the players feel support, the better they perform'

Tottenham v Borussia Dortmund (Tue, 20:00 GMT)

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank was asked how important fan support is against such a strong opposition on Tuesday: "It is crucial. I completely understand emotion in football and what it means for every fan that is involved. I completely understand that but I really understand when walking out on that pitch - the more they feel the energy and support, the better they perform. We need that tomorrow.

"The biggest thing is, are the players running hard? Yes they are. So, support them."

Poll: 50% want Frank to stay long term

It is interesting that we have had conflicting messages on what "most Spurs fans" think.

Phil claims that most Spurs fans want Thomas Frank to stay, while Bill said that the "only people who want Frank to stay are not Spurs fans".

Well, we have been running a poll today at the top of this page, which is, admittedly, open to everyone, not just Tottenham supporters.

But the latest results show that 50% want Frank to stay, 17% want him to be given at least Tuesday's game against Borussia Dortmund, while 33% want him to get the sack.

'I am not in doubt that things will turn'

Tottenham v Borussia Dortmund (Tue, 20:00 GMT)

Tottenham Hotspur

Back to Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank on being up for the fight: "I think being up for the fight is to get up every morning very early, coming in and preparing and doing everything we can to make sure we turn every stone and turn things around on the pitch. That is part of it.

"It is also to keep going, don't feel sorry for yourself, look at the bigger perspective. We all know that if you want to have success it cannot be just about me or Xavi [Simons]. It is about 25 players, staff, ownership, leadership. I am more than happy to take all the blame as long as I protect the players and fans and journalists back the players.

"I am not in doubt that is the right thing. I am not in doubt that things will turn, but I know we need to win more football matches."

Second snubs bemuses Spurs attacker Tel

Tottenham v Borussia Dortmund (20:00 GMT)

Nizaar Kinsella

BBC Sport Chelsea reporter

Tottenham forward Mathys Tel is said to be bemused at being left out of the Champions League squad for the second time this season.

The 20-year-old was left out of Thomas Frank's initial squad in September but was eventually added to replace a previously injured Dominic Solanke in December.

However, with Ricarlison now injured, Frank has recalled Solanke at the expense of Tel.

Before this, Tel had asked for an opportunity to leave the club on loan in January to improve his chance of making France's World Cup squad, but has so far not been allowed to do so.

'I hope people understand it is not a straightforward decision'

Tottenham v Borussia Dortmund (Tue, 20:00 GMT)

Tottenham Hotspur

Thomas Frank on how he expects Tottenham fans to take the news that Mathys Tel has been dropped: "I do not know. I hope people understand that it is not a straightforward decision. It is him or Dom [Solanke] in the team tomorrow. That is the decision. I believe it is the right one and that is what I went with."

'We are much closer than we think'

Tottenham v Borussia Dortmund (Tue, 20:00 GMT)

Tottenham Hotspur

More from Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank on how important it is that fans are aware that it is still very early days in the process: "The fans are crucial. I don't see any club performing well without the fans and it is fair that it hasn't been smooth or as fluid as we want. A little bit too much up and down. Unfortunately, it is a results business and emotions are in this as well.

"There are a lot of signs that this is going the right way. We still need to find a way to get over the line and I think we are much closer than we think."

On his message to the fans: "I think they have been quite regularly in the right direction and it is such a little thing that needs to drop for us before we win 2-1 against West Ham and 3-2 against Bournemouth.

"I do not think we are that far away."

'I am happy to take blame as long as everyone supports the players'

Tottenham v Borussia Dortmund (Tue, 20:00 GMT)

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank on his conversations with the hierarchy and what he has said to them: "Football is very simple but also a little bit complex. There are many moving parts.

"I think it is about keeping the noise out, staying calm, carrying on, looking at the performances. Are the players still running? They are running hard. I think the last three games, how they have come out from half-time and responded - it has been fantastic.

"Sometimes it is just football when you are going through that spell. Are you still running hard, still trying, still believing? Which I see signs of clearly in every game.

"Even the best manager in the world, Pep Guardiola, says 'I am nothing without my players' and it is fair to say they haven't been available enough the whole time. But hey, no problem. I am happy to take the blame as long as everyone supports the players."

Solanke in, Tel out

Tottenham v Borussia Dortmund (Tue, 20:00 GMT)

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank was asked if he has made a selection decision whether to bring back Dominic Solanke into his Champions League squad in place of Mathys Tel: "I made the decision. It was not a nice decision to have to make but unfortunately that is football.

"The way the rules are, the only option was Dom or Mathys and I chose Dom because - I think Mathys has done very well the last couple of games and if I could pick from all the players he would start tomorrow, but I can only choose between the two of them. It's a tough one for Mathys, but he is not in the squad tomorrow."

'If your back is against the wall, you fight'

Tottenham v Borussia Dortmund (Tue, 20:00 GMT)

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank on how he copes with all the scrutiny right now: "If your back is against the wall, you fight. I am energetic and I fight. It is not about me, we need to win football matches and we need to do that together.

"We are ready and focused on the game together and the players look good."

Frank 'not in doubt' that he can win supporters over

Tottenham v Borussia Dortmund (Tue, 20:00 GMT)

Tottenham Hotspur

Thomas Frank was pushed further on whether he believes he can win back the Tottenham supporters: "Yes, I am not in doubt of that. In this game, you always need resilience.

"The three biggest things in showing resilience is having good values and I believe I am a guy that has good values. Second is you know reality and the reality is that one in five people don't like you no matter what you do and one in five love you no matter what you do - both sides are probably biased, no matter what you do.

"And then there is the three and five, if you behave well, are respectful and show integrity then you are sweet.

"The reality is not everyone will like you."

'As long as we win football matches, everyone will support us'

Tottenham v Borussia Dortmund (Tue, 20:00 GMT)

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank was asked if he believes he can win the supporters back: "As I have said many times, as long as we win football matches and make sure we win enough of them - everyone will support us. It is not about me. It is about supporting the team, the players.

"We are playing a game tomorrow against a very good German side and we are a little bit limited with the players available. We have 11 outfield players available for the game from our normal first-team players. One of them is Xavi [Simons] and he didn't train today because there was a bad tackle from behind that injured his ankle but because he is so strong mentally he will play through pain tomorrow. Big courage to Xavi. And I cannot understand why that is not a red card, but that is for a bigger discussion.

"We have 11 players available and we probably have three players that need to push massively to get through 90 minutes physically, so that's why we need everyone to support us.

"We need everyone to support us from minute one. Especially the team, especially the players. If we get that support, anything can happen. Magic can happen."

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Thomas Frank press conference: Tottenham vs Borussia Dortmund preview

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He said they are "a little bit limited" in who can play because of Spurs' long injury list, with Frank saying there are only 11 first-team players available.

Xavi Simons "has a swollen ankle" and he didn't train on Monday, but he will "play through pain" because of a lack of other options. Frank added: "We have three players that need to push massively to get through 90 minutes."

On whether discussions with the board have taken place over his position: "There is a backing and support. I had lunch with them today and it is all good. It's part of the media circus."

The Dane said the players need the support on Tuesday against "a very good German side" because "if we keep the support then magic can happen".

More from Frank on fans not backing him: "It's not about me, it's about supporting the team and supporting the players. I am happy to take the blame as long as everyone supports the players. If your back is against the wall then you fight and that is what I do. It's not about me, we need to win football matches and we need to win together."

He said his best players "haven't been available enough" this season so it has been "more difficult, but we still need to find a way" to get results.

On what they are doing: "There's a lot of signs that it's going the right way. We are much closer than we think so we just need to keep going."

Frank confirmed Dominic Solanke is part of the Champions League named squad and Mathys Tel has been withdrawn. On dropping Tel and how supporters will take it, he said: "I do not know. I hope people understand that it is not a straightforward decision. It is him or Dom [Solanke] in the team tomorrow. That is the decision. I believe it is the right one and that is what I went with."

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Tottenham: Ben Davies to have ankle operation and could miss Wales play-off

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Tottenham defender Ben Davies will have an operation on a broken ankle that could rule him out of Wales' World Cup play-off.

The 32-year-old was given oxygen before being carried off on a stretcher after 19 minutes of Saturday's 2-1 Premier League defeat by West Ham.

"We can confirm that Ben Davies will undergo surgery today for a fracture of his left ankle," read a Spurs statement.

Tottenham did not give a timeframe on how long Wales captain Davies would be out for.

Wales face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off semi-final at Cardiff City Stadium on 26 March, with the winners at home to Northern Ireland or Italy in the final on 31 March.

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Tottenham news: 'A matter of when - not if - Thomas Frank will lose his job'

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'A matter of when - not if - he will lose his job' - BBC
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Thomas Frank is now under massive pressure.

So far, Tottenham have been determined to give him time and it was only in the weekend's programme notes that they wanted to keep with their long-term plan, but the manner of that defeat by West Ham and toxicity from fans has left them looking at making a managerial change.

I think he's found it difficult to manage the egos and the expectation at the club is greater.

He hasn't managed to get a tune out of the team so it is a matter of when, not if, he will lose his job.

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner wants a big club and a new challenge so in that sense Tottenham ticks many boxes. But what I will say about Glasner's suitability for the big jobs, is that many will look at how emotional he can be in news conferences.

I wonder if some of his recent comments towards Palace's ownership in the last six months will go against him when he's in the mix for those bigger jobs.

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Tottenham: Martin Ho's side eye Champions League spot after stunning WSL rise

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A year ago, Tottenham lived in the shadows of a Women's Super League relegation fight.

Today, they sit level on points with third-placed Arsenal after collecting 23 from 12 matches and the two north London sides are separated only by goal difference.

So this question does not feel outrageous: can Spurs secure a place in next season's Champions League with a top-three finish?

The club's transformation under Martin Ho, who took over last summer after Spurs finished second bottom in 2024-25, has been remarkable with few, if any, expecting them to be fighting at the top just past the midway point of the season.

Ho's side are unbeaten in four games, a run that has included draws against the Gunners and Manchester United as well as wins over Aston Villa and Leicester City.

Their upward trajectory continued on Sunday as they defeated the Foxes for the second time in a week - this time 3-0 to advance to the last 16 of the Women's FA Cup.

And the former United assistant does not want to restrict his side's ambitions.

"I don't want to put a ceiling on what we can achieve," said Ho, who took Norwegian side Brann to the quarter-finals of the 2023-24 Women's Champions League.

"As soon as you do that, you risk limiting yourself. We can achieve a lot through work ethic, behaviour and how we conduct ourselves on and off the pitch.

"I won't rule anything out, but I won't be unrealistic either. If we perform well, anything is possible."

Spurs have posted seven wins and two draws in 12 WSL games and have made their ambitions clear during the January transfer window.

"I wouldn't have joined if the club's ambition didn't match mine," Ho said.

"Since arriving, the ownership has invested heavily in the team - in players, staff, facilities and infrastructure.

"They want this team competing in Europe consistently and challenging for honours domestically. That takes time, but the support is there."

The club have signed Norway internationals Julie Blakstad and Signe Gaupset as well as Swedish duo Hanna Wijk and Matilda Nilden from BK Hacken.

Meanwhile, highly rated Japanese forward Maika Hamano has joined on loan from defending champions Chelsea until June.

Speaking on BBC Women's Football Weekly, former England forward Ellen White and ex-Scotland international Jen Beattie agreed Spurs' transfer business reflects a club trying to challenge the status quo.

"They are in the race for Champions League spots for sure," Beattie said.

"Why not? He doesn't want to put pressure on players and what you say internally and externally can be two different things.

"Internally, they'll know quality they have. They can compete with anyone."

White said: "Spurs have recruited really well and we're seeing a lot of players from Norway and Sweden.

"With the physicality of those leagues, they will be up to speed in that aspect. It's something Ho will be fully aware of, being out there and working with a number of these players."

Spurs pulled off a coup to sign 20-year-old Gaupset, who is widely regarded as one of the world's best young talents and worked with Ho at Brann.

Blakstad, 24, spent two years at Manchester City from 2022 but only made 36 appearances and left on loan to Hacken before joining Hammarby.

"Gaupset had a lot of options and big teams wanting her but she said she wants to work with Ho and sees ambition," White said.

"I'm excited to see Blakstad too. I just think it's smart recruitment, really exciting and adds more depth."

Gaupset impressed on her debut as Tottenham defeated Leicester 1-0 last Sunday to boost their Champions League hopes.

"Her decision-making was spot on," Beattie said.

"When you can get the player of the match in 60 minutes, it goes to show her reading of the game, finding passes in behind. She got it spot on and was brilliant."

White added: "Gaupset seems to be years ahead of herself in her quality, her technical ability and football IQ.

"She was always there offering for ball, always moving, physically strong. She offers something different attacking wise for Spurs and is a really exciting talent."

And with belief growing, Spurs look well‑placed to find out just how high their ceiling really is.

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