Football London

Five interim options Tottenham could turn to if they wait until the summer to appoint a permanent successor for the sacked Thomas Frank

Tottenham have pulled the trigger on the ill-fated reign of Thomas Frank.

The former Brentford boss has been sacked in the wake of Tuesday's 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle, which left Spurs 16th in the Premier League. With West Ham improving, the team are in a relegation scrap.

Many fans have been yearning for the return of Mauricio Pochettino for years. However, as manager of the US national team, the Argentine, who left the club in 2019, won't be available until after the World Cup this summer. To land Pochettino, they would have to hire an interim boss for the final critical months of the season.

That would rule out early favourites like Roberto De Zerbi, who would have no interest in holding the fort for a few months. However, there are a number of Spurs heroes who might jump at the chance to help the club in its hour of need.

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Harry Redknapp

Along with Pochettino, Redknapp is one of the most successful Spurs bosses of recent times. Despite being 78, the managerial legend hasn't completely ruled out a return to work.

And a Spurs rescue mission, supported by younger coaches who also care deeply for the club, may whet his appetite and certainly wouldn't daunt him.

Tim Sherwood

An ex-Spurs manager and player who knows the club. Nowhere near as revered as Redknapp or Pochettino, but his short reign in charge was respectable.

He was also harshly sacked by Daniel Levy after leading the team to a sixth-placed finish in 2013/14. Sherwood then managed Aston Villa before another sacking and is now a regular pundit on Sky Sports after more than a decade out of the coaching game.

Ryan Mason

We've been here before, with Mason having caretaker spells in 2021 and 2023 and doing a steady job. Still only 34, he is on the market after being sacked by West Bromwich Albion.

A bonus is he will know many of the current players, even if it wouldn't be the most inspirational appointment. Perhaps a coaching role under a figure like Redknapp would be a better fit.

Jermain Defoe

A Tottenham hero who already boasts coaching experience at the club would presumably go down well with fans.

The former goal machine has previously worked within the academy before leaving to pursue a top job. Could that come back at Spurs? Stranger things have happened and he has the support of Redknapp.

Speaking last year, Defoe revealed: "Harry Redknapp messaged me the other day and said, 'When am I going to see you on the touchline?' I said, 'Boss, I'm trying.' A lot of the feedback I get is the same, it's about my experience."

Gus Poyet

A more of a left-field choice, but the Uruguayan is available after recently leaving K League 1 club Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. He's fondly remembered by many fans for his spell as a player in the early 2000s.

And Poyet would presumably be eager to return to English football. While it wouldn't be a long-term option, he could inject some energy into a passive-looking side in the short-term.

Tottenham Hotspur have been dragged into a relegation battle, having failed to win any of their last eight games in the Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur have been tipped to avoid relegation from the Premier League by the skin of their teeth. The Lilywhites have spent much of the season in the bottom half of the table and, after a disastrous start to the year, they've been sucked into a fight for survival.

Spurs currently languish in 16th, having failed to win any of their last eight games in the English top flight. Thomas Frank, who was sacked on Wednesday morning, last tasted victory at the end of December 2025, clambering past Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Climbing to 11th, it was the best that Tottenham had managed since November, when Arsenal dumped them out of the top five following a humiliating defeat in the North London Derby. Following the win over the Eagles, Spurs were 12 points away from the drop zone.

Now, the Lilywhites are just five points adrift. Fortunately for whoever replaces Frank in the dugout, according to Opta, his side is set to avoid relegation to the Championship.

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Tottenham have been tipped to win about 15 points from their final 12 games and finish the season in 16th place, with a 3.95 per cent likelihood of relegation. Only Nottingham Forest have been predicted to finish below Spurs and retain Premier League status, with a final points tally of 41.6 and a 15.2 per cent likelihood of relegation.

According to Opta, Wolves, Burnley, and West Ham will be relegated, finishing on 19.3 points, 25.8 points, and 36.1 points, respectively. Rod Edwards' side are supposedly guaranteed to go down, with a 100 per cent likelihood of relegation.

However, there's a glimmer of hope for Scott Parker and Nuno Espirito Santo, who have a 99.7 per cent and 74.6 per cent likelihood of relegation. Interestingly, Leeds United, who Opta believe will finish above Spurs in 15th, have a greater likelihood of relegation (4.8 per cent).

While Spurs have been backed to stay in the English top flight, Frank's replacement has plenty of work to do to turn things around. In the Premier League this season, only six teams have chalked up a greater expected goals against tally than Tottenham (37.6).

According to Opta, the Lilywhites concede 1.45 expected goals against per game. Even Wolves, who sit at the rock bottom of the table, have managed to, albeit marginally, stop other teams from enjoying as many high-quality shots on goal (1.44) per game.

Tottenham have faced 326 shots in the Premier League this season, far fewer than their relegation rivals and even those pushing for European football. Burnley (413), West Ham (387), Sunderland (353), Everton (352), Bournemouth (331), and Wolves (327) have all faced more shots.

Aston Villa (323), Forest (321), and Brentford (321) have all faced fewer shots than Spurs in the Premier League this term, but, with a game in hand over Spurs, they've conceded more per game. As for shots on target faced, Tottenham seem to have a far stronger defensive setup than their relegation rivals.

Seven teams have conceded more shots on target than Tottenham (109 in total, and 4.2 per game) in the English top flight this term. The Dane will also be able to draw confidence from the fact that Tottenham have only dropped 12 points from winning positions.

West Ham (20), Newcastle (19), Bournemouth (18), Chelsea (17), Leeds (15), Manchester United (14), Brentford (13), and Crystal Palace (13) have all dropped more points from winning positions than Spurs this term. While Frank's replacement, of course, won't want to squander a lead in the first place, it'll give them great confidence in the fact that there are far weaker teams.

Tottenham will be looking to turn over a new leaf when they lock horns with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium later this month. The Lilywhites have 10 days or so to recharge their batteries and sharpen their tools before going to war with their north London rivals...

Tottenham Hotspur will commence another managerial search after Thomas Frank was sacked this morning after the club suffered another home defeat in the Premier League last night

Tottenham have sacked manager Thomas Frank after just eight months at the helm. His final match in charge was a home defeat to Newcastle, which left the club dangerously close to the Premier League relegation zone. Frank was brought in at the start of the season to succeed Ange Postecoglou, who was let go despite ending Tottenham’s long trophy drought with a Europa League triumph.

However, Frank has failed to make a significant impact during his tenure, with fans growing increasingly dissatisfied with the former Brentford manager. Despite guiding Spurs to the Champions League knockout stages, supporters have repeatedly called for his departure as the team’s Premier League form has deteriorated. Tottenham are winless in their last eight league matches and have not secured a home victory in the Premier League since early December.

Right now, the bookies have former Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi lined up for a potential return to the Premier League after the Italian left Marseille in an overnight announcement. De Zerbi's credentials would be something the Spurs board are looking for after he guided the Albion to their first ever European campaign and has done wonders at Marseille guiding them back into the Champions League before leaving the club last night.

Bookies William Hill have him down as evens to takeover from Frank but there are other names thrown into the mix too from the market. Fan favourite Mauricio Pochettino could be lined up for a return at 4/1 but will no doubt have to wait until the end of the World Cup in the summer for him to leave his duties with the USA national team.

Other suitors include former Man United boss Ruben Amorim and outgoing Crystal Palace coach Oliver Glasner who are trading at 11/1 and 10/1 respectively. Another former Spurs man is Robbie Keane at 7/1 who has been praised of late for what he has done at Hungarian side Ferencvaros.

Next Tottenham Manager Odds

Roberto De Zerbi - Evens

Mauricio Pochettino - 4/1

Xavi - 4/1

Robbie Keane - 7/1

Oliver Glasner - 10/1

Ruben Amorim - 11/1

Xabi Alonso - 12/1

Enzo Maresca - 14/1

Marco Silva - 16/1

BAR - 20/1

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Everyone at The Inside Track and Reach are committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over. Odds are subject to change too.

Spurs release Thomas Frank statement

Tottenham have now released a statement to confirm that Thomas Frank has left the club.

In a statement, Spurs said: "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.

"Throughout his time at The Club, Thomas has conducted himself with unwavering commitment, giving everything in his efforts to move the Club forward. We would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him every success in the future."

Frank SACKED

Well, it felt inevitable after Tuesday's 2-1 defeat against Newcastle didn't it?!

Tottenham have bitten the bullet and axed Thomas Frank after less than eight months in charge.

Two wins in 17 Premier League matches have left Spurs just five points above the relegation zone.

Thomas Frank's tenure at Tottenham has hit a new low after their 2-1 defeat to Newcastle leaves them 16th in the Premier League, just five points above the relegation places

Thomas Frank's spell at Tottenham has hit rock bottom following Tuesday's 2-1 loss to Newcastle United. There are a handful of readily-available options should the club seek to replace the Danish manager.

Frank arrived in June from Brentford, where he had established the club as a stable Premier League outfit. He took over from Europa League winner Ange Postecoglou and whilst the initial weeks showed promise, results have deteriorated dramatically since then.

Following their defeat to Eddie Howe's side, Tottenham have slumped to 16th place with only 29 points on the board. The club have already suffered 11 league defeats this campaign and find themselves precariously positioned just five points clear of the drop zone, with the crucial north London derby against Arsenal looming.

Pressure on Frank to depart has intensified considerably and several candidates could step into the breach at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium should the board decide to act. football.london examines five managers who could take charge immediately if Frank's time were to come to an end.

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Xabi Alonso

Following a breakdown in relations with the dressing room at Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso departed the Bernabeu through mutual agreement in January, merely months after his May appointment. Prior to this setback, he had impressed significantly during his time in charge of Bayer Leverkusen.

The Spanish tactician masterminded an extraordinary 2023/24 campaign with Bayer Leverkusen, clinching the Bundesliga crown whilst remaining unbeaten throughout the entire season, alongside lifting both the DFB-Pokal and DFL-Supercup trophies. His side also progressed to a Europa League final.

Currently without a club following his departure from the Spanish giants, the former midfielder would represent an ambitious appointment were Tottenham to think big. Prior to his Real Madrid move, Liverpool were understood to have shown interest and he remains amongst the most sought-after managerial talents across the continent.

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Roberto De Zerbi

Roberto De Zerbi parted company with French outfit Marseille on Tuesday evening following a string of disappointing performances. A humiliating 5-0 thrashing at the hands of fierce rivals PSG on Sunday proved to be the decisive blow.

De Zerbi took the reins at Brighton in 2022, replacing Graham Potter, and seamlessly continued the momentum established by his predecessor. Throughout his tenure spanning almost two seasons, he guided the Seagulls to a historic sixth-placed finish in the Premier League whilst securing European football.

The 45-year-old moved on after a less impressive second year, though he played a pivotal role in developing talents including Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister and Kaoru Mitoma during his time on the south coast. His proven ability to develop emerging players, something Spurs possess in abundance, combined with his English football credentials would make him an intriguing prospect.

Xavi

Barcelona icon Xavi Hernandez launched his managerial journey in Qatar before returning to oversee the Catalan club in 2021. Throughout his tenure at the Camp Nou, he delivered their first La Liga title in four years whilst also securing the Spanish Super Cup.

Xavi became celebrated not only for his attractive football but also for his often-overlooked defensive solidity, with his side shipping merely 20 goals throughout the 2022/23 campaign. His departure came in May 2024 following disagreements with the club's president and he currently remains without a position.

Bringing in the Spaniard would undoubtedly thrill supporters, as would his philosophy on the pitch. He has previously shown faith in emerging prospects, handing Lamine Yamal his first-team opportunity aged just 15. Additionally, one of Tottenham's standout performers, Xavi Simons, would surely relish the prospect of working under the legendary figure he was named in honour of.

Edin Terzic

Whilst perhaps not the most glamorous candidate Spurs could pursue, ex-Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic delivered an encouraging two-year stint with the German outfit. Terzic started as a scout and youth team coach under Jurgen Klopp before climbing the ladder, taking charge on a caretaker basis in 2020 and serving two years as permanent boss between 2022 and 2024.

During his reign, Terzic steered Dortmund to DFB-Pokal glory and came agonisingly close to wrestling the Bundesliga crown from Bayern Munich in 2023. Most notably, Dortmund progressed to the Champions League final in 2024, ultimately falling short against Real Madrid.

Terzic departed the club following that final defeat, prioritising the club's interests and acknowledging that Dortmund needed fresh leadership after finishing fifth in the league.

Such selflessness would be appreciated in north London and the 43-year-old has demonstrated he possesses the tactical acumen to succeed at the highest level.

Enzo Maresca

Appointing former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca might not sit comfortably with Tottenham supporters, but the Italian did enhance his managerial reputation during his 18-month spell at Stamford Bridge.

The west London outfit brought in Maresca following his success in securing promotion with Leicester City. The ex-Manchester City reserve team manager steered Chelsea to UEFA Conference League glory in his debut campaign.

He followed that up by capturing the Club World Cup last summer. His departure came in January amid a spell of disappointing results and deteriorating relations with the club's senior management.

Maresca has been linked as a possible replacement for Pep Guardiola at City. But should Spurs seek a new manager with Premier League pedigree, the Italian would be in familiar surroundings in the capital.

Roberto De Zerbi has left Marseille by mutual consent after their 5-0 PSG defeat, with the Italian manager heavily linked to Tottenham as Thomas Frank faces increasing pressure at Spurs

Roberto De Zerbi has parted company with Marseille by mutual consent, sparking fresh speculation surrounding the Tottenham Hotspur managerial position.

Current Spurs boss Thomas Frank finds himself under mounting scrutiny in north London following Tuesday evening's 2-1 reverse against Newcastle United. The club find themselves marooned in 16th place in the Premier League table after suffering their seventh home loss in 13 fixtures.

Spurs remain five points above the drop zone, only avoiding a tighter margin thanks to Benjamin Sesko's late leveller for Manchester United against West Ham United. Frank's situation grows increasingly precarious and with De Zerbi now available, the spotlight on his tenure is set to intensify further.

De Zerbi departed Marseille on Wednesday morning after weeks of speculation regarding his future. The Italian exits just days following their humiliating 5-0 hammering by French champions Paris Saint-Germain and a heartbreaking Champions League elimination, exiting on goal difference after a stoppage-time strike from Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin against Real Madrid.

The Ligue 1 outfit released a statement, that read: "Olympique de Marseille and Roberto De Zerbi, coach of the first team, have announced the end of their collaboration by mutual agreement.

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"Following discussions between all stakeholders in the club's management - the owner, president, director of football, and coach - it was decided to make a change at the helm of the first team.

"This was a difficult collective decision, taken after careful consideration in the best interests of the club, in order to respond to the sporting challenges of the end of the season."

De Zerbi has consistently been touted for some of Europe's most prestigious managerial positions after making his mark during a successful spell at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Manchester United are among the clubs monitoring his situation as they search for their next permanent boss, with Michael Carrick delivering impressive results as caretaker.

Meanwhile, Spurs are embroiled in a relegation scrap, a dramatic fall from grace less than 12 months after lifting the Europa League trophy. Frank took over from Ange Postecoglou following that European success, but the Danish manager's reign has failed to meet expectations, and the ex-Brentford boss now faces mounting speculation about his position.

Speaking TNT Sports following Tuesday evening's 2-1 reverse against the Magpies, he said: "No. I spoke to them [the owners] yesterday, so no [update on future]. We understand we are not in a top position and we need to do everything we can to work very hard to get out of.

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"I understand the frustration and the easiest thing is to point at me. That's fair and part of the job, unfortunately.

"I will work day and night to do everything to turn it around but it's fair to say it's never only one person. I think it's fair to say we've been in this situation last year. It's something we need to get through and improve and I'm not in doubt that I'm part of that."

Thomas Frank is yet to acknowledge that Tottenham are in a relegation dogfight but that is the current direction of travel

Tottenham slipped closer towards the relegation zone on Tuesday night when they fell to a 2-1 home victory at the hands of Newcastle.

Spurs now occupy 16th spot after Leeds earned a precious point by fighting back from 2-0 down to draw at Chelsea.

Thomas Frank's side are now winless from their past eight Premier League matches. What's also concerning is 17th place Nottingham Forest host Wolves in midweek so they could soon be level on points with Sean Dyche's strugglers.

West Ham are a team reborn in recent weeks and the Hammers' great escape is well and truly on following their 2-1 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last month.

Frank is yet to acknowledge that his side are fully embroiled in the scrap to beat the drop and he retains confidence that he will keep his job.

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Tottenham must also hope that Brighton get sucked in as the Seagulls are enduring a poor run of form under Fabian Hurzeler.

So how do Spurs' next five fixtures compare to their relegation rivals?

Brighton travel to Aston Villa and Brentford, host Forest in a massive six-pointer and then Arsenal before travelling to Sunderland.

Leeds travel to Aston Villa before hosting Man City and Sunderland and then going to Palace. Later in March, the Whites also face Keith Andrews' high-flying Brentford.

Spurs have a tough run on paper, they host Arsenal in the North London Derby on February 22 before travelling to Fulham, they then host Crystal Palace before going to Liverpool and then squaring off against Forest.

Forest host Wolves and Liverpool, travel to Brighton and Man City before then hosting Fulham.

Finally, West Ham host Bournemouth, then go to Liverpool and Fulham before hosting Man City and then travelling to Aston Villa.

Despite signs of improvement, Burnley and Wolves remain on course to be relegated to the Championship.

Next five fixtures

Brighton - 31pts Feb 11 - Aston Villa (A) Feb 21 - Brentford (A) Mar 1 - Forest (H) Mar 4 - Arsenal (H) Mar 14 - Sunderland (A) Leeds United - 30pts Feb 21 - Villa (A) Feb 28 - Man City (H) Mar 3 - Sunderland (H) Mar 14 - Palace (A) Mar 21 - Brentford (H) Tottenham - 29pts Feb 22 - Arsenal (H) Mar 1 - Fulham (A) Mar 5 - Palace (H) Mar 15 - Liverpool (A) Mar 22 - Nottingham Forest (H)

Thomas Frank has delivered a message after Tottenham Hotspur's defeat to Newcastle in the Premier League

Thomas Frank referenced Tottenham Hotspur’s struggles from last season under former manager Ange Postecoglou after yet another defeat in the Premier League. Spurs were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle United on Tuesday evening in North London to fall to 16th place in the table.

Archie Gray had equalised for Spurs in the second half to cancel out an opening goal from Newcastle defender Malick Thiaw.

However, Tottenham conceded a goal from Jacob Ramsey which saw Spurs suffer a disappointing defeat after their loss at the hands of Manchester United last weekend.

Frank and Co. now lie in 16th place in the Premier League table and are just five points above the relegation zone, which has now led to increased speculation about Frank’s future at the club.

Tottenham appointed Frank as their new manager following Posecoglou’s exit in the summer, with the club’s former boss guiding the club to a 17th-place finish in the Premier League last term, as well as winning the Europa League final.

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Spurs finished last season seven points above the relegation zone but were the lowest-ranked team to remain in the Premier League, and some pundits believe the club could have a battle on their hands to retain their top-flight status.

After the defeat to Newcastle, Frank referenced Tottenham’s struggles under Postecoglou from last season when quizzed about the frequency of the defeats this term.

"I understand the frustration,” Frank told TNT Sports. “I understand that the easiest thing to do is the point at me. That's fair.

“I work day and night to do everything I can. But it's never one person. I think it's fair to say that this is the situation the team was in last year."

Tottenham’s next match will see them host Arsenal on home soil in the North London Derby in the Premier League on February 22, with the two clubs currently separated by 27 points and that could be extended if the Gunners defeat Brentford on Thursday night and win against Wolves next week.

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Frank was also asked during his post-match press conference if he expects to still be Tottenham boss for when the match against Arsenal rolls around.

“Yeah, I’m convinced I will be,” Frank said. “I understand the question and I understand it’s easy to point on me but I also think it’s never only the head coach or the ownership or the directors or the players or the staff. It’s everyone.

“If you do something right, you build something that can last. Of course, we are not in a top position now.

“Everyone knows, directors, ownership, myself, what position we are in, what we need to improve and what we need to do better. That is what we are working very hard on.”

Tottenham Hotspur were beaten by Newcastle United in the Premier League which has led to a debate about Thomas Frank's future

Tottenham Hotspur have been issued a clear verdict on Thomas Frank’s future at the club after their defeat to Newcastle United. Spurs were on the receiving end of a 2-1 loss to the Magpies on Tuesday night in the Premier League in north London.

Newcastle took the lead with a goal just before half-time from Malick Thiaw, with the visitors also having a goal from Joe Willock disallowed for offside just a few minutes earlier.

Archie Gray equalised in the second half for Spurs, but Newcastle regained their lead with a goal from Jacob Ramsey to hand Frank’s side yet another defeat.

The loss leaves Tottenham in 16th place in the Premier League table, just five points above the relegation zone, which has led to increased uncertainty around Frank’s future at the club.

The topic of Frank’s future was debated among pundits after the final whistle of the defeat to Newcastle. Former striker Les Ferdinand pointed to the reaction from the home supporters at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as evidence for their feelings about the situation.

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"You heard the groans at the end of the game," Ferdinand told TNT Sports. "The boos were very loud and they have been audible all season.

"A lot of fans have lost faith in what Thomas Frank is doing here."

Glenn Hoddle, a Tottenham legend, was also on TNT Sports and gave his verdict on Frank’s future at the club, as well as the current situation for Spurs this season.

"You've got to say what it is and they are in a relegation fight," Hoddle said. "The players have to understand that and the fans have to understand that.

"It is the reality and you have to scrap for every single point."

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Former Premier League goalkeeper Tim Krul was in agreement with Hoddle that Tottenham face a relegation battle for the remainder of the season.

"Tottenham are right in it [relegation battle]," Krul told BBC Radio 5Live. "They are three points above the line at the moment. They need to seriously look at themselves in the mirror. There needs to be serious changes now."

Frank was asked about his future as Tottenham boss after the defeat to Newcastle, where he outlined his confidence of remaining in charge for the club’s next clash against Arsenal in the North London Derby at the weekend.

"I'm convinced I will still be in charge [for the Arsenal game]," Frank said on Tuesday night. "I understand the question and I understand it’s easy to point on me but I also think it’s never only the head coach or the ownership or the directors or the players or the staff. It’s everyone.

"If you do something right, you build something that can last. Of course we are not in a top position now.

"Everyone knows, directors, ownership, myself, what position we are in, what we need to improve and what we need to do better. That is what we are working very hard on."

Thomas Frank is speaking to the media after Tottenham's 2-1 loss against Newcastle in the Premier League on Tuesday night.

Newcastle, who had won just two of their past 15 away games, were the better side in the first half and thought they had had taken the lead but VAR ruled it offside. There was a huge space at the back for Joe Willock to run on to Jacob Ramsey's pass and turn inside before firing into the bottom right corner. The tip of his forehead was just offside though in an incredibly close offside call.

Malick Thiaw scored though in added time for Newcastle. Guglielmo Vicario pushed out Thiaw's header but the Newcastle man eased past Pape Matar Sarr to tap the ball home.

Tottenham pushed forward finally after the break with Mathys Tel sending a couple of chances over and Pape Matar Sarr having an effort saved by Nick Pope.

The hosts found an equaliser on 64 when a deep Xavi Simons corner was headed back across by Sarr and Archie Gray cushioned the ball into the net.

However, Newcastle were back in front four minutes later when Jacob Ramsey fired home from Anthony Gordon's pass. It all came from a missed Conor Gallagher pass as Spurs broke up the pitch.

The hosts huffed and puffed but could not find another goal as the rain teemed down and the fans sang for Mauricio Pochettino and for Frank's sacking.

Our Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold is among those putting the questions to Frank after the game. Scroll down for his latest updates from the press conference at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.