Football FanCast

It's all change at Tottenham Hotspur at the moment.

Despite leading the club to their third European title in the Europa League last month and ending their almost two-decade trophy drought, Ange Postecoglou was officially given the boot on Friday afternoon.

While this is undoubtedly a divisive decision among the fanbase, it's not hard to see why it was made, as the Australian oversaw just 11 wins out of a possible 38 in the Premier League this term.

Interestingly, while no announcement has been made just yet, it is looking increasingly likely that the man to replace Ange will be Brentford boss Thomas Frank, and that could be very good news indeed for a certain youngster in the squad.

Spurs' winners and losers under Frank

Before getting to the player in question, let's take a look at some of the potential winners and losers at Spurs under a possible Frank tenure, starting with those who might not be so lucky, like Brennan Johnson.

Now, it might sound mad to suggest that the club's top scorer this season could be in trouble next year, but if Frank is able to convince the board to sign Bryan Mbeumo, as reports suggest he's trying to, then there is every chance the Welshman's game time would dramatically decrease.

Likewise, it could be the end of the road for Yves Bissouma, becuase as well as he played in the club's Europa League run, he's shown himself to be a liability in the league time and time again.

You only need to look at games like Fulham away, when he was hooked at halftime and given a 3/10 match rating by Alasdair Gold, or at home against Chelsea when he lost his head and gave away a needless penalty.

However, it's most certainly not all doom and gloom, as there are more than a few players we think could flourish under the Danish manager, such as Lucas Bergvall.

The 19-year-old was incredible for much of this season and even won the club's Player of the Year award.

So, when he recovers from his injury, it's not inconceivable to imagine him taking yet more steps forward under Frank.

Likewise, while Dominic Solanke wasn't exactly prolific, he's been one of the club's hardest-working attackers this season and an integral part of the frontline.

Therefore, under a manager who helped turn Brentford into a lean, mean goalscoring machine, we could see him turn the former Bournemouth man into a seriously dangerous striker.

There is another Spurs ace who could become something really quite special under the incoming boss, someone he wanted to sign in West London.

The Spurs gem Frank could transform

If you were following Tottenham's transfer dealings last summer, then you'll have probably worked out that the player in question is none other than Archie Gray.

Before making his way to North London, the former Leeds United gem looked destined to join Brentford, with reports in late June claiming that the player had agreed personal terms with the Bees and was set to have a medical.

However, the Lilywhites swooped in and picked up the incredibly talented youngster for around £30m just a few days later.

While he missed out on him last summer, we can only imagine that Frank is just as excited, if not more, about the teenager's potential now and the chance to finally work with him.

There are a few reasons why we think the Dane could help turn the 19-year-old ace into the "future £100m" superstar that data analyst Ben Mattinson claimed he could be.

The first is that after spending this season being moved around here, there, and everywhere, there is a real chance for the Durham-born midfielder to actually play in, well, midfield.

Moreover, while he didn't spend a whole lot of time there in 24/25, he was still able to produce some fairly impressive underlying numbers for someone so young.

For example, according to FBref, he sits in the 1% of midfielders in Europe's top five leagues for percentage of shots on target, the top 4% for shots blocked, the top 5% for clearances, the top 7% for medium passes completed, the top 13% for progressive passing distance, carries and more, all per 90.

It's been a crazy few weeks for Tottenham Hotspur.

After delivering the North Londoners their first piece of major silverware for 17 years, it was announced that Ange Postecoglou was sacked on Friday afternoon.

While the timing of the decision may feel harsh, it's not that difficult to see why Daniel Levy and Co made it, as the Australian had won just 47 of 101 games in charge of the club.

While nothing has been officially announced at the moment, it is looking more and more likely that the next man in the Lilywhites hot seat will be Thomas Frank, and based on other reports, he's already told the club to sign someone who'd be a dream Brennan Johnson upgrade.

Tottenham's transfer targets

Now that Spurs appear to have identified their new manager, it's worth looking at some of the talented players they've been linked with in recent weeks and months, such as Eberichi Eze and Xavi Simons.

The former enjoyed a superb season with Crystal Palace this year in which he helped the team win the FA Cup and racked up a tally of 14 goals and 11 assists in just 43 games, in turn, more than justifying the £68m release clause reportedly in his current deal.

Likewise, Simons managed to score 11 goals and provide eight assists in 33 games for RB Leipzig this season and would cost around as much as the Englishman at £65m.

However, to really upgrade on Johnson this summer, Tottenham would need to sign an out-and-out rightwinger, someone like Bryan Mbeumo.

Well, according to a recent report from the Mirror, that might be what they end up doing.

The report claims that Frank has instructed Spurs that he wants the club to sign the Cameroon international and make him his first summer acquisition.

To do that, the North Londoners would have to stump up a fee of around £60m and, more crucially, hijack Manchester United's now well-documented efforts to bring him to Old Trafford.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but one well worth fighting for, as Mbeumo would be the ideal upgrade on Johnson.

How Mbeumo compares to Johnson

Now, while Mbeumo can play up top or even as a second striker, his most played and unquestionably best position is off the right, which would put him in direct competition with Jonnson next season.

So, with that said, who comes out on top when we compare the two?

Well, when it comes to their raw output, it's actually the often "unplayable" Brentford star, as dubbed by Frank, who comes out on top, with 20 goals and nine assists in 42 appearances, totalling 3577 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.44 games, or every 123.34 minutes.

In contrast, the former Nottingham Forest star scored 18 goals and provided seven assists in 51 appearances, totalling 3316 minutes, which comes out to a less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.04 games, or every 132.64 minutes.

Unfortunately for the Welsh international, the one-sided nature of this comparison only grows when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.

For example, the "incredible" Bees star, as dubbed by Frank, comes out ahead in the vast majority of relevant metrics, such as progressive passes and carries, shot and goal-creating actions, shots on target, successful take-ons, expected assists and many, many more, all per 90.

Ultimately, even though Johnson enjoyed a decent campaign for Spurs this season, Mbeumo is the superior winger in every measurable way.

Therefore, the club should do everything possible to sign the Brentford star this summer and reunite him with their soon-to-be-manager in North London.

Tottenham Hotspur have now made a late approach to sign a Manchester United target, who has already agreed personal terms for a move to Old Trafford, according to a report.

Tottenham pursuing new signings as Frank deal advances

It is looking increasingly likely that Thomas Frank will be the man to replace Ange Postecoglou at N17, with reporter Ben Jacobs recently revealing the terms of the deal have now been agreed.

As such, Spurs' transfer plans may be subject to change, in order to make sure they bring in players suited to Frank's system, although the Dane is known to be more flexible than Ange, having used several different formations during his time with the Bees.

Regardless of who Daniel Levy ends up bringing in as the new manager, it is clear that a new goalscorer would be useful, given that Brennan Johnson's tally of 11 goals in all competitions was the highest of any player last season.

Frank may also be keen to bring in a forward that he knows very well, and a report from Caught Offside has now revealed Tottenham have held talks over a deal for Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo, recently making contact with the Bees.

Mbeumo has already agreed personal terms to join Man United this summer, and Old Trafford remains his favoured destination, but Spurs could throw a spanner in the works by getting involved in the transfer battle.

Brentford have already knocked back one offer from the Red Devils, but they could come back in with a new bid worth a total of £60m, so the north Londoners may need to move swiftly if they are going to hijack the deal.

"Deadly" Mbeumo could be exactly what Tottenham need

Despite making a success out of the season by winning the Europa League, the 2024-25 campaign was far from ideal for Tottenham, finishing 17th in the Premier League, and the lack of a consistent goalscorer was a real problem.

As such, the £45k-a-week Brentford star could be exactly what Spurs need, having scored 20 goals in 38 Premier League games last term, while also providing eight assists.

Scout Ben Mattinson singled out the 25-year-old for praise, describing him as "deadly", while prospective new Tottenham boss Frank was also left impressed, hailing the Cameroonian as "unplayable" last December.

It appears as though Mbeumo still has his heart set on a move to Old Trafford, but Spurs will be hoping that Frank can convince the forward to make the move to N17 instead.

Tottenham Hotspur have now made an approach to sign a "superb" £34m player, who has already turned down a move to Arsenal this summer, according to a report.

Spurs eyeing new signings amid Frank pursuit

With Daniel Levy controversially dismissing Ange Postecoglou last week, the chairman has wasted no time searching for a replacement for the Australian, and widespread reports are suggesting that Thomas Frank has now agreed to take the job.

However, former Spurs boss Tim Sherwood has admitted he is "worried" about what Levy's objective for the new manager will be, given that Postecoglou was sacked after winning a trophy, and it must be noted Frank has never won a major honour, despite doing a stellar job at Brentford.

Should the Dane be appointed, he is likely to have a say in the recruitment this summer, but the Lilywhites are continuing to assess potential options without a permanent manager in place.

That is according to a report from RMC Sport, which states Tottenham have now made an approach over a deal for AS Roma's Evan Ndicka, having submitted an enquiry, with Premier League rivals Manchester United doing the same.

Ndicka, who is valued at €40m (£34m) is in no rush to decide his next move, and will take time to consider the offers he receives, but one thing that is clear is that he will not be heading to the Emirates Stadium, having already turned down a move to Arsenal this summer.

"Superb" Ndicka could be solid Romero replacement

Postecoglou may not be the only key Spurs figure to leave this summer, as there have been doubts over Cristian Romero's future for quite some time, with it previously being revealed that Levy is open to sanctioning the Argentina international's departure this summer.

As such, one of Frank's most important tasks, should he become the new manager, may be to bring in a new centre-back, and there are some signs the Roma defender could be a solid option, having previously been dubbed "superb" by scout Jacek Kulig.

The 6 foot 4 colossus is certainly an imposing presence, which means he is also a threat from set-pieces, as shown when he bagged his first goal for Roma against Tottenham in the Europa League last November.

Ndicka could be a solid signing for Spurs, but it is important they get the green light from Frank or any other potential new manager before pursuing a deal.

It truly was the best and the worst of times for Tottenham Hotspur last season, and though Ange Postecoglou drove his side to glory in the Europa League, his wretched Premier League form led Daniel Levy to give him the boot.

Though there has been an outpouring of rueful emotion following the news, and though Ange will likely feel aggrieved after ending 17 years of searching for silverware in north London, finishing 17th in the league was unacceptable.

It is, of course, crucial that Spurs use this critical juncture as a launching pad for future fortunes, taking Postecoglou's foundations and building sustainable success.

Mooted managerial targets such as Fulham's Marco Silva and former boss Mauricio Pochettino, who has since led Chelsea, don't quite speak of a step in the right direction.

But Brentford's Thomas Frank certainly does.

Talks are advancing for Brentford's boss, with the Lilywhites growing in confidence that a deal will be reached now the 51-year-old has informed his club of his wish to depart.

Change, then, is afoot. With Levy moving swiftly to get a deal done, Tottenham are expected to make changes to the first team.

Let's have a look at exactly how Frank might put his stamp on his new team.

Guglielmo Vicario has suffered through his second season in a Tottenham shirt, but he kept a clean sheet in Bilbao and made a crucial save in the dying embers of the match.

With so much going on elsewhere, it looks like the Italian will continue to ward off competition from Antonín Kinský.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's transfer from Liverpool to Real Madrid ended Pedro Porro's chance of moving to the Spanish capital, and though it's been an up-and-down campaign for the right-back, he's still an impactful and dynamic talent.

For sure, Djed Spence will be knocking on his door, but Frank's more stable defensive game could actually see Porro go from strength to strength.

Marc Guehi is a wanted man. Tottenham are on the case, but so too are Liverpool and Newcastle United believed to be suitors for the centre-back.

Cristian Romero is being linked with a transfer to Atletico Madrid. The Argentine is world-class, but routinely injured, and Guehi could wipe the slate clean.

Worth as much as £70m, Guehi would cost a pretty penny, but his technical and defensive qualities and rare absences highlight his aptness as Romero's heir. The best ability is availability, after all.

Romero may get sold, particularly with Ange now gone, but Micky van de Ven will be going nowhere. Athletic, imposing and a progressive passer, his form and fitness could see him become a defining linchpin of the prospective Frank era.

Only starting four Premier League matches in 2025 due to injury, Destiny Udogie hasn't elicited the awe of football fans this year, but still remains one of the most powerful and high-potential defenders across Europe.

Recent interest from Manchester City, before Pep Guardiola's side moved for Rayan Ait-Nouri, indicates the strength of his skill set and how he could still become a first-class full-back.

Improvements, though, need to be seen. Perhaps he could take influence from how Frank crafted Rico Henry into a better player in west London.

It's crazy to think Lucas Bergvall is still only 19, thrown right into the deep end last season, playing 45 matches across all competitions.

The Swedish talent will only continue to improve, and if he takes the right steps, could become a fixed feature in Tottenham's senior squad.

TEAMtalk believe Tottenham are ready to make their move for Sporting Lisbon's Morten Hjulmand, who is also wanted by Man United. The Dane could cost around £50m.

Neither Rodrigo Bentancur nor Yves Bissouma have really cut the mustard, and both strugglers are on the verge of entering their final year at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Hjulmand is tenacious and a tough tackler, more of a natural six than the aforementioned, and he might just prove a huge difference-maker.

Leroy Sane may end up leaving Bayern Munich this summer, and should the German winger do so, Tottenham could reportedly be there to tempt him back to the Premier League.

Though the 29-year-old has lost some of his raw pace (37th in the Bundesliga for highest-clocked speed last term), he still scored 11 goals from just 17 league starts.

This could be Frank's new Mbeumo...

Dejan Kulusevski had surgery on a patella injury last month and will be sidelined for several months, but he's still one of the most important players down N17.

He might not be as naturally prolific as James Maddison, but Deki's industriousness and ball retention have seen him step toward the upper echelon of top midfielders, and he may well keep the Three Lions star on the bench.

Aside from keeping Postecoglou in the dugout, this could be the summer-defining move. Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze has been heavily linked with Tottenham of late, and with a £68m release clause, could mark the marquee move of the off-season.

FA Cup "superstar" - as he's been described by football analyst Ben Mattinson - Eze would be an incredible addition, replacing Heung-min Son at left wing. Son scored himself a fairytale ending by winning the Europa League, but recent reports suggest a fee could be generated for the 32-year-old, who is the latest high-profile Saudi Pro League target.

Footballers who possess a unique style of play, supreme technical ability or untapped potential are often referred to as 'streets won't forget' players.

Whether it be Premier League one-season wonders like Michu, tricky mavericks such as Hatem Ben Arfa or players who simply grabbed their moments on the biggest stage like South Africa World Cup star Siphiwe Tshabalala, football fans will always have a soft spot for those players who captured hearts and minds.

Some, like Adel Taarabt, never fulfilled their true potential, while others had glittering careers, but the rise of social media and the pure volume of football coverage has led fans to yearn for those stars who rocked up once a week on a Saturday afternoon with no intention other than to amaze their spectators.

"The boy Michu has been a revelation," Sir Alex Ferguson once said of Swansea's Spanish striker. "To sign him for just £2 million and get 20 goals out of him - what a bargain!"

Such cult hero status doesn't exclusively belong to goalscorers however, as Mousa Dembele proved during his time at Tottenham Hotspur. The Belgian only found the net ten times in 249 appearances for Spurs, but is regarded as one of the most technically gifted midfielders of all time.

Dembele's teammates called him the one of the best players in the world

Winning 82 caps for Belgium, Dembele drew praise throughout his career for his ability to evade the press, weaving his way out of trouble as a deep-lying midfielder.

Dembele started his career as a winger and idolised legendary forward Patrick Kluivert, which led to him being almost impossible to dispossess in midfield, and Harry Kane once said he was the most technically gifted player he's played with.

Plenty of Spurs stars have echoed this sentiment down the years, with Dele Alli claiming Dembele was the best player in the squad back in 2016, and current captain Son Heung-min revealing: “Mousa he is incredible. I haven’t seen a player like this. I have never seen this."

Perhaps the best indication of a player's talent however is what their opponents have to say, and Arsenal icon Jack Wilshere named Dembele as his toughest ever opponent - even despite being left in awe of Lionel Messi.

"The best player I played against? I played against Messi, which is obviously, for me, the greatest player of all time. But I only played against him twice.

"The one I played against consistently that I used to hate playing against was Dembele from Tottenham. What a player! He was strong, quick, skilful and he had that nasty side to him.

"A few games where I have a little bit with him and he’s just left a little on me, but he’s not even cared. And he was so strong. He would almost show you the ball. Then he would go past you, ‘no, see you later’."

With elite teams now spending hundreds of millions on finding the perfect midfielder, the Tottenham legend's aesthetically pleasing style would catch a hefty fee in today's transfer market.

Tottenham Hotspur have commenced their official search for Ange Postecoglou's replacement after months of speculation about the Australian's long-term future, with Spurs announcing on Friday that they've parted company.

Daniel Levy slammed for sacking Ange Postecoglou

It is safe to say that chairman Daniel Levy's controversial decision to sack Postecoglou has been met with fierce criticism.

According to The Telegraph, Spurs' squad themselves are furious about the call to hand Postecoglou his P45, just over a fortnight after he helped to end the club's 17-year wait for major silverware and qualify for the Champions League.

Son Heung-min called Postecoglou a Spurs legend and bid him farewell in an emotional goodbye message on Instagram, and he's not the only Lilywhites star to come out in support of the former Celtic boss over these last few weeks.

"Always listen to the room. Pedro Porro said keeping Postecoglou would be good for the dressing room, while James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray all publicly backed him. It all links to that famous saying: if it isn't broken, don't fix it," said Sky Sports journalist Sam Blitz in a critique of Postecoglou's exit.

"Yes, Postecoglou had his faults - the league form was a shambles. But his season objectives last August would have been to get into the Champions League and win a trophy.

"He did that, albeit in a fortunate way. And he even went against his 'Angeball' principles to achieve it - showing he could be developing into more than the stubborn manager with one plan. In getting rid of the Australian, Levy is back to square one. And whoever he brings in faces an uphill struggle.

"If you're Thomas Frank or Andoni Iraola, you should look at when Nuno Espírito Santo - an experienced manager who took outsiders into Europe - took the step-up to that role. He lasted 17 games."

It is actually hard to argue with this assessment, but as Levy's remorseless scythe swings again on the Spurs managerial merry-go-round, another tactician must now step into Postecoglou's shoes.

Daniel Levy decides on Thomas Frank as Tottenham talks advance

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Tottenham are expected to advance in talks with Frank, who would make the serious step-up from Brentford to manage a side competing in the Champions League next season.

According to Tottenham News, Levy has now "settled" on Frank as his preferred manager to replace Postecoglou, so it appears the north Londoners are prioritising a move for him right now.

The Dane's has led Brentford through solid campaigns on a shoe-string budget, perhaps appealing to Levy in the process, but reservations lie with his lack of top-level pedigree or trophy-winning experience.

You have to wonder whether Manchester United's decision to keep hold of Erik ten Hag after winning the 2023/24 FA Cup played into Daniel Levy's decision to sack Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou.

Added to the long list of managers at the Tottenham helm since Levy assumed ownership of the club in 2001, Postecoglou would be forgiven for feeling aggrieved after winning the Europa League last month, ending 17 years of searching for silverware.

But he has paid the price for the year-long suffering in the Premier League, the injury-hit Londoners slumping to a 17th-place finish, one above relegated Leicester City.

There's no question Tottenham's trophy-winning European campaign has been at variance with their wretched top-flight term, but given the schism that has been created through Levy's latest dismissal, it's crucial that they get the next appointment right.

And you'd have to say, Thomas Frank would be a brilliant signing.

Why Spurs want Thomas Frank

Emerging as the clear frontrunner in the bid to replace Postecoglou at Tottenham, Brentford boss Frank is being pursued, although official contacts with the Bees have yet to take place.

Taking Brentford into the Premier League and establishing them as a solid unit with an attractive brand of football, the Danish tactician has proved his durability, adaptability and flexibility during his time in London, hailed for creating an "extraordinary team" by Manchester City's Pep Guardiola.

Frank's nuanced tactical approach is perhaps the definitive factor behind Levy's desire to get the deal done, with Postecoglou, for all his exciting attacking play, perhaps a little one-dimensional at times.

However, there's no certainty that Tottenham will make the appointment. Indeed, an alternative approach for Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi underscores that point.

And Lilywhites chairman Levy may even be ready to sign an alternative.

Spurs line up Frank alternative

According to BBC Sport, Frank might be the favourite for the vacant manager position at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is also in the frame.

Iraola has been a revelation since joining the South Coast club in July 2023, and he's since led the Cherries to their two biggest points hauls in Premier League history (48 in 2023/24 and a whopping 56 last season).

With Frank holding a sizeable release clause in his Brentford contract, Iraola might be a fantastic alternative to turn to, not least because his Bournemouth side finished a place above Frank's in the top flight.

What Andoni Iraola would bring to Spurs

Iraola has shaped Bournemouth into one of the easiest-on-the-eye teams in English football, with former Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha commenting on the "incredibly impressive" start to life at the Vitality Stadium, instilling a clear identity.

The 42-year-old's typical 4-2-3-1 formation is also something that would suit Spurs' current crop well, retaining the attacking style Postecoglou will leave embedded but taking it and shaping it into something more fluent and organised.

Iraola's success could even see him prove a better fit for Tottenham than Frank, who has been described as "one of the best in the league" by analyst Ben Mattinson.

His ability to transform Bournemouth from a pragmatic outfit expected to fight to stave off relegation into a slick team capable of knocking on the European door showcases how he could improve Tottenham, who will need some transformative coaching after their wretched domestic campaign.

Raising the ceiling is something both Frank and Iraola have proved themselves capable of doing since taking their respective posts in England, but Iraola may also help a more seamless transition away from Ange's high-line, big-risk, high-intensity possession-based game.

Indeed, as per FBref, Bournemouth only averaged 48.5% of possession in the Premier League last year (putting them 11th), but Brentford were even less active on the ball, 15th with a 47.9% average.

This may feel like something of a regression in tactical expansion, but it would actually be a move rooted in progressive pragmatism, scaling back from the high-stakes gambling played by Postecoglou.

Moreover, Iraola's teams have earned praise for their organisation and togetherness when out of possession, further highlighting the issues Tottenham have been beset by and how they could fix this.

Still, the two managers aren't diametrically opposed, and Iraola's intense physical demands would allow him to dovetail into the Tottenham milieu.

While Frank is a proven manager in the Premier League, Iraola is also showing himself to be a nuanced and dynamic tactician, and could be the right man for the job.

Fans will understandably be concerned that Tottenham are stuck in something of a circular motion, winning some silverware, yes, but continuing to churn through managers.

Such back-and-forth threatens to isolate the success, leaving it as a flash in the pan. However, Iraola is a fantastic and intelligent manager, and if given several years to inculcate his teachings onto the north London squad, this could be a real corner for Tottenham.

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has sacked Ange Postecoglou. After supposedly a week of deliberation, it was determined the Aussie coach's Europa League triumph was not enough to save him.

There's no question this has been one of the most dramatic years in the club's modern history, certainly one of the most chaotic and turbulent seasons across Europe's myriad clubs.

All have been watching, though. Watching with glee or compassion, but with eyes riveted on the drama as it unfolded.

Postecoglou made a promise, and that promise was delivered in the most resounding fashion as Spurs won the Europa League in their manager's second season, salvaging a wretched domestic campaign that has seen the club finish 17th in the Premier League.

Sadly, there will be no season three in this series. There could, however, be an exciting new face in the dugout.

Spurs hold talks for Ange replacement

According to TBR Football, Levy has held talks with a number of candidates for the Tottenham manager's position, and while Brentford's Thomas Frank is the leading contender, there's another Premier League boss who could make the move.

That's Oliver Glasner, who led Crystal Palace to glory in the FA Cup this term. Earmarked as a potential option, Glasner stated he was "100% committed" to Selhurst Park after the Wembley win against Manchester City, but Tottenham present a compelling long-term project.

The Austrian coach, 50, is even thought to be leading the race to succeed Postecoglou, alongside Frank.

What Oliver Glasner would bring to Spurs

Making the move from a divisional rival below the league's 'big six', Glasner could prove to be Tottenham's next Mauricio Pochettino, especially since both bosses employ expansive attacking games.

Former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Glasner took the Eagles reins in February 2024, replacing Roy Hodgson after ten defeats from 17 matches. Palace were 15th but lacked inspiration and direction.

Hailed for his "incredible" work in south London by AFTV's James B, Glasner has led Palace to a 12th-placed finish, but with the highest points total in the club's Premier League history.

His high-intensity, hard-working tactical approach is something that could see him emulate Spurs' one-time gaffer, who was actually criticised once for working his players too hard during Tottenham training.

Of course, Glasner's FA Cup lift didn't mark the first major trophy in his managerial career, having won the Europa League with Frankfurt, so he'd bring his own brand down N17, simply aligning with some of the principles that have convinced Spurs to make appointments in the past.

In that regard, he's proven himself capable of outstripping Pochettino, making the move from a divisional rival but with the winning mentality already constructed.

The truth is, there's a very solid argument behind Levy's decision to dismiss the man who ended 17 endless years of searching for a major trophy.

And if he moves to appoint Glasner, whose football is entertaining and whose trophy-winning credentials have been illustrated through victory in the FA Cup last month, Tottenham might just go from strength to strength next term.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly identified Brentford boss Thomas Frank as the lead candidate to replace Ange Postecoglou, following their Friday announcement that the Europa League-winning Australian has been relieved of his duties.

Postecoglou sacked with Thomas Frank in pole position for Spurs job

Postecoglou broke the Spurs hoodoo and clinched their first piece of major silverware in 17 years, sealing Champions League qualification in the process by reigning victorious in the Europa League final against Man United just over a fortnight ago.

However, despite the raw emotion surrounding their triumphant night in Bilbao, not to mention their excellent footing to kickstart and build for next campaign, chairman Daniel Levy decided to hand Postecoglou his P45.

The club's official statement cited domestic form as the main culprit behind Postecoglou's dismissal, with the 59-year-old leading Spurs to an all-time record of 22 Premier League defeats in a single season.

However, regardless of their dismal Premier League performances, there is an argument to be made that winning their first European trophy since 1984 and sealing a place in Europe's most prestigious competition far outweighs their position in the table.

As debate continues to surround whether Levy has indeed made the right decision, news has emerged that Frank is a fierce contender for the now-vacant Tottenham job, with Fabrizio Romano stating that talks are expected to continue in the next few days.

Frank does have serious credentials for the job, namely his success operating on a shoe-string budget at Brentford and track record of nurturing unknowns into top-class talents.

The Dane has also worked under a data-driven recruitment model with the Bees, which is where Spurs have gone with their own transfer philosophy in recent seasons, so in that sense, Frank could be deemed an excellent fit.

However, there are reservations that his lack of trophy-winning experience makes him a less exciting candidate in the eyes of some supporters.

Tottenham have trophy-winning Thomas Frank alternative in Edin Terzić

Interestingly, a manager with that pedigree, and one who was eyeing a move to Tottenham this season, is readily-available for hire right now.

Ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzić guided the Bundesliga side to a Champions League final against Real Madrid last year, winning one German Cup and a German Super Cup during his time at BVB.

He is still yet to find a new club, and what makes this possibility more intriguing is Terzic's apparent eagerness to join the north Londoners. Besiktas president Serdal Adali, speaking to Tivibu Spor in December, via GOAL this week, stated that Terzic was actually waiting to join Tottenham at one point in 2024/2025.

"Edin Terzić was one of our foreign alternatives," said Adali. "In the meeting, he said he was expecting an agreement with Tottenham."

Still without a club, the German could be a more illustrious alternative to Frank with proven Champions League experience, and one which would require no release clause payments or compensation fees.