Football FanCast

The mere fact that Thomas Frank has been relieved of his duties has already lifted the mood at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Danish coach had drawn a lot of praise for his efforts at Brentford, leading them into the big time and seeing them thrive, but there's no question that his tenure at Tottenham was a total disaster, sacked with the lowest win rate of any of the club's permanent managers in the Premier League.

Tudor has his work cut out, for sure, but the 47-year-old has the managerial style and authoritative managerial voice to whip this beleaguered bunch into shape.

How Tudor will improve Spurs

If Tottenham are going to bounce back, Tudor will need his biggest players to rise to the occasion. Cristian Romero and Pedro Porro are among the senior stars who have flattered to deceive, and that needs to change going forward.

The former Juventus boss is a cool head in a crisis. He will instil the right focus and mentality into a group of players who looked lost out at sea for much of Frank's tenure.

The new boss does need his players to be receptive, though. Indeed, what Tudor needs is for his senior Spurs stars to step up, taking responsibility and exuding control and composure on the pitch. He needs someone like Mousa Dembele.

Of course, that's easier said than done, with the retired Belgian considered to be "the best in the world" during his heyday, as was once said by Kevin De Bruyne.

Tudor might just find he has his own version of the iconic midfielder in his mix, but he's not actually found in the middle of the park.

Tudor could strike gold with the new Mousa Dembele

To say that Micky van de Ven is not found in midfield is actually a lie, for the Netherlands defender can be sighted dashing through the centre circle with speed that Usain Bolt would tip his hat to.

Ange's Spurs system was inherently difficult for a centre-back. However, Van de Ven has still settled into his role in the Premier League and convinced the likes of Liverpool that he is worth forking out £100m to sign.

Indeed, there is no player of a Spurs persuasion who boasts a bigger market value than the Netherlands star, who has actually been hailed as a physical "monster" by reporter Elliott Jackson.

This is corroborated by Transfermarkt, who have revealed him to be the club's most valuable player at €65m (£57m), even ahead of Romero and new recruit Xavi Simons, the latter of whom is projected to become one of the finest playmakers in the world.

This is true, but it's also true that Van de Ven boasts more technical quality than most. In this, he shares something with Dembele, who was also a left-footed carrier with an ability to glide past players, stepping up and making things happen.

Dembele, now 38, is remembered fondly to this day for his ability to stand out and shine among his peers, and it's safe to say that Van de Ven has done that.

After all, he's gone from strength to strength throughout a deeply difficult time for the Londoners. Take his precision in the duel, for example. Last season, Van de Ven won only 48% of his ground duels, whereas this year he has won 62%.

For a Tottenham side who have been so poor in the duel, this is most impressive, showing that like Dembele he has the focus to develop his natural talent even when the going gets tough.

Tudor will love him. Van de Ven is not flawless, but he's a unique and coveted centre-back who might just prove the difference over the next few months, especially if the new manager opts to field a three-man backline, thus unleashing the 24-year-old's athletic, fleet-footed qualities.

ENIC have been discussing a move for an "incredible" manager, with interim Tottenham Hotspur boss Igor Tudor set to leave at the end of the season.

Tudor set for baptism of fire in North London derby

Tottenham wasted no time bringing in a replacement for Thomas Frank, bringing in Tudor on an interim basis until the summer, but there are some doubts about whether the Croatian is the correct appointment.

Former Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew has raised concerns about the 47-year-old, citing his lack of experience in the Premier League as a potential issue.

Of course, the North London derby is always one of the most important games of the season for Spurs, and Tudor is set for a baptism of fire when his side host Arsenal on Sunday.

With the Lilywhites currently just five points above the relegation zone, the former Juventus manager's number one priority is ensuring they remain in the Premier League for the 2026-27 campaign, at which point a new head coach is set to take the reins.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, ENIC have been discussing a move for Eddie Howe, given his vast Premier League experience, and the Tottenham hierarchy are becoming 'increasingly intrigued' by the Newcastle United manager.

Although the Magpies have fallen below their usual standards during the current season, Howe retains the full backing of the board, but there is growing interest from elsewhere, with Manchester United also keen.

Given the Englishman's progressive brand of football and ability to build a project, he has entered Spurs' thinking, but it could be difficult and expensive to prise him away from Newcastle.

Howe could be "incredible" Tudor heir

The 48-year-old has done a remarkable job at St. James' Park since arriving back in 2021, delivering Newcastle their first major trophy in 56 years by winning the EFL Cup final last season, with his side defeating Liverpool 2-1 in the final.

The Amersham-born manager has also secured Champions League qualification for the Magpies on two occasions, despite taking over when they were 19th in the Premier League table, which suggests he could be capable of turning around Spurs' fortunes in similar fashion.

Former Tottenham defender Michael Dawson has made it clear he is a keen admirer of the Newcastle boss, who prefers to use a 4-3-3 system, praising him for the "incredible" job he's done since replacing Steve Bruce.

With the north Londoners currently closer to the relegation zone than the top seven, the job could be a tough sell, unless Tudor manages to turn things around dramatically, but if ENIC are able to tempt Howe, he could be the ideal appointment.

Tottenham have been accused of selectively editing the minutes of a fans’ meeting held earlier this month, with club sources issuing a response behind closed doors.

Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust accuse club of editing meeting minutes

Representatives of the Spurs board, including chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, met with the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust on February 3, just over a week before Thomas Frank’s dismissal as head coach.

THST says there were a number of specific points raised in the meeting “which the club did not agree to include in the final published version, despite our request”.

Among the lines THST says were taken out were: “The club welcomed the input of THST.”

Also edited out, THST claims, was a section outlining fans’ concern at the risk of relegation from the Premier League, and that the belief generated from winning the Europa League last season had now been “lost”.

Concerns around the lack of young players coming through, the club’s ability to generate profit and what specific on-field targets lay beneath ‘strategic principles’ set out by the club were also requested to be included but left out, THST said.

“Publishing a full record of the points raised helps ensure accountability and allows members, and the wider fan-base, to understand how the Trust is fulfilling its role on their behalf,” a statement published on the THST website read.

“Transparency is integral to our role and in our dealings with the club.”

Spurs sources deny accusations

Tottenham officially declined to comment, but sources close to the club have denied there was any intention to sanitise the minutes and had sought to produce a factual account of the matters discussed.

Nothing in football is ever certain, but Crystal Palace do know that Oliver Glasner will leave his managerial post when his contract runs out at the end of the season.

The Austrian coach has changed lives at Selhurst Park, replacing Roy Hodgson and changing Palace's outlook. Progressive, front-footed football is one thing, but Glasner gave the club something tangible, winning the FA Cup and the Community Shield in 2025, opening a doorway into European competition.

But there's no question that the mood has soured somewhat over the past few months, with sterile performances threatening progress and adding to a sense of unease that spread during the January transfer window.

Though Jorgen Strand Larsen was signed for a club-record fee, more is needed this summer, and chairman Steve Parish will need to pick the right replacement too.

The latest on Palace's hunt for a manager

Crystal Palace are resigned to the fact that Glasner's contract will expire this summer, but that doesn't necessarily mean he will last the duration of the term.

A shocking downturn in form has pulled Palace onto the edge of a relegation battle in the Premier League, though they are still in a comparatively strong position, eight points ahead of 18th-place West Ham United.

However, Parish considered the Austrian's position in January after he unilaterally announced he would be leaving. With one in all competitions since December 11.

Should Palace look for a swift solution, they might be tempted to appoint Thomas Frank, who has recently been sacked from his post at Tottenham Hotspur.

According to reports last week, the former Brentford manager is a leading contender to replace Glasner, and if he's willing to make a sharp turn back into Premier League management after an ignomonious spell with Spurs, the Eagles could provide him with the perfect platform.

Why Thomas Frank could be a success at Palace

It's fair to say that Frank is not the flavour of the month in the Premier League. There's no escaping from the fact that his tenure at Tottenham was a disaster, but he is a great coach and demonstrated that over many years with Brentford.

Last season, he was nominated for Premier League Manager of the Year after recording a tenth-place finish, ending with 56 points.

Now led by Keith Andrews, Brentford are riding the crest of a wave, but they are supported by the foundations cemented and the culture instilled by his predecessor, who leading football writer Henry Winter praised for his "remarkable" work in west London.

Praised for taking the time to work with his players at Brentford and bring out their finest form, Frank might just find that Selhurst Park is the perfect place for him to resurrect his career, and Strand Larsen could be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Dane's expertise.

Strand Larsen, 25, is a tall and powerful forward, adept in the air. He fell by the wayside at the Wolves spearhead this season before his £48m transfer to south London, but a two-goal display against Burnley last time out reminded everyone that this is a player who struck 15 home for the Old Gold last year.

His playing style isn't too far removed from that of Ivan Toney, the English striker who enjoyed such riches on the pitch with Frank's Brentford.

Toney scored 72 goals under Frank's wing, more than any other player, and in just 141 games at that. A strong and intelligent striker, he threaded the attacking system together, and Strand Larsen could emulate that role at Palace.

Indeed, last season, pundit Alan Shearer hailed Strand Larsen as a "nuisance" of a frontman who boasts deceptive technical quality and is immense in his hold-up play.

He's got all he needs to succeed at the club, but with Frank at the helm, he might just go that one step further.

Tottenham fans can expect to be thoroughly entertained by new interim boss Igor Tudor, according to one of his former players at Udinese.

Spurs appoint Tudor as new boss implements grand plan

While Tudor is very much an emergency stop-gap until a romantic Spurs reunion with Mauricio Pochettino potentially becomes alive after the World Cup, this appointment has definitely turned heads.

The 47-year-old has already overhauled Tottenham's entire backroom, bringing in his own personnel, and let go of assistant coach John Heitinga, who left after just 32 days in the role.

The no-nonsense former Juventus, Marseille and Udinese boss has a reputation for firefighting, and a deserved one.

Tudor rescued Champions League qualification for Juve, before being sacked this season, and it was a similar story at Lazio in 2024.

He also spared Udinese's relegation blushes on two separate occasions, with the tactician practically a Croatian Sam Allardyce but with proven top-level European experience.

That being said, there is every reason to believe his brand of football actually aligns perfectly with the 'Tottenham way', at least according to former Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong.

The ex-Udinese defender worked under Tudor twice during his Serie A spell and reckons the Croatian's fearless approach represents exactly what Spurs desperately need following their nightmare campaign threatening relegation.

Igor Tudor tipped to 'shake up' Tottenham with 'exciting' and 'high risk' change

Troost-Ekong insists Tudor's biggest strength isn't tactical nuance but rather his enormous personality capable of shaking complacent squads awake.

Speaking to TalkSPORT on Sunday, Troost-Ekong revealed what supporters can expect when Tudor faces Arsenal in the crucial north London derby.

The tactician arrives with zero Premier League experience but carries a fearsome reputation.

"We had him two times at Udinese," he said on talkSPORT.

"He's a manager that likes to play 3-5-2 or a variation of it from what my experience was.

"Attacking football, high back line, tries to press high, can be quite direct. He's definitely a personality, so if they need someone to shake up the place and get everyone going, then he's definitely the right person for it."

The Nigerian played under Tudor during two separate spells whilst battling relegation at Udinese.

Tudor initially saved the club from dropping into Serie B during the 2018/19 campaign before returning for another firefighting mission the following season.

Although eventually sacked ten games into his second tenure following poor results, Tudor demonstrated enough during those periods to convince Troost-Ekong he possesses the character required for navigating Tottenham's current crisis.

"A big personality and he's going to get everyone trying to run through a brick wall. I think that's probably been my experience with him.", Troost-Ekong continued.

"I think for Spurs at this moment in time he'll work a lot with the back line. There was a lot of tactical work that we did. Maybe if they're going to switch it up now to a 3-5-2, that would probably be the first thing.

"I think also the high pressing and maybe more exciting football. I think the stadium probably needs something to get them out of their seats again. He's definitely the person for that."

However, Troost-Ekong issued a significant warning alongside his praise. Tudor's aggressive tactics promise entertainment but carry enormous risk, particularly against elite opposition capable of exploiting spaces left behind advancing wing-backs and aggressive centre-backs.

"You'll probably see a lot of goals but there could be some conceded as well, because you play with quite a high risk in the high line.

"That will probably be his biggest difference I would say, and try and get everyone to run forward as much as they can really."

Whether Tudor's gung-ho philosophy suits Tottenham's current predicament remains questionable.

The club needs points urgently rather than spectacular defeats, yet Troost-Ekong is convinced that Tudor's forceful personality might prove more valuable than conservative tactics given how Spurs collapsed under Thomas Frank.

Tottenham Hotspur have a number of top players in their first-team mix, but the supporting cast haven't been good enough for some time now.

The spotlight has beamed down on Igor Tudor after Thomas Frank's unsurprising dismissal last week, and while the Croatian coach will be expected to vapourise the talk of relegation that have been raised after a run of just two wins in 17 Premier League games.

A front-footed and aggressive coach who will impose his authority on the Spurs players, he could be exactly what they need, and it might prove a playing style that could resurrect the club captain Cristian Romero after his recent struggles.

What's going on with Cristian Romero

Romero, 27, is a top-class centre-back, though he's also erratic and currently serving a suspension after a studs-up challenge on Casemiro at Old Trafford.

It's been a testing campaign for the tough-tackling defender, whose elite quality is without question but whose decision-making and level-headedness is absolutely up for debate.

After the winter transfer window had shut, Romero lambasted the board and criticised their failure to arm Frank with enough first-team depth.

With all this in mind, it feels like the Argentina international's days in north London may be numbered, even with Maurico Pochettino potentially making a sensational return. Indeed, interest is mounting from elite outfits in Spain, and Romero is bound to push his agent toward striking a deal after these recent developments.

Oh, yes. While Tudor's in the frame for the next few months, it's important to remember that he's here on an interim basis and that sporting director Johan Lange is searching for a permanent hire. Poch is a top target, and the fact he's with USMNT until after the World Cup suggests storylines could collide before 2026/27.

Even so, Romero's attitude leaves something to be desired, and the argument that he's undeserving of the armband is not without substance.

Poch could unearth Spurs future captain

Ange Postecoglou lifted the lid on some of his frustrations regarding the Tottenham hierarchy when he appeared as a guest on The Overlap podcast last week.

It's true, Spurs' recruitment strategy has fallen flat in recent memory, but the club are building for the future and they have some of the Premier League's most exciting talents.

One of whom is Archie Gray, who is still only 19 but already boasts 71 senior appearances for Tottenham after joining from Leeds United for nearly £30m - 18 at the time - and has a Europa League title to boot.

Gray is already becoming something of a mainstay for the Lilywhites, playing a central role and embracing the chaos that has demanded him to play a wide range of roles.

From centre-back to full-back to centre-midfielder, the England youth international is weathering an early-career storm, but there's no question that he's tipped for a big future, and analyst Ben Mattinson has even gone as far as to claim he is a “future £100m” footballer.

Tottenham's youthful squad has seen them come unstuck at times this term, and while it's proving an issue in the short term, it's important to remember that the Londoners are more than well-stocked for the future.

Even if Romero leaves for pastures new this summer, a prospect like Gray might just end up becoming the club's long-standing skipper, with Harry Redknapp even recently urging the club to "strip Romero of the captaincy" and give it to the teenager, calling him a "future Tottenham captain" who is setting an example to his so-called senior peers.

Gray is probably too young and inexperienced to don the armband next season, even if Romero is sold this summer. However, Pochettino's guidance could be exactly what he needs to go from strength to strength and cement himself as the club's leader in the future.

An affable character with a tenacity to match his talent on the field, Gray might just be the future skipper for a Spurs side who need to steadily work themselves toward a big comeback.

Simon Jordan has shared what he's heard about what Tottenham were considering before ultimately deciding to appoint Igor Tudor as interim manager until the end of 2025/2026.

Igor Tudor's eventful first day at Spurs after appointment

Tudor wasted zero time stamping his authority at Tottenham today, axing assistant coach John Heitinga after just 32 days whilst bringing in his own trusted backroom team on his first day in charge.

The Croatian arrived at Hotspur Way following confirmation of his appointment on Friday, flying into London over the weekend before taking training for the first time as players returned from a five-day break.

His opening move proved brutal, dismissing Heitinga immediately despite the Dutchman signing a two-and-a-half-year contract barely a month ago.

Heitinga joined under Thomas Frank's doomed tenure on January 15, with Frank praising him as someone whose "ability, personality and character will add huge value both on and off the pitch."

Those words rang hollow as Tudor swept him aside alongside Frank's entire coaching setup.

Tudor brought three lieutenants from his previous Juventus spell. Ivan Javorcic arrives as assistant manager whilst Riccardo Raganacci takes charge of physical conditioning. The 47-year-old former Juventus defender made clear he wants his own people surrounding him during this firefighting mission.

Spurs sit 16th in the Premier League, just five points above the relegation zone following a disastrous run producing only two victories from 17 league matches.

Tudor's mandate couldn't be simpler, keep Tottenham up whilst restoring some dignity before summer's inevitable managerial carousel begins properly.

His opening statement promised organisation, intensity and a competitive edge. Tudor declared he understands the responsibility handed to him and wants to bring "greater consistency to our performances and compete with conviction in every match."

Sunday's north London derby against Arsenal represents his baptism of fire, followed by awkward face-offs against Fulham and Crystal Palace.

Tudor needs immediate results with just 12 league matches remaining before his interim deal expires.

The former Lazio and Marseille boss built his reputation on short-term rescue jobs. He inherited struggling Juventus from Thiago Motta last March, guiding them to fourth and Champions League qualification whilst losing just one from 11 matches.

Similar heroics rescued Lazio and delivered Europa League football the year before, and he masterminded consecutive escapes from relegation at Udinese.

Unless something crazy happens, it is highly unlikely Tudor will stay beyond June, with both Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi viewed as Tottenham's two top candidates for the job this summer.

Tottenham nearly went for Ryan Mason and Ledley King

However, as per Jordan on talkSPORT (via The Metro), Tudor was very nearly snubbed in favour of Ryan Mason and Ledley King.

Indeed, as per rumours he heard at the time, Jordan says that Tottenham considered appointing Mason and King on an interim basis.

"Football guys understand the business of football, they understand what they need to do and if they’re good communicators in the short-term [it could work]," said Jordan.

"It’s the longer-term that you look at the Igor Tudors of the world and go, does it work? Clearly he doesn’t work. He’s had 13 jobs in 12 years.

"He’s not a long-term fix. Spurs have never said he’s a long-term fix. He’s a fix for now.

"I was hearing rumours it was going to be Ryan Mason and Ledley King stepping in, that was some of the thinking that was apparently going on. So maybe we be grateful for this one."

Mason returning for yet another interim stint would've been an uninspired and lazy choice, especially considering his failed move to West Brom.

King, meanwhile, is far better served as remaining a club ambassador, even despite his legendary one-club-man status.

Leeds United are eyeing a move for a young defender currently plying his trade in League Two, and sent scouts to watch him in action in the FA Cup this weekend.

Farke not getting carried away after FA Cup victory

Leeds boss Daniel Farke said it was “perhaps not realistic” to start dreaming of Wembley glory after his side survived an FA Cup fourth-round scare by beating Birmingham 4-2 on penalties.

Sean Longstaff converted the winning spot-kick at a fired-up St Andrew’s after Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri had saved Tommy Doyle’s effort and Patrick Roberts blazed his over the crossbar.

It was especially cruel on Roberts, who had stepped off the bench to send the tie into extra time with a deserved 89th-minute equaliser after Lukas Nmecha’s second-half opener for the visitors.

Farke, whose side reached the last 16 for the third time in five seasons, said: “We know that the recent history of this club is not great in the FA Cup, but we’re on a little run already and that’s quite good.

“It’s perhaps not realistic to dream already about winning at Wembley. But I’m believer in the cup competition. I like a proper cup run and, whenever there’s a chance to go into the next (round), we want to grab it with both hands.”

Leeds rode out a first-half storm and then a late Blues fightback as Jay Stansfield’s volley was tipped on to the crossbar, while substitute Ibrahim Osman hit a post in time added on before extra time.

Farke added: “Really well done and congratulations first of all to Birmingham. They made this really difficult for us. Like we expected, a fantastic home performance. You could feel this team is in red hot form.

“I think eight games unbeaten in the league and of course the stadium was buzzing. Everyone was on it today.

“But this will be great for the spirit within our group and the whole unity and togetherness. Each game you win, even the scruffy games, is good for the confidence.”

Having used virtually a full senior squad for the trip to St Andrew’s, Farke and Co now have their eyes on a promising young talent to bolster their defensive ranks.

Leeds are long-term admirers of Tottenham loan star

Leeds have been long-term admirers of Salford City defender Alfie Dorrington, Football FanCast sources understand, and sent scouts to both watch him and teammate Matty Young in FA Cup action this weekend.

Dorrington, who joined the League Two outfit on loan from Tottenham in the winter transfer window, has appeared in the top flight before, but spent the previous 12 months on loan at Scottish Premiership outfit Aberdeen, where he lifted the Scottish Cup.

The 20 year-old, who is an imposing figure at 6 foot 4, scored an unfortunate own goal in Salford's 2-0 defeat away at Manchester City this weekend, but performed admirably with Leeds officials watching on, making two blocks and four clearances and helping limit City to only a couple of clear-cut chances.

Tottenham Hotspur are now battling Arsenal for the signature of a Bayern Munich star, who is keen on a move to the Premier League.

Spurs eyeing new signing despite managerial uncertainty

Igor Tudor made his intentions very clear after being appointed as interim Tottenham manager until the end of the season, saying: "We want to win. You can’t go out there aiming for a draw. We take the field to win; you don’t prepare matches to draw. My focus is clear: to bring greater consistency to our performances and compete with conviction in every match."

Winning is certainly something Spurs will have to start doing more often, given that they are only five points above the Premier League relegation zone, with just 12 games left to play.

In truth, the appointment of Thomas Frank was a disaster, with the Dane recording a win percentage of just 26.9% in the league, which is the lowest win rate in the club's history.

However, the players also have to take their fair share of the blame, and with the Lilywhites currently in 16th place, after finishing 17th last season, some new reinforcements may be needed in the summer, and a Bayern Munich star is now of interest.

That is according to a report from BILD (via Sport Witness), which reveals Tottenham are now battling Arsenal for the signature of Leon Goretzka, who was confirmed he is set to leave the German club when his contract expires in the summer.

Interestingly, the 31-year-old, who is represented by the same agency as Mohammed Kudus, is now keen on a move to the Premier League, which suggests Spurs and their north London rivals could stand a good chance of winning the race, amid links to Atletico Madrid and AC Milan.

"Incredible" Goretzka could be savvy signing for Spurs

The opportunity to sign a player with Goretzka's experience on a free transfer is exciting, with the German amassing 67 caps for his national side, and winning 14 trophies during his time at the Allianz Arena.

Of course, the central midfielder's wage demands could be high, given that he currently pockets a tidy £217k-a-week at Bayern, but he could be worth every penny, having chipped in with a very impressive 48 goals and 48 assists in 294 appearances for the Bundesliga side.

Lauded as "incredible" by former Arsenal player Emmanuel Petit, the Bayern star most recently scored Bayern's third goal in a 3-0 victory against Werder Bremen, on the day Harry Kane bagged his 500th career goal.

Goretzka could be a fantastic signing for Tottenham, particularly considering he is set to be available on a free transfer, but they should perhaps hold off on pursuing a move until they have some certainty about whom the next permanent manager is going to be.

Tottenham Hotspur are in a period of transition. Another manager has been sacked, and again, Tottenham are in transition.

It's a repetitive cycle, following this football club. Following the London club, the misery has become repetitive. The same mistakes keep being made, and the dismissal of Daniel Levy last summer has done little to wipe the slate clean, with ENIC Group making the same mistakes since his dismissal.

Repetitions such as those above have jarred and frustrated the fanbase across so many years. Ange Postecoglou led the club to silverware last season, ending 17 years of searching, but it wasn't enough for the Australian coach to keep his job.

Thomas Frank is no longer in the dugout, with few of a Spurs persuasion shedding tears over his sacking.

Igor Tudor has his work cut out now, and while so many Spurs stars are currently flattering to deceive, there are a number who could be revived with this change of system.

How Tudor can improve Spurs

Tottenham are in a relegation battle in the Premier League; there's no escaping from that fact. A lot has gone wrong down N17 this season, but many fans would tell you that a dearth of creative quality has impeded the squad.

Frank's spluttering system did not help, but Tudor's principles are built on aggressive, high-octane play, and that could play into the club's hands as they push for a resurgence.

Xavi Simons could benefit, while Randal Kolo Muani will be eager to put his woes in English football to bed, having scored five goals from 11 matches for the Croatian manager at Juventus.

His penchant for attacking football and stern management style are two things that the Lilywhites need right now, having fallen so far by the wayside.

The board anticipate a freshen-up and a lift in standards. However, not everyone in the Tottenham first team is going to go from strength to strength with Tudor at the helm.

Spurs star could be finished under Tudor

Tudor is not rigid in his tactical make-up, but he has been known to principally field a 3-4-2-1 formation, meaning Tottenham's full-backs could be set to undergo a transformation.

Perhaps that wouldn't be a terrible thing. Pedro Porro has been criticised for poor defensive displays this year, while one coach said earlier in the campaign that Destiny Udogie "needs to wake up", having seen a plummet in the lofty standards he set for himself when joining Antonio Conte's project from Udinese in 2022.

Indeed, having been compared to Gareth Bale after he joined, Udogie is enduring another injury-affected season at Tottenham. He is ebbing and flowing on the field, but an inability to maintain fitness levels are limiting his scope, and it's frustrating to watch.

Having returned from a hamstring injury in January, he is back on the sidelines and faces a fight to return to action before the March international break.

The issue here is that if Tudor goes for that defensive reshuffle, Udogie's opportunities are going to be slimmed. This is a big concern for a player whose chances of consistency are being spirited away by such misfortune on the fitness front.

We all saw how good he was during that first term in Tottenham, but with 19-year-old left-back Souza having been signed from Santos in January and Spurs then missing out on Liverpool's Andy Robertson (who is available on a free transfer at the end of the campaign), the 23-year-old Udogie may find himself cut loose.

Of course, the Italy international hasn't exactly been flawless across his eight Premier League starts this season. He has only succeeded with 31% of his dribbles, and he has lost the ball 8.5 times per game on average while only creating one big chance.

From a tactical standpoint, Frank wasn't getting bang for his buck with this one.

When Udogie broke into the Tottenham first team under Postecoglou, Clinton Morrison said on BBC Sport that he was "the best left-back" in England. For sure, Udogie played with energy and intensity and gusto.

However, injuries and the wider malaise down N17 have seen Udogie's promise flake away, and while he remains a talented and useful option, he's possibly not indispensable any longer, especially now that Souza has arrived.

If Tudor chooses to deploy a three-man defence, Udogie may come back from injury to find his opportunities are few and far between. Then he will have a decision to make come summer.