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Players who have previously played under Robbie Keane have offered genuine glimpses into what working with the 45-year-old entails, amid speculation linking him to the Tottenham manager's position. The former striker currently manages Ferencvaros, having taken charge of the Hungarian outfit last January.

His coaching CV also includes a stint with Maccabi Tel Aviv, alongside assistant positions with Middlesbrough, Leeds United and the Republic of Ireland national team. Throughout this period, Keane has been developing his distinctive identity and footballing philosophy, shaping what will become his signature coaching approach.

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Should this journey culminate in a homecoming to Tottenham as manager, it will be fascinating to observe how he maximises the potential of the current squad. Judging by testimonials from those he has previously mentored, Spurs' attacking players could have plenty to look forward to.

Back in 2019, Middlesbrough forward Ashley Fletcher expressed his delight at the prospect of learning from Keane, following a telephone conversation with the coach. He remarked: "There's no better person you would want (to work with).

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"He's played in the Premier League for many years, he's played for top teams, he's played in the Champions League, played in World Cups so to learn from him everyday was always going to benefit me."

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Callum O'Dowda offered similar acclaim when reflecting on their collaboration within the Republic of Ireland international set-up. "He's still got it, I'll tell you that," he remarked about Keane.

"Even in training when you watch him, he's fantastic just as he was a fantastic player.

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"As a coach now, I asked him how he's finding it. He obviously misses playing, but he's someone that you definitely look up to. As soon as he opens his mouth, you want to listen to him given the level he has played at and what he has done for the country.

"It's phenomenal really. On the coaching side he has been good. Obviously, as a striker, he knows what they want from me, as a wide player, he knows the service that they want. It's the little things, as well, mentally getting into your head, he's definitely good to have around."

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Such endorsements will resonate positively with Tottenham supporters regarding the prospective appointment, particularly given the club's expectations for attacking football. Beyond results alone, the playing style contributed to the issues that led to Thomas Frank's dismissal from his position as head coach this week.

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Spurs have managed just 36 goals in the Premier League across 26 matches, a tally potentially impacted by numerous injury concerns. Nevertheless, the brief for the incoming manager will almost certainly encompass a mandate to enhance the attacking output both immediately and over the longer term.

Keane's coaching prowess has garnered acclaim not only from strikers, but also from former Ireland defender Darren O'Dea, who commended his abilities back in 2018. "Robbie is going to settle in easily. He was like a coach when I was playing with him and he was one of the best captains I played under," O'Dea remarked regarding Keane's shift into coaching.

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"If I was a player in that dressing room, I would want to listen to what Robbie Keane has to say. He's a fantastic guy and I don't need to speak about his credentials as a player."

While Keane has received considerable recognition for his coaching capabilities, the question remains whether these skills could translate to managing Tottenham - or in the Premier League - should such an opportunity present itself.

Ange Postecoglou has launched a scathing attack on Tottenham's transfer strategy and disclosed that the club rejected a four-man wishlist he presented to them during the 2024 summer transfer window. Postecoglou, 60, was sacked from his position as head coach at Tottenham last summer after spending two years in north London. During his tenure, the Australian steered Spurs to fifth place in his debut season, before breaking the club's 17-year trophy duck by claiming the Europa League in his final campaign.

Nevertheless, Spurs opted for a change with Postecoglou being relieved of his duties and Thomas Frank arriving to succeed him following his impressive work at Brentford. The Dane has this week been dismissed himself. And Postecoglou has now declared Tottenham act as if they are "not a big club" - at least regarding wages and transfer spending - and the Greek has launched a damning critique of his former employers. He revealed he attempted to pursue Pedro Neto, Bryan Mbeumo, Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi two years ago - none of which materialised.

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Speaking on The Overlap, Postecoglou said: "At the end of my first year when we finished fifth, for me I was like, 'How do you go from fifth to challenging?' Well, we had to sign Premier League-ready players, but finishing fifth that year didn't get us Champions League, we didn't have the money so we ended up signing Dom Solanke who I really like and three teenagers (Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Wilson Odobert).

"I was looking at Pedro Neto, Mbeumo, Semenyo at the time and Marc Guehi. Because I said if we want to go from fifth to there, that is what the other big clubs were doing at that moment.

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"Those three teenagers are outstanding young players and I think that they'll be brilliant players for Tottenham, but they're not going to get you from fifth to fourth and third. But what was coming out from the club was that we are a club that can compete on all fronts."

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Postecoglou added: "I still felt like Tottenham as a club were saying we're one of the big boys but, in reality, I don't think they are, in my experience over those last two years. You see Arsenal spend £100m on Declan Rice, I don't see Tottenham doing that. Maybe now, I don't know."

Following the departure of England captain Harry Kane to German powerhouses Bayern Munich, Tottenham invested over £210million during Postecoglou's inaugural summer, with the club bringing in James Maddison, Pedro Porro, Brennan Johnson, Micky van de Ven, Dejan Kulusevski, Guglielmo Vicario, Alejo Veliz, Ashley Phillips and Manor Solomon.

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It was support that contributed to Tottenham's extraordinary start under Postecoglou's management, with Spurs perched at the top of the Premier League with 20 points after eight fixtures.

Whilst Tottenham ultimately fell away and secured fifth place, two points adrift of fourth-placed Aston Villa, there was genuine optimism and conviction the Australian could construct something remarkable in north London if provided with backing in his second summer.

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However, having failed to qualify for Champions League football, Tottenham invested less than £80m on transfers, with Dominic Solanke their most prominent signing. Teenagers Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Wilson Odobert were the other arrivals, though Spurs didn't lose a key first-team player, such as Kane.

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Whilst Tottenham did proceed to claim the Europa League, performances and outcomes in the Premier League deteriorated considerably and resulted in them finishing in 17th, their lowest final standing since 1976/1977. That played a part in Postecoglou's departure, with then-Spurs chairman Daniel Levy believing a change was necessary.

Former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane has refused to comment on speculation linking him with the managerial vacancy at his former club, abruptly ending an interview when questioned about the possibility of taking the job. The 45-year-old has emerged as a potential candidate to succeed Thomas Frank, who was sacked by Spurs this week.

Keane is presently in charge of Hungarian heavyweights Ferencvaros, a position he has held since January 2025 as he continues to build his credentials in management following his playing days. His coaching journey has previously seen him serve as assistant manager for the Republic of Ireland, Middlesbrough and Leeds United, before stepping up to the top job at Maccabi Tel Aviv.

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Whilst his tenure at Ferencvaros appears to be progressing positively, speculation regarding a potential move to Tottenham continues to gather momentum. Nevertheless, Keane was quick to shut down such talk with a brief and curt response when pressed on the prospect of returning to N17.

When a journalist enquired: "Would you expect their invitation for you to become their manager?" Keane replied: "I can't help speculation," accompanied by a shrug of his shoulders before promptly walking out of the interview.

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Whilst his response doesn't necessarily indicate enthusiasm for the position, the former Republic of Ireland captain stopped short of categorically removing himself from contention with a definitive statement. For the time being, speculation surrounding Keane and the Tottenham vacancy remains one of several possibilities under consideration by the club.

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And ex-Spurs defender Michael Dawson has recommended Keane as Spurs' next head coach. Dawson said on Sky Sports: “For me, there is someone there in the making, someone who knows the club, can galvanise everyone and bring them in the right direction, and that is Keane.

Ange Postecoglou has confessed Thomas Frank's poor run of Premier League results made his Tottenham sacking inevitable. Frank was relieved of his duties as manager of the north London club on Wednesday following their 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United. The loss to the Magpies left the Europa League winners languishing in 16th position, merely five points clear of the drop zone. He becomes the second permanent manager within seven months to be axed by Tottenham, with Postecoglou having been dismissed at the end of last season.

The Australian was given his marching orders after the club ended the campaign in 17th place, with his Europa League success insufficient to save him from the chop. Approximately eight months following his dismissal - and four months after he was also let go by Nottingham Forest - Postecoglou shared his candid thoughts on Frank's exit. The former Celtic manager said on The Overlap: "It's always, having been in that position twice in the last six months, it's tough, it's tough. You know that he can't be the only issue at the club and that's probably every manager.

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"But, ultimately that's what we get judged on. But it goes back to me, it's a curious club Tottenham. It's made a major pivot at the end of last year, not just with me but with Daniel (Levy) leaving as well.

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"You've created a whole sort of environment of uncertainty because there's no guarantees, no matter which managers you bring in because they've had world-class managers there and not had success and for what reason?

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"What was the reason for such a major pivot, you know Thomas was walking in, what's his objective? What's the club's objective? At the start of the year, obviously to compete on all fronts but the club hasn't competed on all fronts for a long time.

"Also the most influential person at the club for the last 20 years is also going so if you're going to do such a major pivot, you have to understand there is going to be some instability there. Did Thomas know he was walking into that? I don't know.

"It's a fair departure from me, anyone who studies the game, it wasn't like it was a progression from me. I built that sort of squad for want of a better word to play a certain way for a number of years and he's sort of coming in and like we said, it's a curious club Tottenham."

The Greek added: "If you look at the list of names (managers), there isn't really a common theme there in what they are trying to do. I do think part of Tottenham's DNA - for the lack of a better word - is that they do like their teams to play a certain way.

"It's fair to say with Mauricio (Pochettino) they were going down that path, but at the same time, I think people have been too dismissive of Harry's (Kane's) influence through that period.

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"If I had had Harry in that first year, I'm convinced we would have finished in that Champions League spot. Even him leaving, you cannot plug that hole. It's impossible."

Sean Dyche has been sacked as manager of Nottingham Forest. The ex-Burnley and Everton boss was appointed by Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis back in October as a replacement for former Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou.

At the time, Dyche was the third manager to take the helm at the City Ground this season, following in the footsteps of the dismissed Nuno Espirito Santo and Postecoglou, who were both given their marching orders within the first three months of the campaign. Astonishingly, Dyche is the third permanent manager this season to be sacked by the trigger-happy Forest owner. Once the club makes another appointment, they will become the first ever Premier League side to appoint four permanent managers in the same season.

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According to The Athletic, former Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Vitor Pereira is a leading candidate to step into the dugout at Forest. Ironically, Dyche was made to walk the plank after a 0-0 draw with Wolves at the City Ground on Tuesday night.

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It's a result which leaves them just three points away from the drop zone, although they do have a marginally better goal difference than 18th-placed West Ham United.

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However, the Hammers are improving under old Forest boss Nuno and could have leapfrogged Forest in the table by now had they not conceded injury-time goals against Chelsea and Manchester United in recent weeks.

When Forest overcame West Ham at the London Stadium in a 2-1 away victory a month ago, the gap between the two sides was extended to seven points. Now the in-form Hammers are breathing down their neck.

Last season, Pereira rescued Wolves from the brink of relegation after replacing Gary O'Neil. Overjoyed with steering the Midlanders out of relegation contention, the former Porto boss even joined fans for a celebratory drink at one of the local establishments.

But his time at the club ended at the start of November with a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Fulham. In his penultimate match, a 3-2 loss to Burnley, he was even ushered away from his own fans after getting into a heated argument.

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However, Marinakis may believe he is the right man to be named as their next boss, having seen Pereira put together a six-match winning run last season which ensured Wolves remained in the Premier League. He will be hoping the experienced manager can repeat his heroics with Forest, should he be appointed.

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The next Forest boss will also have Europe to contend with. They face Turkish heavyweights Fenerbahce in a two-legged Europa League play-off for a place in the round of 16.

If a new permanent manager is brought in within the week, an away clash in Turkey will be their first match next Thursday, followed by a Premier League visit from champions Liverpool the following Sunday.

Roberto De Zerbi has reportedly decided between the Tottenham and Manchester United jobs, having featured highly on both shortlists. Spurs recently parted ways with Thomas Frank after a dismal run of just two victories in 17 Premier League games, leaving the north London side perilously close to the relegation zone, just five points above West Ham.

De Zerbi, meanwhile, mutually agreed to part ways with Marseille this week, following a two-year stint at the helm. His exit followed a humiliating 5-0 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain and a Champions League departure after a 3-0 loss to Club Brugge. Rumours of a potential return to England have been stoked by his successful tenure at Brighton from 2022 to 2024.

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The i paper claim that the Italian tactician sees the Tottenham job as the 'next logical step' in his coaching journey, even though he features 'high' on United's list of potential candidates.

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De Zerbi's attacking style of play during his time at Brighton earned him many plaudits, and his knack for stabilising unsettled squads could make him an attractive prospect for Spurs.

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United are expected to consider managerial options in the summer, with Michael Carrick currently serving as interim coach despite his promising start.

However, Spurs' plan to appoint a successor to Frank before the season concludes could potentially thwart United's plans.

De Zerbi is among the names being linked with the Old Trafford hot seat, though there appears to be no immediate pressure to replace Ruben Amorim following Carrick's impressive start.

The Red Devils have triumphed in their opening four fixtures under the former midfielder's stewardship, with their unbeaten run continuing on Tuesday evening courtesy of Benjamin Sesko's last-gasp equaliser against West Ham.

This strong start, four victories and one draw, has propelled them into fourth spot in the table, sitting one point clear of Chelsea in fifth place.

United will be keen to get back to winning ways when they travel to Everton on Monday (February 23, 8pm kick-off).

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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly settled on a three-man shortlist of managers following the sacking of Thomas Frank, who lasted fewer than 250 days in charge. Frank was let go by the capital club following Spurs' 11th league defeat of the season against Newcastle United on Tuesday evening.

It leaves the 2025 Europa League champions lurking just above the relegation zone, and even though they've made it into the Champions League knockouts, it represents very little progress from last season. Under Frank's predecessor, Ange Postecoglou, Spurs recorded their lowest-ever Premier League finish.

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It leaves Tottenham in a tricky position, with their owners contemplating whether they want to hire a replacement mid-season, or wait until the summer to correct their Frank error. According to The Telegraph, Roberto De Zerbi is one name that has made it onto the initial shortlist, with the Italian having just left Ligue 1 side Marseille.

The former Brighton head honcho does boast Premier League experience, which can't be said of Roy Keane, who is also mooted as a potential successor. Keane, who was a fan favourite during his playing days with Tottenham, has gained managerial experience during his time with Maccabi Tel Aviv and then current club Ferencvaros.

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The report states Spurs aren't looking to hire internally and would prefer an outsider to take over, but aren't set on whether that will be on a full-time basis, or until the end of the season. By appointing an interim, it could allow them to hold out for Mauricio Pochettino, who is currently in charge of the United States national team.

Pochettino, who guided Spurs to the Champions League final in 2019, is set to take charge of the co-hosts at this summer's World Cup. But it's suggested Pochettino's stint with the USMNT might not stretch beyond the summer, opening the door up to a potential Spurs return.

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Astatement from Spurs announcing Frank’s exit read: "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.”

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The bookies have already established the early favourite to succeed Thomas Frank at Tottenham Hotspur and it is a former Premier League manager.

Tottenham have parted company with manager Thomas Frank after just eight months at the helm. His final match, a home defeat to Newcastle, leaves the club dangerously close to the Premier League relegation zone. Frank was appointed at the start of the season to succeed Ange Postecoglou, who was dismissed despite ending Tottenham’s long trophy drought with a Europa League win.

Frank’s tenure failed to deliver the desired results, with supporters growing increasingly disillusioned with the former Brentford boss. While he did guide Spurs to the Champions League knockout stages, their league form has been disappointing, sparking repeated calls from fans for his exit. Tottenham are now winless in their last eight Premier League fixtures and have not recorded a home league victory since early December.

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Attention now shifts to who will take over in the Spurs dugout. Bookmakers have installed former Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi as the frontrunner, following his unexpected departure from Marseille. De Zerbi’s credentials—steering Brighton to their first ever European campaign and leading Marseille back into the Champions League—make him an attractive candidate for the Tottenham board.

According to William Hill, De Zerbi is even money to become the next Spurs manager, but other names are also in contention. Popular former manager Mauricio Pochettino is listed at 4/1 for a possible return, though any appointment would likely have to wait until after the World Cup this summer, as he is currently in charge of the USA national team. Additional candidates include former Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim (11/1), outgoing Crystal Palace coach Oliver Glasner (10/1), and ex-Spurs striker Robbie Keane (7/1), who has recently impressed at Hungarian side Ferencvaros.

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Next Tottenham Hotspur 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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Tottenham have issued a statement confirming that Thomas Frank has departed the club. Tuesday's defeat to Newcastle United proved to be his last match in charge, with Spurs now sitting just five points above the Premier League drop zone.

Frank was brought in as Tottenham's new head coach last summer to succeed Ange Postecoglou, who was dismissed even despite breaking the club's 17-year trophy drought by claiming Europa League glory.

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While Frank enjoyed an encouraging start to his tenure in north London - securing victory in four of his opening six matches - Tottenham's performances have plummeted in recent months.

In fact, Spurs have claimed just twp victories from their last 17 top-flight fixtures stretching back to a 3-0 triumph at Everton back in October. This dismal streak has sent them tumbling to 16th in the Premier League standings, five points ahead of 18th-placed West Ham, who occupy the final relegation berth.

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Following the 2-1 home reverse against Newcastle, it appeared unavoidable that Tottenham would act decisively and they have now done precisely that, with the club announcing in a statement that Frank 'will leave today'.

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In a statement released on Wednesday, Tottenham 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 appeared frustrated and dejected during his post-match press conference following Tottenham's loss to Newcastle on Tuesday. His Spurs side endured boos and jeers after another underwhelming evening in N17.

"I understand the fans' frustration," Frank said. "We are in a position we don't want to be in and we are working very hard day and night to change. I also think it is a situation now the club has been in, it's fair to say, for almost two years and at the end of last season as well - clearly a pattern that we struggle to manage Europe and the Premier League. It's something me, the team, the club, the players we need to learn to do even better physically and mentally to deal with that.

"Part of that of course is the 11 injuries or 10 plus a suspension plus another one today which of course doesn't help in a situation like that. Then we face a Newcastle team which is struggling a little bit lately, look at what they put out on the pitch, compared to what they have done in the last three years.

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"I think it's fair to say it's quite different to us. I think Newcastle were more on top first half. We came back in it very well. Then I think it was a little bit symbolic of our season that we had a transition going one way, then we misplaced a pass and defended badly for the 2-1 goal."

Tottenham's next fixture sees them host Arsenal at home on Sunday, February 22. It's clear whether Spurs are going to appoint a permanent successor before then, though Roberto De Zerbi is the outright favourite to become the club's next manager, with Ryan Mason and John Heitinga among the others in the frame.

Thomas Frank has been sacked by Tottenham Hotspur after failing to turn the tide in north London. The Dane was only appointed as Ange Postecoglou's appointment 244 days ago, with the board hopeful to avoid a repeat of last year's lacklustre 17th-place finish in the Premier League.

However, what has transpired has been a damning state of affairs. Frank leaves the Lilywhites having failed to make an improvement this term, as Spurs languish in 16th in the Premier League standings with seven wins, eight draws and 11 losses to show for their efforts. An official statement from Spurs read: "The Club has taken the decision to make a change in the Men’s Head Coach position and Thomas Frank will leave today.

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"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."

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It seems as though the writing was on the wall for Frank during Tuesday evening's humiliating 2-1 loss to Newcastle United on home soil, with a familiar chorus of boos echoing out around the ground. As a result of the defeat, the Lilywhites have also gone a staggering eight games without a win.

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Elsewhere, fans took to social media to give their verdict on Frank's tenure with the club, urging from executives to take immediate action. One person wrote: "Thomas Frank is the worst manager to EVER manage this club," while another added: "Everyone is asking 'how has he not been sacked yet?' But the reason why is CLEAR...Thomas Frank has not been sacked because the #thfc board have NOT got a clue what to do next. That is genuinely terrifying."

A third wrote: "A very dark day to be a Tottenham fan. I genuinely feel sick. I hope and pray this is the turning point and Thomas Frank is speedily escorted to the Jobcentre," while a fourth said: "In a game of this significance, the tactics that Thomas Frank has sent us out with here is absolutely catastrophic. Enough is enough now."

Despite the general consensus being that Frank's time in north London had run its course in the aftermath of the match, the Danish head coach was convinced that he would still have a job for next weekend's derby with Arsenal.

He said after the loss to Newcastle: "Yeah, I’m convinced I will be. 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."

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Unfortunately for Frank, it was a case of famous last words, as the 52-year-old has now been let go by the Lilywhites, who will work hard to replace him in the coming days.

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