Frank sacked by Spurs after eight months in charge

Thomas Frank has been sacked by Tottenham after just under eight months in charge following a dismal 2-1 defeat at home to Newcastle on Tuesday.

Spurs are 16th in the Premier League and just five points above the relegation zone after a dreadful run of form.

The North London side are winless in their past eight Premier League games – their longest run without a victory since October 2008.

They have won just two of their past 17 league matches and picked up only 12 points in that time.

Tottenham said they had been “determined to give Frank the time and support needed to build for the future together”, but recent results meant “a change at this point is necessary”.

Frank took over as head coach in June after Ange Postecoglou was sacked and signed a deal until 2028, but proved unable to notably improve the club’s league form despite strong results in European competition.

Against a mixed Premier League record of seven wins, eight draws and 11 defeats this season, the Dane led Spurs to automatic qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League by finishing fourth in the group stage.

However, they are out of both domestic cup competitions, having been beaten by Newcastle in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup in October and Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round last month.

“Throughout his time at the club, Thomas has conducted himself with unwavering commitment, giving everything in his efforts to move the club forward,” a Tottenham statement read.

“We would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him every success in the future.

Spurs were loudly booed after defeat at home by fellow strugglers Newcastle and West Ham in the past few weeks.

Frank was also taunted by his own fans with chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” during the loss to West Ham and the 2-2 draw at Burnley that followed.

After being booed off at half-time while 2-0 down to Manchester City, Frank’s side responded to draw 2-2 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Captain Cristian Romero was critical of Tottenham’s board after that result, calling it “disgraceful” that the club only had 11 fit senior players available against City.

The Argentine then received a straight red card – his second of the season – against Manchester United on 7 February, who went on to win 2-0.

Spurs won five, drew two and lost just one of their eight Champions League group stage matches – that defeat coming away to holders Paris St-Germain.

However, their Premier League form has been largely poor since November, including a damaging 4-1 defeat by north London rivals Arsenal and a woeful 3-0 loss at relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest.

Last month Frank said he felt trusted by the board but BBC Sport understands he was already under significant internal scrutiny and at least one member of the club’s executive had raised the option of ending his reign.

Tottenham took just 10 points at home in the league under Frank, but had a better away record, claiming 19 points from 13 matches on the road.

Prior to joining Tottenham, Frank spent seven years in charge of the Brentford, guiding the Bees from the Championship to the Premier League in 2021.

The 52-year-old’s tenure at Spurs started with a Uefa Super Cup defeat on penalties to PSG, with Spurs having booked their place in the match courtesy of winning the Europa League under Australian Postecoglou last season.

Tottenham beat Burnley, Manchester City and West Ham in their opening four league games, while also beating Villarreal in the Champions League. But they could not build on that start and Frank’s style of play never won over fans.

He was however hampered by extensive injury issues this season.

They have several players absent through long-term injuries, including Lucas Bergvall, Ben Davies, Richarlison, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison.

Spurs are also without suspended captain Romero for the next three Premier League matches, including the north London derby against Arsenal on 22 February.