Tottenham Hotspur’s new head coach Thomas Frank is yet to speak following his appointment this week but that’s not particularly unusual at the north London club.
The 51-year-old Dane was named as Ange Postecoglou’s successor on Thursday evening with a three-year contract, six days after the Europa League-winning Australian got the sack. As of Sunday afternoon, there had been no quotes or interview released by the north London club from the new Spurs boss although Frank did pen a heartfelt open letter to the Brentford supporters and staff for their website on leaving their club after almost a decade at the Bees.
As with most early summer appointments, it may be that talks with Frank took place away from Hotspur Way and the Dane’s hard-earned time off in both Denmark and Spain will this week be interrupted for him to undertake his media duties at his new club.
Similar occurred with Postecoglou two years ago when his own early June announcement contained quotes from chairman Daniel Levy but the Australian’s first words on accepting the job did not arrive until three days later when he arrived at the club’s training complex and sat down for his media interview.
Two years before that and Nuno Espirito Santo’s appointment as manager was delivered immediately with words from the Portuguese, but that was a different scenario as Tottenham’s protracted search for a replacement for Jose Mourinho meant that the now Nottingham Forest boss was appointed only days before pre-season work began. Just three months into that season and Antonio Conte was appointed as his successor with immediate quotes as he had to start work at the training ground almost instantly.
If you’re going to go yet further back then Mauricio Pochettino was named as the new Tottenham boss in May 2014, just a week or so after the Premier League season came to a close, meaning the Argentine was there to immediately undergo his first interview before heading off on his summer break.
In the words that are available from Frank since his Tottenham appointment, his letter to his old club read: “To everyone associated with Brentford Football Club. The time has come for me to move on. But, even as I leave, I know I have left a big piece of my heart at Brentford, not just at the football club but with the community and, of course, the incredible and loyal supporters.
“I want to extend my profound gratitude to the club for giving me the chance to pursue my dreams and for everyone involved who made the journey such a memorable one. For my family and I, it has been a privilege to be allowed to be part of such a special community – it’s an experience and adventure that we will cherish for life. So, thank you.
“Whatever we have achieved, we have achieved together, and our success is built on unity, spirit, courage and ambition at every level of the club and amongst the fans. Everybody has contributed, and every contribution has been invaluable. I am not just leaving a football club, I am saying goodbye to friends whose support through good and bad times I will carry with me always.
“I would like to say a special word of thanks to Matthew Benham. His trust and friendship have meant so much and the fact he gave me a chance in English football means I will always owe him a debt of gratitude. Thank you, Matt. So, while this is a goodbye, I hope the relationships I have built with everybody will be lasting ones and, of course, we will meet again in the wonderful world of football.
Thank you, Thomas.”
Frank’s right-hand man Justin Cochrane has spoken though about his return to Spurs, where he began his coaching career in the club’s academy.
“Well what can I say, back to where I started in 2009. I’m delighted to be joining @SpursOfficial. I can’t wait to get started. The club gave me my 1st job and now after 16 years of working very hard, getting qualified and making an impact wherever I’ve been I’m back. LET’S GO!” he posted on social media.
“Thank you @BrentfordFC. It’s been a privilege to be part of this special club. The players, staff and the supporters have been fantastic since the day I joined. I’ve enjoyed working in such a progressive and forward-thinking environment. All the best. On to the next challenge..”
Thomas Frank is Spurs’ new head coach! But what job does he have on his hands? Click here to listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham discussing Frank’s task ahead! Or click here to watch on YouTube!
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