Tottenham Hotspur report: Interim Dutchman poised to replace Thomas Frank

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank
Thomas Frank's days at Spurs could be numbered (Image credit: Getty Images)

Tottenham Hotspur are widely reported to be considering replacing Thomas Frank.

The former Brentford man only moved to the north London outfit in the summer, but has so far failed to inspire any significant improvement from Ange Postecoglou’s reign.

Tottenham Hotspur line up Thomas Frank replacement

Get premium Tottenham Hotspur tickets HERE with Seat Unique

Get premium Tottenham Hotspur tickets HERE with Seat Unique

Tottenham Hotspur hospitality offers a diverse range of premium experiences, from vibrant social lounges to private boxes. Packages include premium padded seating in prime locations, exclusive lounge access pre- and post-match, gourmet dining, and a complimentary drinks package. Guests may also enjoy live entertainment and Spurs legend appearances.

So far, Spurs have managed just seven Premier League wins in their first 22 games this season under Frank, accruing six draws and nine losses, which leaves them 14th in the table.

They’ve also bowed out of both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup, and are outside of the automatic qualification places in the Champions League league phase as things stand.

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank

Frank is struggling for wins and one potential replacement is close to home (Image credit: Getty Images)

That has led some decision-makers at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to question Frank’s future at the club, and one potential successor has already emerged.

According to Dutch site AD, Spurs’ assistant manager, John Heitinga, is “at the top of the list of candidates” as a potential temporary successor.

The 42-year-old only joined Frank’s backroom team last week, but has senior experience with Ajax, the club that sacked him earlier this season after a run of poor results.

Heitinga has also spent time in the setups at West Ham United and Liverpool, the latter of which he actually took charge of a game, a 2-0 win over Newcastle United, with Arne Slot and assistant Sipke Hulshoff both suspended.

That experience, and his years with Everton during his playing career, give the former Dutch international a strong knowledge of the Premier League, which makes him such a strong candidate to take the reins from Frank should he be sacked.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 17, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

John Heitinga only arrived at Spurs last week (Image credit: Getty Images)

In FourFourTwo’s opinion, Heitinga would undoubtedly be front of the queue to try and steady the ship after any Frank departure.

In fact, the move to bring Heitinga in itself may be cause for concern for Frank, as he has no past relationship with the Dutchman and his Premier League and first-team experience are ominous qualities in the circumstances.

It is, on the face of it, a coaching-team recruit, but it would have escaped the attention of Tottenham’s powerbrokers that he comes with strong senior experience.

Spurs face Borussia Dortmund and Burnley this week, in what could prove to be a crucial few days for Frank’s future.

Isaac Stacey Stronge
Freelance Writer

Isaac Stacey Stronge is a freelance football writer working for FourFourTwo, Manchester United and Football League World. He has been a season ticket holder at Stockport County throughout the Hatters’ meteoric rise from the National League North to League One and is a die-hard Paddy Madden fan.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.