Thomas Frank rules out summer return to management after Tottenham sacking

Thomas Frank has ruled out a return to football management before the start of next season, ending speculation linking him with vacancies at Crystal Palace and Fulham.

The 52-year-old Dane was dismissed by Tottenham in mid-February, eight months after being appointed last June. In 38 matches at Spurs, Frank won 13 and drew 11, but results ultimately fell short of expectations.

In a statement released on Friday, Frank said he had received approaches since leaving the club but had decided against rushing back into work. “There have been conversations and opportunities since leaving Spurs, but I have decided not to rush into the next role,” he wrote. “For me, this summer is not the right time to go back into management.”

Frank used the statement to reflect warmly on his time in north London, despite the difficult circumstances of his exit. “From the outside, it may have looked like a time of many challenges at Tottenham when results were not what we wanted,” he said. “From within, however, it becomes clear why the club is so special — full of talented people who work tirelessly every day. I have no doubt Tottenham has a bright future.”

The former Brentford head coach outlined plans to spend time with family and friends, continue studying leadership both inside and outside sport, and work as a television pundit at the World Cup for Danish TV and the BBC. He also mentioned attending the Tour de France.

“When the time is right, I will look forward to my return as a manager, ready to embrace the job with great energy and dedication,” Frank added.

Frank built his reputation across seven years at Brentford, where he first guided the club to promotion from the Championship before establishing them as a stable Premier League side. His appointment at Spurs last summer was widely seen as a logical step up, though the move lasted less than a year.

Crystal Palace, who are searching for a replacement for Oliver Glasner, and Fulham, where Marco Silva’s future has been the subject of speculation, had both been mentioned as potential destinations. Frank’s statement effectively closes the door on either club securing him before the new campaign begins.