BBC Journalist: Tottenham consider shock move to appoint ‘elite’ PL manager, not Frank or Silva

Tottenham Hotspur have recently explored a range of managerial options following the decision to part ways with Ange Postecoglou, whose turbulent domestic campaign overshadowed a historic European triumph.

Among those considered was Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe, a respected figure in English football circles known for his methodical approach and transformational work.

Despite initial interest, any realistic possibility of luring Howe to North London has been dismissed, reinforcing the notion that Spurs’ managerial search remains both ambitious and complex.

Postecoglou’s exit came after a season that crumbled domestically for Tottenham. Despite lifting the Europa League trophy—ending a painful 17-year wait for silverware—the club’s league performance painted a very different picture.

With 22 losses in 38 Premier League games and a record-low 17th-place finish, the campaign proved to be Tottenham’s worst in the modern era of English football. The Europa League success provided a temporary reprieve, but it was ultimately not enough to preserve the manager’s position.

That led the Spurs hierarchy to cast a wide net for a successor, with Eddie Howe briefly surfacing as a potential candidate.

Howe’s profile made him an intriguing, if unlikely, option. Since taking the reins at Newcastle United, he has guided the Magpies through a dramatic transformation, evolving them from relegation candidates into a team capable of competing at Europe’s highest level.

Under his leadership, Newcastle not only secured two Champions League qualifications in three years but also finished comfortably in the top half during his first season in charge. His impact has been undeniable and built on a foundation of tactical intelligence, squad cohesion, and strategic squad building.

His earlier accomplishments at Bournemouth only strengthen his credentials. There, Howe engineered an extraordinary rise through the English football pyramid, guiding the club from League Two obscurity to a Premier League mainstay.

In a managerial landscape where sustained success is increasingly rare, his track record stands out for its depth and consistency.

Despite these achievements, the notion of prying Howe away from Newcastle has proven overly optimistic. With the Magpies again in Champions League contention and a project backed by significant investment, the pull of staying at St. James’ Park outweighs any speculative appeal Tottenham might hold.

Reports confirm that the pursuit of Howe has been “nipped in the bud,” removing him from the shortlist and forcing Tottenham to refocus their managerial search.

Attention has since returned to Brentford’s Thomas Frank, another Premier League tactician who has drawn admiration for building a competitive team on a modest budget.

His transformation of Brentford from a mid-table Championship outfit to a steady top-flight presence highlights his ability to work within constraints and extract the maximum from his squad. While his style and personality differ from those of Howe, he remains a leading candidate to step into the Tottenham role.

However, questions remain over whether his footballing philosophy aligns with Tottenham’s aspirations, particularly in the wake of Postecoglou’s bold, attacking brand of play.

Fulham’s Marco Silva has also emerged as a possible contender, though his public comments indicate a desire to remain at Craven Cottage for the foreseeable future.

With few top-tier managers readily available and willing to take on the challenge of rebuilding Tottenham’s fractured domestic form, chairman Daniel Levy faces a decision of immense consequence.

Whoever is appointed next must not only stabilize league performance but also demonstrate the ability to deliver tangible success—something Spurs supporters and ownership now demand after years of near misses.

Postecoglou’s departure, while contentious given the European silverware, underscores a harsh reality: trophies alone do not guarantee job security when league results plummet.

The next manager will inherit not only a talented but underperforming squad, but also the pressure of proving that the decision to dismiss a trophy-winning coach was the right one.

Tottenham’s ambition remains undiminished, yet converting that ambition into success depends entirely on choosing the right figure to lead the next chapter. With Eddie Howe officially out of the picture, all eyes now turn to Levy and the direction he will choose for the club’s future.