‘Best signing in years’: Forget Xavi Simons, Ally McCoist thinks Tottenham made an even better addition
While the arrival of young stars like Xavi Simons has generated significant excitement around Tottenham Hotspur, legendary Scottish footballer Ally McCoist believes the club’s most important piece of business this summer wasn’t a player at all.
In a surprising take, McCoist has pointed to the appointment of head coach Thomas Frank as the signing that could truly define Spurs’ future.
This summer saw a period of significant change and investment for the North London club. The squad was bolstered with five new additions, including highly-touted talents such as playmaker Xavi Simons, dynamic winger Mohammed Kudus, and the experienced defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha, who arrived on loan.
They were joined by striker Randal Kolo Muani and young defender Kota Takai, signaling a clear intent to build a competitive and deep team for the new campaign.
Despite this impressive influx of playing talent, McCoist argues that the man on the sideline will have the greatest impact. Speaking on talkSPORT, he expressed his strong belief in Frank’s abilities, even in the wake of a disappointing weekend loss to Bournemouth.
McCoist was quick to point out that Bournemouth have already proven themselves to be a capable side this season, making the defeat less of a catastrophe for Spurs.
McCoist didn’t just praise the manager; he also acknowledged the strength of the club’s overall transfer strategy.
He specifically highlighted the acquisitions of players like Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso as particularly smart pieces of business that will strengthen the squad. However, he kept returning to the central role of the new manager.
“I tell you what, their best signing might be their manager; he might just be the best signing they’ve made in a number of years,” McCoist stated. “I think he’s a terrific coach, terrific manager, and he’ll do really, really well.”
This perspective shifts the focus from individual players to the broader vision for the team. While pundits might rank the new signings, with Simons often at the top due to his immense potential and the coup of signing him ahead of rivals like Chelsea, McCoist’s comments remind us that a team is more than just a collection of names.
A manager like Frank is responsible for forging these individuals into a cohesive unit, implementing a tactical style, and fostering a winning mentality.
The other signings each address specific needs for Tottenham. Mohammed Kudus’s electrifying pace and goal threat from the wing could make him one of the standout signings of the entire Premier League season.
Bringing in a proven Premier League performer like Joao Palhinha on loan provides immediate stability and know-how in a crucial position. Likewise, the addition of Randal Kolo Muani offers vital cover in the striker position, an area where the club has been plagued by injuries to key players like Dominic Solanke and Richarlison.
In the end, the debate over the “best” signing is a fun one for fans. But McCoist makes a compelling case. Flashy new players capture headlines, but a truly transformative manager can change the entire culture of a club.
While the contributions of Simons, Kudus, and others will be crucial on the pitch, it is Thomas Frank’s leadership and tactical mind that Ally McCoist believes will ultimately steer Tottenham Hotspur to success, making him their most valuable acquisition of the summer.