Tottenham Hotspur

BBC Sport enior football correspondent Sami Mokbel has reported this morning that Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is under significant internal scrutiny, with the club considering calling time on his seven-month reign.

BBC Sport understands at least one member of the club's executive team has actively raised the option of ending Frank's reign in recent weeks.

The club have so far backed Frank despite Spurs' struggles this season, but Saturday's home defeat by West Ham means his position is now under threat.

Here are some of your comments on Frank, following Saturday's loss:

Anff: I like the man a lot and what he achieved at Brentford earned him the right for a shot at Tottenham. Unfortunately, he doesn't appear able to get the best out of what he's got. He may not have his kind of players yet, but you need to demonstrate that you can improve slowly - so far he hasn't. As much as it pains me to say it, he must be moved on before it's too late. Not sure Xabi Alonso is the right man either, maybe Roberto de Zerbi or Andnoi Iraola. We can't keep throwing money at Frank for his kind of players just to have to replace them all again for the next guy!

David: Tottenham could have won this game. Frank and the players are working hard to turn things around. Sacking the manager is not going solve the problems bceause no other manager has a magic wand. Keith Burkinshaw became Spurs manager in 1976 and was relegated the same season, but five years later he won two FA Cups and the Uefa Cup. You don't sack managers after five months.

Graeme: It's really tough. Logic says stick with a manager and build a project, like the top three teams are doing. However, we are seeing no improvement from last season. Is that the quality of players? Probably. There has to be a wider problem; Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte, Ange Postecoglou and now Frank have not delivered. I was hoping Daniel Levy going would be the start of something good.

Nigel: It's not all on Frank. Our goalkeeper just has zero presence in the box - he gets bullied every game and all opponents know this. Give Antonin Kinsky a run - he has a bit more fight in him. Forwards are absolutely useless too. Have a good clearout this summer and buy proven quality not 'potential'.

Andrew: The most alarming aspect of Spurs' performances in recent months is that there is very little sign of them having been coached. Apart from set-pieces – attacking corners in particular – where is the evidence of strategies having been worked on at the training ground by Frank and his team?

Graham: What is the board waiting for? He has to go. Look at his record - it is embarrassing if the board keep him. They would deserve all the bad results he will bring. The players look lost and us fans are fed up with this football.

Johnny: Let's keep this simple - enough is enough. We must thank Frank, nothing more, but it's over!

Richard: Unacceptable performance, unacceptable result - is this rock bottom or can it get even worse? I was all for standing by Frank but the tide has now turned and it's clear, although I still think he's a good coach, he is not going to be able to turn this team around. We need to be lining up a replacement before we are sucked into a relegation battle.

Paul: I thought Frank would bring something to Spurs, but he appears out of his depth. The team looks clueless and there's no imagination going forward. We are losing to clubs we'd expect to beat, and don't stand a chance against the top clubs. While I'm reluctant to keep changing managers, I don't see this being a happy ending if Frank remains. Time to put him out of his misery, and ours.

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Image source, Getty Images

Thomas Frank's future may lie in the hands of those in power at Tottenham Hotspur, but the court of public opinion has delivered its damning final verdict.

The Dane has been the target for toxicity before as he fails dismally to win over Spurs supporters unconvinced by his pedigree after arriving from Brentford, along with a stodgy style regarded as conservative and dull.

Not like this, though. Not on the levels of fury aimed at Frank at the dramatic conclusion of the 2-1 home defeat by struggling West Ham United.

Frank looked a hapless, beaten figure as he offered polite applause to those who turned on him savagely after Callum Wilson bundled home a stoppage-time winner - the cue for a storm of discontent to be unleashed in his direction.

Spurs fans were chanting "sacked in the morning" at their own manager even during the video assistant referee check for offside that eventually cleared Wilson's winner.

Seconds later, when the final whistle confirmed the latest blow inflicted on Frank, it felt like there was no way back. This was the sound of a fanbase who had given up on their head coach, who no longer wanted him at the club.

Brutal - but this was the inescapable conclusion. Frank was stunned, appearing broken as the pressure increasingly grows on his position.

The grumblings of discontent started before the game, when about 100 supporters took part in a 'Change For Tottenham' protest, which appeared to have been partly calmed by the £35m signing of Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid and an open letter from chief executive Vinai Venkatashem assuring concerned fans of the club's ambition.

Indeed, Frank had enjoyed a relatively positive week. At least until his team started playing.

Frank had a key role in ensuring Spurs beat Aston Villa to Gallagher, then added respected Dutch coach John Heitinga - part of Arne Slot's backroom team when Liverpool won the Premier League last season - as assistant coach.

But there is a constant undercurrent of discontent at Spurs that shows no signs of going away, the mood not helped by a league home record that now reads played 11, lost six and only won two.

Read more on Frank's future

Pundits Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

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• Chelsea 2-0 Brentford

• Tottenham 1-2 West Ham

• Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Image source, Getty Images

If Spurs had come away from this home meeting with West Ham United having claimed a point, it could hardly be measured as a satisfactory outcome.

The defeat, sealed as it was with virtually the last kick of the game, surely throws Frank's future into question, despite what seems to be a message of support from Spurs' hierarchy.

The reaction of the Spurs fans gave their verdict, chanting against their own manager even while Wilson's winner was being checked by the video assistant referee before being cleared.

Frank is in the firing line, not just for results but the sluggish lacklustre manner of their approach, which only increased the frustration around an already anxious stadium.

It was summed up in two moments either side of half-time, first when Pedro Porro took 30 seconds over a throw in, only to then give possession back to West Ham, then when the ball was passed around aimlessly at the back without any urgency when Spurs needed an equaliser.

This all adds up to a toxic cocktail, which is surely testing the resolve of the Spurs power brokers, even though their first instinct has been to give the Dane time and patience.

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the 2-1 defeat by West Ham: "It feels like we've seen this before, like at Bournemouth when we do very well second half, get the equaliser and push for the winner, having chances and opportunities, but not getting over the line. Then we are stretched in the last moments of the game and lose 2-1.

"We started well in the first 15, then went 1-0 down. Then we rushed too much, gave the ball away too much, half-time helped, the boys pushed and did everything right.

"We scored the equaliser and created chances. It's super disappointing that we conceded in the last minute. If we can't win then we need to get the draw."

What did you talk about at half-time? "We talked about little tweaks in the build up, having two higher eights. Also being more calm, taking more passes and don't rush. They [players] did everything .

"It's probably our worst game defending set-pieces, we have been exceptional the whole year. We didn't have the same height and physicality compared to West Ham. We need to do better and compete."

On being booed off the pitch: "It's not a nice feeling, but I understand the frustration. We are losing to a big London rival, there is nothing worse. We couldn't win at home, which we worked very hard to try to do that. Hopefully they [the fans] can see the effort from the boys, they are working very hard. We did everything in the second half."

On his future at the club: "I am feeling the backing from everyone, everyone wants the same thing - long term success. We are doing a lot of things right behind the scenes, but we are not getting the results which is crucial."

Did you know?

• No team have scored more headed goals than Tottenham in the Premier League this season (9, level with Arsenal before their game at Nottingham Forest).

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Tottenham's performance

What did you make of West Ham's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Thomas Frank makes three changes to the Tottenham side that lost 2-1 to Aston Villa in the FA Cup last weekend.

Conor Gallagher starts in midfield after completing his £35 million move from Atletico Madrid earlier this week, replacing Joao Palhinha.

Cristian Romero returns from suspension to start in defence, while Randal Kolo Muani starts in attack in place of the injured Richarlison.

Lucas Bergvall, Yves Bissouma, Destiny Udogie and Dominic Solanke return and are available off the bench.

Tottenham XI: Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Davies, Gray, Gallagher, Simons, Odobert, Tel, Kolo Muani.

Subs: Kinsky, Dragusin, Danso, Bissouma, Udogie, Bergvall, Solanke, Spence, Scarlett.

There are five changes for West Ham after their draining 2-1 win against Queens Park Rangers in the FA Cup.

Alphonse Areola, Ollie Scarles, Tomas Soucek, Mateus Fernandes and Pablo all come in.

West Ham XI: Areola, Todibo, Mavropanos, Wan-Bissaka, Scarles, Soucek, Fernandes, Summerville, Castellanos, Bowen, Pablo.

Subs: Hermansen, Walker-Peters, Kilman, Julio, Wilson, Rodriguez, Potts, Kante, Mayers.

There are seven games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Man Utd v Man City (12:30)

• Chelsea v Brentford - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Leeds v Fulham

• Liverpool v Burnley

• Sunderland v Crystal Palace

• Tottenham v West Ham - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Nottingham Forest v Arsenal (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

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Tottenham's home form is miserable, with two wins in 10 league games, and there is so much angst among their fans at the moment.

Similarly, West Ham's players are probably better off away from home right now because of the animosity from their supporters inside their own stadium, but their away record is just as atrocious with only one win in 10.

This is one of those games where I like to wheel out one of my favourite sayings in football - these two teams have been so bad recently that they both could lose.

It's certainly hard to make a case for either of them to win it. I am going to go with Spurs, because new signing Conor Gallagher has plenty of energy and will add some thrust and drive to their midfield.

But it's a lot easier to predict that it will be a dismal game, with Tottenham booed off after a bang-average performance that means Thomas Frank is still under pressure despite winning.

As for Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo, he is just going to be in even greater danger of getting the sack.

Sutton's prediction: 1-0

Read the full predictions and have your say

Noel Sliney
BBC Sport senior journalist

Third-bottom West Ham make the short journey to Spurs, who have lost 15 of their past 28 domestic home games in all competitions and only won 25% of those fixtures.

This will be West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo's third successive league match against a side he has previously managed, following defeats by Wolves and Nottingham Forest.

Spurs backed into a corner

Thomas Frank talked Conor Gallagher into choosing Spurs over Aston Villa this week but for many of the Lilywhites' supporters it's deeds that matter, not words.

A chorus of boos – aimed at both Frank and the players – have provided the soundtrack to a troubled time. Tottenham have won just two of their past 12 league games to sit 14th, and are out of both domestic cups.

The arrival of industrious midfielder Gallagher is unlikely to remedy the team's well-documented lack of attacking creativity. That has led to them being reliant on corners as a source of goals, scoring 11 times from such situations. It's the joint-highest tally in the division and, at 36.7%, by far the biggest percentage of any team's overall tally.

Spurs will doubtless be targeting West Ham's defensive frailties from set-pieces; they have conceded a league-high 12 goals from corners this season.

Hammers in need of London pride

West Ham enjoyed a first victory in 64 days last weekend, beating QPR in the FA Cup third round thanks to a first goal for the club from £26m new signing Valentin 'Taty' Castellanos.

Nonetheless, a 10-match winless run in the league has yielded just four points and left them seven points from safety. It is their longest wait for a top-flight triumph since 2006-07, when they lost 4-3 to Spurs at the end of an 11-game streak. The Hammers are also yet to keep a clean sheet in 17 matches since Nuno's arrival in September.

Nuno praised his side's "fight and desire" last weekend but their dismal recent record in Premier League derbies suggests they have not shown those qualities often enough.

West Ham have lost all six of their Premier League fixtures against London opposition this season. Only two sides in top-flight history have endured longer runs; QPR's seven straight defeats in 1995-96 and a 13-match losing run for Fulham from August 2018 to November 2020.

Tottenham are exploring options to sell 22-year-old Argentine striker Alejo Veliz, who is currently on loan at Rosario Central, and are in talks with Brazilian club Bahia. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Manchester United caretaker head coach Michael Carrick is keen to sign Middlesbrough's English midfielder Hayden Hackney, 23, who is also attracting interest from Tottenham. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

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Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against West Ham at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Frank confirmed forward Richarlison will be out with a hamstring injury for "up to seven weeks", however he is hopeful Lucas Bergvall will be fit enough and Yves Bissouma will also be available. The Tottenham boss added Destiny Udogie and Dominic Solanke are "closer to playing more minutes" this weekend.

• On the signing of Conor Gallagher: "I think it is a top signing. I can't praise the ownership enough for doing it and getting it over the line quick. I think what he brings in terms of ability first and foremost is, he is a very good player with great experience in the Premier League and La Liga. He has captained two teams so that character, leadership and experience - plus he's still young with plenty of development to reach but coming in at a good level."

• He added on why the midfielder chose Spurs: "One thing is the Premier League and the second thing is the project and opportunity here. The role he can get in the team. First and foremost as a player that can help the team with his abilities, and the character he is as well. I think he can see the very exciting potential in this club."

• Frank said he is "aware how the football world works" when asked if he needs people to trust him to turn fortunes around at the club, and is "happy" to take on the pressure, but added: "There is a culture that is getting a little bit stronger and in football, sometimes momentum can change just like that. I can see small signs. The culture. The training. Thursday was very intense and focused. We are working very hard on the offensive part of our game."

• Tottenham remain "in the market" for new signings this transfer window, but a signing "has to be something that improves the squad short and long-term", not just to cover injuries.

• On the appointment of John Heitinga: "It was a process we did together. Johan [Lange], Fabio [Paratici] and I were the main drivers. He was a standout candidate. He has had a top playing career but I also liked how he did after that in the academy of Ajax and on top of that had two good experiences in the Premier League with West Ham and Liverpool."

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Listen to full commentary of Tottenham v West Ham on BBC Radio 5 Live from 15:00 GMT on Saturday on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on what Tottenham need to do next after they completed the signing of Conor Gallagher.

Here are some of your comments:

Dan: Still need a genuinely tried and tested striker, who can hit the ground running, not one who has more sick notes than Darren Anderton and can't hit a barn door in a barn door workshop. Also need a decent top end keeper, and send Vicario out the door, because you're only as good defensively as your keeper. Having a sound keeper makes the defenders more calm and collected.

Tim: We must buy a world-class centre forward in the transfer window and l want Ivan Toney please!

David: With Gallagher and, when he returns, Maddison, backed by the two youngsters, Spurs have a chance to control midfield. Now get rid of Solanke and Richarlison, get a top-class striker as well and you start to have a midfield and front line that can win against the so-called big boys.

Brian: Spurs have signed a very good player in Conor Gallagher. But Thomas Frank has to get better at how the team play in matches. Spurs are amongst the worse teams in the Premier League to give the ball away when playing out of defence. Their players do it week in, week out, and it is the responsibility of the manager to put this right. Until they rectify this basic fault, Spurs will always be defending desperately.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Netherlands defender John Heitinga has joined Tottenham as an assistant coach.

Heitinga started the season in charge of Dutch giants Ajax but was sacked in November following a poor start to the campaign.

He had previously been part of Arne Slot's Premier League title-winning coaching staff at Liverpool.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank said: "John is a great addition to our coaching staff. His ability, personality and character will add huge value both on and off the pitch.

"As a former defender, that will be one of his main responsibilities on the training pitch and he brings great coaching and management experiences from all levels of the game, which will really help us moving forward."

Image source, Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur have appointed Carlos Raphael Moersen as director of football operations.

Details of his arrival come a day after it was confirmed sporting director Fabio Paratici will leave in February to join Fiorentina, although Spurs have said Moersen will fill a newly created role.

A club statement added that Moersen will lead the club's football administration, player care and training ground operations, as well as joining the club's executive leadership team and overseeing women's football at the club.

Spurs have said the new position is "part of the club's approach to build a modern, high-performance football structure to drive long-term success".

Moersen previously worked for the City Football Group, most recently as director of football transactions.

Meanwhile, fan group Change for Tottenham have a protest planned before Saturday's game against West Ham citing frustrations with the club's hierarchy over transfer strategy, ticket pricing and a lack of clarity around the director of football role.

Santos defender Souza, 19, is expected to have his Tottenham medical in London on Thursday, as Spurs finalise a £13m deal to sign the Brazilian left-back. (Sky Sports), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Conor Gallagher says his decision to join Tottenham proved "very easy" and the midfielder has been hailed as a player of "huge experience" by Spurs boss Thomas Frank.

On the completion of a £35m switch from Atletico Madrid, Gallagher, 25, said: "I'm so happy and excited to be here, taking the next step in my career at an amazing club. I wanted to be a Spurs player and thankfully the club felt the same. It was very easy, it happened very quickly and I'm ready to get on the pitch.

"I know how great the fans are, I'm really happy to be a part of it here and want to create special moments and memories together."

Former Chelsea midfielder Gallagher made 77 appearances for Atletico, having joined in August 2024.

His arrival comes as Frank faces pressure, with Spurs sitting 14th in the Premier League and on a winless run of four matches in all competitions.

"Conor is a top midfielder, who we have worked tirelessly to add to our squad," said Frank.

"He is still young, so has plenty of room for improvement, but also has huge experience across the Premier League, La Liga and with the England national team.

"Conor has captained teams, so will bring leadership, maturity, character and personality to our dressing room, while his running power, pressing ability and eye for goal will strengthen us in a key area of the pitch.

"I'm excited about working with him every day and I know the fans will love what he will bring to the team."

Fan group Change for Tottenham have a protest planned, external before Saturday's game against West Ham, citing frustrations with the club's hierarchy over transfer strategy, ticket pricing and a lack of clarity around the director of football role. So how key is this signing? And what do Spurs need to do next? Tell us here