The Independent

Thomas Frank will take a break from management after concluding this summer is not the right time to accept a new job.

The Dane, who was sacked by Tottenham in February, had been touted as a candidate for Fulham or Crystal Palace, but believes he needs more time to get the energy required.

Frank spent almost seven years in charge of Brentford, winning promotion in 2021 and twice earning top-half Premier League finishes, before his ill-fated seven-month spell in charge of Spurs.

He was dismissed with Tottenham 16th in the Premier League, though they had finished fourth in the Champions League’s group phase, but his achievements with Brentford had meant there was interest from other clubs in the last few months.

He said: "There have been conversations and opportunities since leaving Spurs, but I have decided not to rush into the next role. For me, this summer is not the right time to go back into management.

"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 will be a pundit during the World Cup but is also keen to taking time to try and learn from other managers and figures outside sport.

He explained: "Football remains a huge part of who I am, and I have chosen to use this time productively. Over the coming months, besides spending time with family and friends, I will continue studying, observing and learning from other leaders both within sport and beyond it.

"I am also looking forward to covering the World Cup for Danish television and the BBC, as well as experiencing the Tour de France. Time away from the touchline is allowing me to broaden my perspective and gather insights that I look forward to bringing into my next challenge.”

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Andy Robertson has joined Tottenham on a free transfer after his departure from Liverpool.

The 32-year-old Scotland captain was close to moving to Spurs in January after falling behind Milos Kerkez in the pecking order under former Reds manager Arne Slot, but has now sealed a move to the Lilywhites following the expiry of his contract at Anfield.

The first signing of manager Roberto De Zerbi ahead of an expected summer rebuild, the Italian said: “Andy is someone I've admired for a number of years and he will bring outstanding technical qualities, experience, leadership and mentality to our team.

"He is a proven winner at the highest level over a long period and is someone who can be a big player for us, both on and off the pitch.

"I can't wait to start working with him and seeing the positive impact he will have on everyone around him."

Robertson’s immediate focus will be on captaining Scotland at this summer’s World Cup, but he will bring much-needed leadership at Tottenham once he officially joins a squad set for an overhaul after just escaping a humiliating relegation last term.

“I’m in America just now preparing for the World Cup, but I just wanted to send you a quick message to say I cannot wait to play for you guys,” Robertson said in a short video message from Scotland’s World Cup camp.

“I cannot wait to meet you guys, I cannot wait to play in the stadium for the first time in front of you and I’m already looking forward next season.”

Robertson became one of the world’s best left-backs after his bargain £8m from Hull City in 2017, collecting two Premier League winners’ medals while also lifting the Champions League as he won everything there was to win with Liverpool.

The Scot, made 378 appearances for the Reds during that time but was limited to just 11 Premier League starts last term.

He has long been admired at Tottenham with a winter move only collapsing after Liverpool failed to recall Kostas Tsimikas from Roma to provide cover, leading them to pull the plug.

But with Robertson becoming a free agent, Spurs have snapped him up with the defender officially joining the club on 1 July.

“We are delighted to welcome Andy to the club,” sporting director Johan Lange said.

"First and foremost, he is an outstanding left-back - one of the best of all time in the Premier League, and someone who will improve our squad.

"In addition, his quality, character and leadership have been evident throughout a career in which he has regularly competed for - and won - major honours.

"Andy's professionalism and commitment will also be invaluable to the development of our squad, and he shares our ambition and determination to bring success back to the Club.

"We are excited for Andy's new chapter with us and look forward to having him here after the World Cup."

Tottenham have had their opening bid for centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke rejected as Brighton resist an attempted transfer raid from former boss Roberto De Zerbi.

Dutch international Van Hecke has emerged as a key target for Spurs in a bid to bolster their defensive options, having worked with De Zerbi during the Italian’s time in charge on the south coast.

Van Hecke has since developed into one of the Premier League's most impressive defenders, attracting considerable interest, but as he enters the final 12 months of his contract at the Amex Stadium, there is an increased likelihood of a summer departure.

However, Tottenham’s first offer has been rebuffed after failing to meet Brighton’s valuation of the defender.

Beyond Van Hecke, De Zerbi is also targeting Seagulls goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and midfielder Carlos Baleba, hoping to use the stars of his former employers as the foundation of a rebuild at Tottenham.

There is naturally an acceptance they may not get all of those, which is why Spurs are also looking at Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi, Liverpool’s Andy Robertson and Manchester City’s James Trafford.

Tottenham are even considering a deal for John Stones in order to bring in some badly-needed leadership.

The club hierarchy are fully willing to back De Zerbi after negotiations that secured a “Hail Mary” appointment back in April to ultimately keep Tottenham in the Premier League. He naturally wants squad members that can quickly internalise his style, and sees the Brighton trio and “his players”.

There was an immediate recognition that lessons needed to be learned from their close shave with a first relegation in 49 years, with De Zerbi securing survival for Spurs with a final-day win over Everton.

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Lewis family vows not to sell Tottenham and insists ‘we are all in’ after fan protests

George Sessions

Wednesday 27 May 2026 11:32 BST

Tottenham Hotspur's majority owners, the Lewis family, have pledged to rebuild trust with disillusioned supporters and commit to significant change after the club narrowly avoided relegation on Sunday.

The club secured Premier League survival on the final day of the season with a 1-0 victory against Everton, following a tumultuous campaign that saw three different head coaches and widespread fan anger directed at the ownership.

In a letter to fans, the Lewis family acknowledged their "bitter disappointment" and accepted "ultimate responsibility" for the club's current predicament, assuring supporters that a rebuilding process has begun with substantial planned investment to instigate "deep" change.

The family affirmed their commitment to the club, stating they are "not selling the club" and insisting “we are all in” promising investment in teams, the academy, and backroom functions, with actions speaking louder than words.

Key changes include the departure of long-serving chairman Daniel Levy, a review of the club's medical department, and new appointments like performance director Dan Lewindon and director of football operations Rafi Moersen, with CEO Vinai Venkatesham tasked with rebuilding the football department.

Tottenham Hotspur's majority owners, the Lewis family, have pledged to rebuild trust with disillusioned supporters and commit fully to bringing about significant change, following two consecutive 17th-place finishes in the Premier League.

The club narrowly avoided a catastrophic relegation this season, prompting widespread fan anger directed at the ownership and chief executive.

The recent campaign saw Spurs secure a crucial 1-0 victory against Everton on the final day, ensuring their Premier League survival by a mere two points. This came after a tumultuous season that witnessed the club cycle through three different head coaches.

Fans have frequently voiced their frustration at Enic, the holding company run by the Lewis family, and CEO Vinai Venkatesham, particularly after a year of considerable upheaval.

The club's long-serving chairman, Daniel Levy, who had been the primary decision-maker for nearly a quarter of a century despite Enic's majority ownership, was invited to step down in September. This move followed an extensive review into the club commissioned by the Lewis family.

In a letter addressed to Tottenham fans, the Lewis family acknowledged their "bitter disappointment" with recent seasons and accepted "ultimate responsibility" for the club's current predicament. They assured supporters that a rebuilding process had commenced, with substantial investment planned to instigate "deep" change.

"To the fans, as owners of 25 years, we have lived the highs and lows of Spurs with you," the Lewis family stated in a message to the Press Association. "Finishing 17th this and last season does not reflect the stature or potential of this football club. We are bitterly disappointed and share your frustration. You, and we, expect more than this. We know this must never happen again."

They continued: "The problems we found were deeper than we realized and were allowed to build over the last few years. We know that has eroded trust and we have to win that back. As owners, we take ultimate responsibility for the situation in which the club finds itself.

“We also take responsibility for rebuilding Spurs. Our ambition is to recapture the spirit of the club and bring back the excitement, the fearlessness and the bold football we have always felt defined us. That means football comes first."

The family affirmed their financial commitment: "This will require investment – in our teams, the academy, our backroom functions and more – and we are fully committed to this. We are not selling the club. We are all in. We are investing in it. You will see more of this in the coming months.

“We care deeply about Spurs. The rebuilding the club needs, and you deserve, has begun. The change required is deep. It will take time and commitment, but change is happening. We know that actions will speak louder than words."

Significant injuries have plagued Tottenham over the past two seasons, leading to a review of the club's medical department, initiated by new performance director Dan Lewindon.

Lewindon is one of several key appointments supported by the Lewis family in the last year, alongside Rafi Moersen, who is set to join from City Football Group as director of football operations.

CEO Venkatesham, the first major hire by the Lewis family last April, has faced a challenging inaugural season. However, he retains strong internal support, having been tasked with rebuilding Spurs’ football department mid-season.

Venkatesham told BBC Sport: "The club had some serious challenges that it needs to address on the football side. We know what those are. We are addressing them. We are fixing them."

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Tottenham plot transfer raid of Premier League rival after surviving relegation

Miguel Delaney

Tuesday 26 May 2026 16:41 BST

Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham Hotspur's new manager, is reportedly targeting several players from his former club Brighton & Hove Albion, including Carlos Baleba, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Bart Verbruggen, to spearhead his squad rebuild.

Tottenham's hierarchy is fully backing De Zerbi's transfer ambitions, aiming to bring in players who can quickly adapt to his distinctive tactical style.

Beyond the Brighton contingent, Spurs are also considering other significant signings such as Liverpool's Andy Robertson, Manchester City's John Stones, Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi, and James Trafford.

The acquisition of Carlos Baleba is expected to be particularly challenging, with Brighton reportedly demanding over £100 million and strong competition from Manchester United for the midfielder.

De Zerbi is prioritising strengthening the defensive line and goalkeeping position, with Verbruggen as a key target for the net, and both Van Hecke and Senesi identified as central defensive options, while John Stones is valued for his leadership qualities.

Roberto De Zerbi is hoping to raid his old club Brighton to charge up Tottenham Hotspur’s rebuild, with Carlos Baleba, Jan Paul van Hecke and Bart Verbruggen at the top of his transfer targets.

There is naturally an acceptance they may not get all of those, which is why Spurs are also looking at Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi, Liverpool’s Andy Robertson and Manchester City’s James Trafford.

Tottenham are even considering a deal for John Stones in order to bring in some badly-needed leadership.

The club hierarchy are fully willing to back De Zerbi after negotiations that secured a “Hail Mary” appointment back in April to ultimately keep Tottenham in the Premier League. He naturally wants squad members that can quickly internalise his style, and sees the Brighton trio and “his players”.

Baleba is likely to prove the trickiest, given that Brighton want over £100m, and there is competition from Manchester United.

De Zerbi is also intent on a new goalkeeper despite Antonin Kinsky’s recent heroics, with Verbruggen knowing exactly how he plays.

The club meanwhile want to bring in both Van Hecke and Senesi as centre-back options. The highly-rated teenager Luka Vuskovic is expected to sign a new deal and then go back on loan to Hamburg, were he hugely impressed this season on the club’s return to the Bundesliga – finishing as the league’s highest-scoring defender with six goals, recording the best duel success rate in the division (69.1 per cent) and being named in the Bundesliga Team of the Season.

Micky van de Ven meanwhile wants to stay, to form a strong centre-half line-up key to De Zerbi’s approach.

Stones would come under stronger consideration if any of the main targets fall through but De Zerbi realises the need for that kind of leadership, which is also why Spurs have sustained interest in Robertson following his emotional departure from Liverpool.

The club have already found that new opportunities have opened up now they’ve secured Premier League safety, which even extends to potential football leadership and executive roles.

Tottenham’s majority owner is “wholly committed” and ready to produce the investment required to “rebuild” the club.

Spurs narrowly avoided a first relegation since 1977 on Sunday after an emotionally-charged fanbase inspired Roberto De Zerbi’s team to a 1-0 home win over Everton.

Tottenham finished 17th, two points above West Ham, but it has been a disastrous Premier League campaign, with De Zerbi the third head coach of the season.

After Daniel Levy was invited to step down as chairman in September following a 24-year tenure, majority owner Enic – run by the Lewis family – has frequently faced criticism.

Chief executive Vinai Venkatesham and sporting director Johan Lange have also felt the brunt of fan anger and on Monday the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust urged this season to be viewed as a “very serious warning” to the board.

In an open letter to fans, non-executive chairman Peter Charrington said: “Last September, we recognised that something seismic had to change at Spurs. The Lewis family stepped in and authorised a full reset.

“That decision was not taken lightly, and it came later than it should have. But what has been put in motion is real, and it marks a genuine break from what had come before.

“As part of that process, we discovered some uncomfortable truths… football success had not been driving our decisions.

“Two 17th place finishes in a row is not acceptable, and we will not dress it up as anything other than falling well short of what this club expects.

“Since September, we have restructured leadership across the club, with a refreshed executive and football structure. Most of this team are already in post and others will arrive in the coming weeks.

“The board are committed to this leadership group and will give them the stability and support they need to run this club in the right way.

“Roberto De Zerbi is signed as men’s head coach for five years, a reflection of our belief in his ability and our commitment to build back to where we need to be.

“He is passionate, committed and positive in everything he does, and represents the kind of football and ambition that Tottenham Hotspur should stand for.

“The Lewis family are wholly committed to this club and to this rebuild. They will provide the stability and investment needed at every level to move us forward, and they see that as a long-term responsibility, not a short-term fix.

“This season fell well short of what Tottenham Hotspur demands. We must be in the fight with the best teams in this league, every season, and we are rebuilding this Club with that standard in mind.

“We will get back to where we belong.”

Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust called for “a moment of reckoning” after the ninth-richest club in world football almost dropped into the Championship.

“This season must be viewed as a very serious warning,” a statement read.

“Finishing where we have is not the outcome of one bad result or one difficult season alone. It is the consequence of repeated failures, poor decisions, and a lack of leadership over a sustained period.

“There must now be a moment of reckoning for the club. Honest reflection, accountability, and meaningful change are required if the club is to recover and rebuild.”

PA

Gary Neville has given Tottenham no respite from criticism despite their final day Premier League survival as he labelled their season as “pathetic”.

Spurs, the ninth richest club in world football, were embroiled in a relegation fight that went right to the wire, but victory over Everton on Sunday ensured they avoided such an almighty humiliation.

There were rare scenes of ecstasy at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after full-time, with manager Roberto De Zerbi running onto the pitch as the full-time whistle went, Spurs players and fans alike celebrating the relief that came with their retained top-flight status.

Neville, however, refused to get carried away with the excitement and asserts that last year’s Europa League champions should not be patting themselves on the back.

"Is it too far to say that they've been pathetic? That they should be ashamed of themselves? Probably not," he said on Sky Sports.

"This is Tottenham Hotspur. I know sometimes I get mocked for saying this is Manchester United, but this is a football club steeped in incredible traditions.

"Now they've not won trophies for a long time regularly, even though they won the Europa League last year, which was fantastic. It was great for this fanbase to celebrate a trophy.

"But they've been underachievers and underperforming for a long time. This is another level of underachievement and hitting new lows. The last two years in the Premier League."

Their win over Everton, courtesy of a first-half Joao Palhinha goal, was their first at home since beating Brentford in early December, with their form in N17 only better than relegated Burnley and Wolves.

Spurs also experienced a dismal domestic season last term under Ange Postecoglou, again finishing 17th despite success in Europe.

Neville has insisted that De Zerbi will need to make sweeping changes if he hopes to change Tottenham’s fortunes next season and return them to the top-end of the table.

He added: “For the players, I'm sure for some of them it is real, but for some of them, it doesn't feel like they want to be on the bus and that's what Roberto De Zerbi is going to have to work out. He's probably worked it out already.

"Not winning a game here since Christmas is absolutely shocking for a group of players that have been expensively assembled and for a club of such stature, but they're flimsy, they're weak, they're vulnerable and the autopsy really has got to begin.

"Now they know for real, having escaped today, they can start to basically drive a bulldozer through that dressing room because that's what they need to do.”