Exclusive: Former Tottenham Hero Says Club Is Stronger Than Ever Under Thomas Frank

Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Paul Miller has praised the progress of his old club under new boss Thomas Frank, describing Spurs as being “in a very good place”, despite a few recent setbacks. 

Miller, who spent a decade at Spurs between 1977 and 1987, was part of a golden era at White Hart Lane, lifting two FA Cups (1981, 1982) and the UEFA Cup (1984). The ex-centre-back remains closely connected to the club and continues to follow its evolution with pride.

In an exclusive interview with SportsBoom, Miller reflected on Tottenham’s transformation over the years, the managerial shift from Ange Postecoglou to Frank, and the enduring legacy of Daniel Levy.

From White Hart Lane to world-class facilities

Few players have seen Tottenham’s journey as closely as Miller, who has watched the club evolve from its traditional North London roots into a European powerhouse.

“It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster,” Miller said. 

“We had some difficult periods in the late ’80s and ’90s with ownership issues and poor management that really held the club back. But Daniel Levy has done a fantastic job turning things around.”

“He’s built what I believe is the best stadium in the world, along with a magnificent training ground, and now we’ve got a fantastic manager in Thomas Frank. Winning the Europa League last season was a massive achievement, it lifted everyone at the club and gave us that push to compete in the Champions League.”

That Champions League form has already been on display this season, most notably in Tottenham’s emphatic 4-0 win over Copenhagen, a result that showcased Frank’s tactical sharpness and attacking balance.

Still, Miller believes the squad could use more depth.

“There’s still work to do, every club needs to strengthen. I think we could use another striker, but overall, Tottenham is in a very good place right now.”

From Postecoglou to Frank: a change of direction

After Ange Postecoglou led Spurs to Europa League glory last season, their first major trophy in years, the club opted for a new direction, bringing in Brentford’s Thomas Frank.

“Ange was an excellent coach,” Miller said. 

“He had a clear attacking philosophy and brought us silverware, which we’ll always be grateful for. But I think the timing was right for a change.”

Frank’s early months in charge have seen both promise and pressure. The heavy win over Copenhagen underlined his attacking intent, but there have also been bumps along the way, notably a Carabao Cup exit to Newcastle and a narrow 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Premier League that exposed areas still needing improvement.

“Thomas Frank is a very intelligent and detailed coach. He’s already making a positive impact. We’re more balanced now, both tactically and mentally. There’s a real sense of belief in the squad, and you can see the players are buying into his methods.”

“If we can add a few more players in January, I think we can compete for another trophy this season. The team looks confident, and the atmosphere around the club is really positive.”

Defensive steel: Romero and Van de Ven impress

Tottenham’s defensive pairing of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven has been one of the Premier League’s standout partnerships, and Miller, himself a former Spurs centre-half, is full of praise for their development.

“They’ve been outstanding, probably our best two players this season,” he said.

“Even when Romero’s been out, Micky has stepped up and been absolutely superb.”

Van de Ven, in particular, has added a new dimension to his game, becoming an unexpected goal threat.

“They complement each other so well: Romero brings aggression and leadership, while Van de Ven has incredible pace and composure. Together, they make a solid, fearless partnership that gives the whole team confidence,” Miller added.

“They’re also a real threat from set pieces, and the more they play together, the better that understanding will become. It’s a fantastic pairing for the club’s future.”

Daniel Levy’s legacy: a lasting impact

Having served as Tottenham chairman for more than two decades, Daniel Levy stepped down in September 2025, leaving behind a transformed club both on and off the pitch.

“I think Daniel has done a very good job overall,” Miller said. “He took over during a tough period for the club and managed to stabilise it, invest in infrastructure, and build something sustainable.”

“Yes, there were ups and downs, some managerial appointments worked, others didn’t, and we probably haven’t won as many trophies as we’d have liked. But he’s delivered an incredible stadium, brought in top talent, and helped us achieve European success again.”

“He stepped down gracefully, and I think he’ll be remembered fondly for what he’s done. Every chairman makes mistakes, but Daniel has been a major positive figure in Tottenham’s modern history.”