Exclusive: Marco Silva on Spurs’ Radar as Potential Thomas Frank Successor

Tottenham Hotspur bosses want Fulham boss Marco Silva to replace Thomas Frank if they decide to move on from the Danish boss, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal. 

Although their instinct is to afford Frank more time following a spate of changes at the helm in recent years, Spurs’ hierarchy are aware that the Dane’s position could prove untenable if the disillusionment among their support base turns mutinous.

It is understood Spurs' form in the Champions League is making the board think twice before cutting his reign short in the first season despite their woes in the league. 

Former boss Ange Postecoglou was in the same boat last season, but was eventually sacked despite winning the Europa League, although he had two full seasons at the helm before being given the boot. 

If that situation does materialise, and Frank departs after less than one season in charge, owners ENIC International know they must limit the disruption by appointing someone with a similar philosophy. 

And that has prompted them to begin monitoring Silva’s situation at Fulham, with a potential cross-London switch for the Portuguese believed to be a genuine possibility.

Despite his sometimes fractious relationship with The Cottagers’ board of directors, Silva is reluctant to consider a move elsewhere until the end of the present campaign having forged strong bonds with both the team’s fans and members of staff behind the scenes. 

However, he is thought to be interested in taking the next step in his career by working for one of English football’s biggest names which, even though they have flattered to deceive of late, Spurs remain.

Former West Brom boss Ryan Mason has also been touted as a short-term solution, potentially stepping in as interim manager until the end of the season, allowing Spurs to continue talks with Silva and plan a fresh start next campaign.

Waiting Game

Such is the respect for Silva, who joined Fulham after spells with the likes of Watford, Hull City and Everton, among the powers that be at Spurs that they would be ready to wait until the summer providing they receive an undertaking that an agreement could be struck should Frank depart.

Spurs appointed Frank because of his tactical nous and reputation for creating a positive environment in the dressing room. However, in his previous role at Brentford, he benefited from working with one of the most advanced recruitment departments in the Premier League. Without that, at Spurs, he has struggled to enjoy similar success either on the pitch or in the transfer market.

Silva, by contrast, is known to adopt a slightly more hands-on approach to talent-spotting whilst setting-up his teams in a similar fashion. That makes him an attractive proposition for Spurs, who are set to once again discuss Frank’s future before the next round of domestic fixtures.