- Thomas Frank favourite for Crystal Palace job
- Dane could succeed Oliver Glasner
- Pep Guardiola is a huge fan
Thomas Frank is reportedly the frontrunner to replace Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace at the end of the season. The Danish coach is out of management after he was sacked by Tottenham Hotspur in January.
Spurs decided to dismiss Frank amid a dissapointing season which saw them dragged into a relegation battle. The North Londoners weren’t quite as at risk when he departed as they are now.
Frank might point out the disastrous run the Lilywhites have been on since he was relieved of his duties. His reputation took a knock during his time in charge, but many still admire his work at his previous club, Brentford.
Crystal Palace Job Could be Frank’s
Palace’s higher-ups appear to be among those who still view Frank highly and as such he’s at the top of their list to replace Glasner. Remaining in the English capital might appeal to the 52-year-old along with proving his doubters wrong.
According to Football Insider, Frank has been “sounded out” by the Eagles. He’s received “strong interest” since he was sacked by Spurs.
Frank oversaw 13 wins, 10 draws and 15 defeats in his 38 games coaching the Lilywhites. He failed to reach expectations but played an important role in guiding the North Londoners to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League.
Pep Guardiola was surprised it took so long for Frank to be handed a major job in European football. He said in September 2024 (via BBC Sport):
“Thomas is one of the best… It is just a question of time (before he takes over a big club). I’m good in a few things, one of which is reading when the manager is good. It is going to happen.”
The Danish tactician’s success at Brentford caught the eye of many clubs before his appointment at Spurs. He became the first manager since 1947 to lead the Bees to Premier League promotion in 2021 and comfortably kept them in the top-flight before leaving last June.
The Obvious Option
While a Frank appointment wouldn’t exactly come as a surprise, it still feels like a sensible choice. He might not have what it takes to coach a ‘big six’ club, but the Palace job could suit him to the ground.
Steve Parish’s board seemingly dreamed of Andoni Iraola, whose Bournemouth contract is up this summer. But the Spaniard reportedly prefers to either stay at the Vitality or take over one of Europe’s big guns.
The list of options beyond those two isn’t exactly enticing, and with Sean Dyche linked, most Eagles fans would undoubtedly accept Frank. He is a good squad builder whose man-management could go a long way toward continuing to drive the South Londoners in the right direction.
