Thomas Frank issues statement ruling out return to management after Tottenham exit | OneFootball

Dane has been out of work since being sacked by Spurs in February, but had been linked with Premier League openings

Thomas Frank has ruled himself out of the running to sign as Fulham or Crystal Palace manager, confirming in a lengthy statement that he will not take on a new job this summer.

The Dane was sacked by Tottenham in February after a dismal eight-match winless run.

He was considered to be one of the best options on the managerial market as a variety of Premier League clubs seek new bosses this summer, with Fulham and Crystal Palace needing to replace Marco Silva and Oliver Glasner, respectively.

But he has now confirmed that he will not take on a new job any time soon.

Frank wrote in a statement via the League Managers Association: "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.

Thomas Frank was sacked by Tottenham in February

Getty

"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."

The ex-Brentford manager left Tottenham languishing in 16th in the Premier League table after an eight-match winless run, and was replaced by interim boss Igor Tudor. When he failed to right the ship, the club turned to Roberto De Zerbi, who dodged relegation by beating Everton on the final day of the campaign.

Frank has steered well clear of the limelight since his tumultuous Tottenham spell ended, choosing instead to spend time with his family.

He seemed to struggle with the heightened media pressure that came with stepping up from Brentford to Spurs, with candid comments surrounding the side’s poor form alienating both fans and players.

His public persona suffered a hammer blow in the weeks before his dismissal when he was pictured drinking out of an Arsenal-branded cup while walking on the pitch before facing Bournemouth.

Thomas Frank struggled to win back Tottenham fan support after being pictured drinking from an Arsenal cup

Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

Frank finally broke his silence on Friday, though, expressing gratitude to those who had supported him after the sacking.

He added: "Leaving Tottenham has given me the chance to step back and reflect on my journey so far. Football management is a profession that demands complete commitment every single day, and periods like this are a rare opportunity to assess, learn and gain a fresh perspective.

"From the outside, it may have looked like a time of many challenges at Tottenham when results were not what we wanted. From within, however, it becomes clear why the club is so special - full of talented people who work tirelessly every day. I have no doubt Tottenham has a bright future.

"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.”

Frank will feature as a pundit during the BBC’s coverage of this summer’s World Cup.