Get to Know Thomas Frank, the New Tottenham Hotspur Manager, Through Insights from Danish Connections
To reach Thomas Frank’s hometown of Frederiksvaerk, located around 50 kilometers north of Copenhagen where his mother still resides, The Athletic took two trains and a bus from the Danish capital. The bus journey passes through forests and fields before reaching the glittering water of the Roskilde Fjord. The bus stops by a motorway, and from there, the clubhouse of Frederiksvaerk (FFK) is accessed through a small tunnel.
This place holds significant sentimental value for Frank. When the new Tottenham Hotspur head coach visits Denmark, he runs past the club’s pitches.
Martin Holm Jensen, a senior figure at FFK, recounts an encounter with Frank during his last visit in March. Frank had approached the club, greeting old friends and reminiscing about their roles in his coaching career, which began in the small Danish town with a population of just over 10,000.
Frank, who spent most of the last seven years at Brentford, has now taken on the biggest challenge of his career. In June, he signed a three-year contract to replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham. Starting from earning £100 from his first coaching job, Frank now commands a multi-million-pound salary at Spurs, a club with a 60,000-seater stadium set to compete in the Champions League next season.
Frederiksvaerk is a small town with limited job opportunities, leading many residents to seek work in the city. FFK, formed in November 2004 through a merger, competes in the seventh tier of Danish football.
Frank's coaching journey began at Frederiksvaerk Boldklub (FB), where he progressed through the youth ranks and later played in the first team in the 1990s. Encouraged to become a coach by Jesper Olsen, Frank received his first coaching tracksuit and a modest sum of 1,000 Danish kroner.
Frank's coaching career saw him work closely with individuals such as Jacob Hansen and Lis Westberg Pedersen. He maintained strong relationships with former colleagues and players, emphasizing personal connections and fostering a well-functioning team environment.
After departing Frederiksvaerk in 1999, Frank joined Hvidovre before moving to B93 as an integrated talent development coach. His work at B93, focusing on individual player development, caught the attention of Birger Jorgensen at Lyngby, where Frank continued to make a significant impact.
Frank's coaching journey led him to Brondby in 2013, where he served as head coach. Despite facing challenges and criticism, Frank's leadership qualities and dedication to success were evident during his tenure at the club.
Following his time at Brondby, Frank joined Brentford as an assistant coach before eventually becoming the head coach. Under his leadership, Brentford secured promotion to the Premier League, marking a significant achievement in Frank's coaching career.
Frank's coaching philosophy, characterized by a focus on leadership and team development, has been recognized by colleagues and players alike. His journey from coaching at local clubs to landing a managerial role at a prestigious club like Tottenham Hotspur reflects his dedication and perseverance in the world of football.