Thomas Frank Poised for Premier League Return at Crystal Palace
Thomas Frank has swiftly become the favourite to take over as Crystal Palace's next permanent manager after his recent sacking by Tottenham Hotspur. The Danish coach's availability coincides with Oliver Glasner's confirmed departure from Selhurst Park when his contract expires at the conclusion of this season.
Immediate Contender for London Switch
Frank's potential move across London presents an attractive proposition for the manager, who spent eight-and-a-half years at Brentford, initially as assistant head coach before succeeding Dean Smith. Remaining in the capital would allow for continuity following his abrupt exit from Tottenham.
Bookmakers have rapidly adjusted their odds, with Frank moving from 8/1 to become the clear 2/1 favourite with bet365 for the Palace position. He has overtaken Roger Schmidt, who now sits at 4/1, as the shortest-priced candidate.
Competitive Field of Candidates
The managerial market features numerous contenders:
- Andoni Iraola, Frank Lampard, Gareth Southgate and Jose Bordalas are joint-third favourites at 10/1
- Inigo Perez and Kieran McKenna follow at 12/1
- Spurs assistant coach John Heitinga is priced at 14/1
- Adi Hutter, Marco Rose, Marco Silva and Steve Cooper trail at 16/1
- Bo Svensson, Michael Carrick and Roberto De Zerbi are all available at 20/1
- Former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane sits at 25/1
Further candidates include Julen Lopetegui, Kjetil Knutsen and Scott Parker at 33/1, with Cesc Fabregas and Enzo Maresca both quoted at 40/1 alongside Palace under-18s head coach Javier Alonso and Glasner's assistant Paddy McCarthy. Jose Mourinho completes the market at 50/1.
Glasner's Warning to Successor
Despite the attractive opportunity, Frank has been cautioned that the Palace position presents significant challenges. Current manager Glasner has repeatedly expressed frustration with the club's transfer activities, most recently regarding their failed deadline-day attempt to sign Dwight McNeil from Everton.
"We are all disappointed that this deal didn't happen," Glasner told Sky Sports. "I already planned that next day on training with him. And then, right at the end of the transfer, it can always happen on deadline day - so many things can happen that the deal doesn't happen."
The Austrian manager explained that "the terms of the deal changed in the last hours" and there was insufficient time to complete the transaction. He expressed shared disappointment with the player, stating "I really have a huge appreciation for him" and acknowledging that "we're all disappointed that we couldn't get this deal done."
Tottenham's Search Continues
Meanwhile, Tottenham must now identify Frank's successor in north London. The FA Cup-winning manager is among various candidates Spurs could consider as they seek to stabilise following the Danish coach's dismissal.
The managerial merry-go-round highlights the competitive nature of Premier League appointments, with Frank's potential immediate return to management demonstrating the fluidity of football's coaching landscape.
