Vivienne Lewis and Vinai Venkatesham, Chief Executive Officer at Tottenham Hotspur during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Tottenham Hotspur and Borussia Dortmund at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 20, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images

The truth behind the sacking and actually who wanted to keep Thomas Frank

Originally posted on the Boy Hotspur | By The Boy | Last updated Feb 13, 2026 6:57 AM ET

The mess that ENIC are in could not be represented more clearly than the latest leak from Paul O’Keefe, who has a frankly unmatchable track record in Tottenham gossip, given his connections at both the club and within the football market.

We were told that the board got rid of Frank, but it was the Lewis family.

Because the club briefed it to all journalists and they swallowed it. VV was told to sack him. He and Lange wanted to keep Frank.

— Paul O Keefe (@pokeefe1) February 12, 2026

The final authority and push to sack Frank rested with the Lewis family (Joe Lewis’s heirs/family trust as the controlling owners), not Vinai himself. Vinai and Lange were hesitant.

Joe Lewis, though the billionaire behind the original ENIC ownership, is no longer directly hands-on, but the family acts in that capacity.

This marks the first major managerial sacking in the post-Daniel Levy era at Spurs, highlighting the shift in power toward the Lewis family.

The club is actively searching for a replacement and appears to be prioritising options, with discussions ongoing for both interim (short-term until the end of the 2025-26 season) and permanent appointments.

Spurs are reportedly aiming to have someone in place quickly, potentially by Monday, for training, according to Alasdair Gold.

Mauricio Pochettino remains a strong long-term favourite for a romantic return. He has been spotted in London, is keen on the job (citing unfinished business), and has reportedly been offered it or is a highly desired post-2026 World Cup (where he’s currently managing the USA national team).

An immediate appointment is complicated or “impossible” due to his commitments, so an interim solution might bridge to a summer move.

Roberto De Zerbi is highly appreciated internally and open to a Premier League return. He’s been linked strongly, with talks potentially developing.

Igor Tudor has emerged as a serious and strong candidate in the last day or so, with first contacts already underway, according to reliable Italian journalist Matteo Moretto. This seems to be gaining traction.

This article first appeared on the Boy Hotspur and was syndicated with permission.

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