You won't believe who Brentford considered to replace Thomas Frank as manager

Brentford made contact with an all too familiar face for their vacant manager position.
Tottenham and Brentford could've completed a switch in managers this summer.
Tottenham and Brentford could've completed a switch in managers this summer. | Nathan Stirk/GettyImages

Brentford and Tottenham may well have completed a remarkable manager swap this summer, with reports emerging that the Bees briefly considered appointing Ange Postecoglou as Thomas Frank's replacement.

Daniel Levy parted ways with Ange almost three weeks after the Australian guided the club to Europa League glory in Bilbao. Tottenham's wretched domestic campaign ultimately rendered his position untenable, with Levy stating that a desire to compete on "multiple fronts" was a major factor in his decision to sack Postecoglou.

While there was plenty of indecision regarding the former manager's future, the club acted efficiently to prise Frank away from Brentford. The Bees didn't stand in the Dane's way after seven wonderful years as their head coach, and they thought about a stunning managerial swap—albeit after Frank was confirmed as Postecoglou's successor.


Brentford 'contacted' Ange Postecoglou to potentially replace Thomas Frank

The Athletic reports that Brentford made contact with Postecoglou over their vacant managerial position. The discussion between the sacked Spurs boss and Bees director Phil Giles was said to be "informal", and Ange never got an interview with the Premier League club.

They eventually appointed Frank's set-piece coach, Keith Andrews, with the Irishman one of few members of staff not to follow the Dane to north London.

I'd be all for Ange remaining in the Premier League. I'm still of the opinion that he should've been given a crack at year three, given what he was able to coax out of these players during our continental run, but I understand why the decision was made. I'm very excited about Frank, don't get me wrong. Still, there's a part of me, perhaps an irrational, emotional part, that still believed in the 'boom' aspect of Postecoglou's project.

However, I'm content with the protection of his legacy in these parts. He turned us into winners again, and he'll be welcomed back in N17 with open arms whenever he fancies making a return.

A Premier League job is unlikely to open up before the start of the season, and I'd be surprised if Ange was in a new role come August. Some have speculated where the future of the principled Australian lies, given that his daring ideas in regards to bringing about sustained success will deter plenty of clubs, but enamour some, too.

Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli were said to be considering Ange amid uncertainty over Matthias Jaissle's future, but there's been little movement on that front over the past few weeks.