Ex-Liverpool assistant John Heitinga in contention to replace Thomas Frank at Tottenham

Thomas Frank was fired by Tottenham after the team's loss to Newcastle left it sitting just five points above the the Premier League's relegation zone

John Heitinga is in contention to replace Thomas Frank, potentially on a short-term basis(Image: 2026 Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA)

Former Liverpool assistant John Heitinga is reportedly in the frame to replace Thomas Frank at Tottenham.

Frank was fired by Spurs on Wednesday following a 2-1 defeat by Newcastle the previous day, which left the club just five points above the Premier League's relegation zone.

“The club has taken the decision to make a change in the men’s head coach position and Thomas Frank will leave today," a statement said.

“Thomas was appointed in June 2025, and we have been determined to give him the time and support needed to build for the future together. However, results and performances have led the board to conclude that a change at this point in the season is necessary.

“Throughout his time at the club, Thomas has conducted himself with unwavering commitment, giving everything in his efforts to move the club forward. We would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him every success in the future.”

It is being reported by The Times that Heitinga – who assisted Liverpool head coach Arne Slot as the Reds won the title last season – could take over from Frank on a short-term basis.

Heitinga took first-team training on Wednesday following the dismissal of Frank, and has recent experience of managing a big club after taking charge of Ajax last summer.

However, Heitinga's spell at Ajax was short-lived and unsuccessful as he was fired in November, just a few months into the two-year contract he had signed with the Eredivisie club.

Thomas Frank has been fired by Spurs(Image: Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images)

Reds boss Slot has spoken fondly of Heitinga on several occasions in recent years, telling Ajax that it would be a "smart" decision to appoint him in May of last year, while in the same sentence telling Heitinga that it would be a "smart" decision for him to remain at Liverpool for another season.

Heitinga filled in for Slot in the dugout after the Liverpool head coach had been handed a touchline ban for a Carabao Cup game against Southampton in September 2024.

“I couldn’t have wished for more," Slot said of Heitinga before that game. “If I say talented, I don’t even rate him high enough because he’s more than that already. He’s been a head coach himself, but he’s still young.

“[He] grew into our staff from the start in a very good manner, so has the same idea about football. That’s also why I chose him to come to us as well. But the way he is with the boys, just like Sipke [Hulshoff] is, [is] very positive.”