Fulham Step Up Move For Thomas Frank In Manager Hunt After Silva Exit

Fulham have opened provisional talks with Thomas Frank about becoming their new manager following Marco Silva’s departure to Benfica, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The Cottagers have been forced into a swift search for a new boss after Silva opted to return to his native Portugal, bringing an end to a successful spell at Craven Cottage in which he re-established Fulham as a respected Premier League force.

Ipswich Town chief Kieran McKenna was understood to be high on Fulham’s shortlist as they assessed potential replacements. 

But sources have indicated the West London club has now turned its attention towards Frank, with discussions believed to be underway over a possible return to management in time for next season.

The 52-year-old Dane has been out of work since February after a difficult eight-month spell at Tottenham came to an end.

REPUTATION

Frank arrived in North London with a glowing reputation following an outstanding seven-year stint at Brentford, where he transformed the Bees from Championship hopefuls into an established Premier League outfit.

He guided Brentford to promotion through the Championship play-offs in 2021 and earned widespread praise for his innovative coaching methods, recruitment work and ability to develop players. 

His achievements in West London saw him regarded as one of the brightest managerial talents in English football.

That reputation persuaded Tottenham to hand him the reins, but the move ultimately failed to deliver the success both parties had hoped for.

A combination of inconsistent results, injuries and mounting pressure saw Frank struggle to impose his ideas, with Spurs eventually deciding to part company with him midway through the 2025-26 campaign.

Since leaving Tottenham, Frank has repeatedly suggested he would not be rushing back into management and had indicated he intended to spend the summer away from the dugout.

FOCUS

He is currently preparing to work as a BBC pundit during the forthcoming World Cup and had been expected to focus on media commitments before considering his next move.

"Leaving Tottenham has given me the chance to step back and reflect on my journey so far," said Frank.

"Football management is a profession that demands complete commitment every single day, and periods like this are a rare opportunity to assess, learn and gain a fresh perspective." 

"From the outside, it may have looked like a time of many challenges at Tottenham when results were not what we wanted." 

"From within, however, it becomes clear why the club is so special, full of talented people who work tirelessly every day. I have no doubt Tottenham has a bright future."

However, Fulham’s interest has changed the landscape considerably.

ESTABLISHED

Club insiders believe the opportunity to remain in London, inherit an established Premier League squad and build upon the foundations left behind by Silva could prove highly attractive.

Frank has also been linked with Crystal Palace in recent weeks, with the Eagles understood to admire his work at Brentford. But Fulham are now emerging as serious contenders to secure his signature.

Many figures within the Fulham hierarchy view Frank as the ideal candidate to continue the progress made under Silva. 

They believe his track record of developing players, improving teams and operating within sensible financial parameters makes him a natural fit for the club’s long-term ambitions.

While no agreement has yet been reached, dialogue between the two parties is ongoing and gathering momentum.

And with pre-season preparations edging ever closer, Fulham are hopeful they can persuade Frank to cut short his planned break from management and make a dramatic return to the Premier League dugout at Craven Cottage.