With Thomas Frank poised to take over as Tottenham’s new head coach, his backroom staff will play a crucial role in shaping the club’s future. Frank is bringing Justin Cochrane, Chris Haslam, and Joe Newton from Brentford, each offering specialised expertise that could significantly impact Spurs’ playing style, fitness levels, and data-driven decision-making.
Justin Cochrane – Assistant Coach & Player Development Specialist
Cochrane is regarded as one of the most promising coaches in English football, having built a strong reputation in youth development and tactical coaching. His journey includes:
Spurs Academy (2009-2018) – Developed young talents like Oliver Skipp, Kyle Walker-Peters, and Noni Madueke.
England Youth Setup (2018-2021) – Coached the U15, U16, and U17 teams, refining England’s next generation.
Manchester United Academy (2021-2022) – Served as Head of Player Development, focusing on technical growth.
Brentford (2022-2025) – Worked closely with Frank, helping develop attacking players like Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa.
Cochrane’s attention to detail and tactical awareness make him an ideal assistant for Frank. His ability to nurture young talent aligns with Spurs’ long-term vision, ensuring academy graduates integrate seamlessly into the first team.
Chris Haslam – Head of Athletic Performance
Haslam has been a key figure in Brentford’s rise, overseeing fitness, conditioning, and injury prevention. His expertise includes:
Over a decade in athletic performance – Worked across multiple roles, including strength & conditioning.
Experience with the Danish national team – Provided liaison duties and performance insights.
Data-driven approach – Uses sports science and analytics to optimise player fitness and recovery.
At Spurs, Haslam will be tasked with enhancing physical endurance, ensuring players can maintain Frank’s high-intensity pressing system. His ability to reduce injury risks will be vital, given Spurs’ struggles with fitness consistency in recent seasons.
Joe Newton – First-Team Analyst & Data Specialist
Newton’s role at Brentford was instrumental in their transition from the Championship to a stable Premier League side. His expertise includes:
Advanced data analytics – Helps identify tactical trends and opposition weaknesses.
Performance reporting – Provides detailed breakdowns of player efficiency and match dynamics.
Strategic planning – Assists in match preparation and in-game adjustments.
Newton’s arrival signals a shift towards a more analytical approach at Spurs, ensuring data-driven decision-making plays a central role in Frank’s tactical setup.
What This Means for Tottenham
Frank’s backroom staff brings a blend of tactical intelligence, physical conditioning, and analytical precision. Their collective experience suggests Spurs will focus on:
✅ Youth development – Cochrane’s expertise will help integrate academy players.
✅ High-intensity football – Haslam’s conditioning work will support Frank’s pressing system.
✅ Data-driven tactics – Newton’s analysis will refine match strategies.
With Matt Wells and Rob Burch remaining at the club, Spurs will have a mix of continuity and fresh ideas, setting the stage for a structured, long-term project under Frank.
This backroom team could be one of the most well-rounded setups Spurs have had in years—but how quickly they implement their philosophy will be key. ⚽
