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Thomas Frank’s Backroom Staff: A Tactical and Analytical Overhaul at Tottenham


Justin Cochrane | Joe Newton | Chris Haslam
Justin Cochrane | Joe Newton | Chris Haslam

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. ⚽











Let's be Frank! - Thomas Frank: The New Era at Tottenham Hotspur



The winds of change have swept through North London once again, and this time, it’s Thomas Frank who steps into the hot seat at Tottenham Hotspur. After the bittersweet departure of Ange Postecoglou, who gave us the unforgettable Europa League triumph, Spurs now turn to the Danish tactician to restore consistency and ambition to the club.


From Denmark to the Premier League: Frank’s Journey


Born in Kolding, Denmark in 1973, Thomas Frank’s footballing journey began as a midfielder, playing for local clubs like Kolding FC and Ikast. While his playing career never reached the heights of superstardom, his deep understanding of the game led him to coaching.


Frank’s managerial career started in Denmark, where he worked with Hvidovre IF before stepping up as an assistant at Brøndby IF, one of Denmark’s biggest clubs. His tactical acumen and ability to develop young players caught the attention of Brentford, where he initially joined as an assistant before taking over as head coach in 2018.


Brentford’s Rise Under Frank


Frank’s tenure at Brentford was nothing short of remarkable. He led the club to Premier League promotion in 2021, defying expectations with a squad built on smart recruitment and tactical flexibility. His ability to maximise resources and adapt strategies made Brentford a formidable force, securing wins against top clubs like Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea.


His philosophy? High-energy pressing, tactical adaptability, and a strong emphasis on team unity.


Frank once said, “Football is about relationships. If you build trust and belief, you can achieve great things.” His ability to foster cohesion within squads has been a hallmark of his success.

The High Performance Podcast

How Frank Fits Into Levy’s Vision


Daniel Levy’s managerial appointments have often been a mixed bag, but Frank’s data-driven approach and tactical flexibility align well with Tottenham’s ambitions. Unlike Postecoglou’s high-intensity attacking style, Frank is more pragmatic, adjusting his tactics based on opposition strengths and weaknesses.


One concern is his lack of European experience, but his ability to compete with top clubs despite financial constraints suggests he can thrive at Spurs. His previous work with Johan Lange, Tottenham’s technical director, could also help smooth the transition.


Reflecting on Ange Postecoglou’s Tenure


There’s no denying that Ange Postecoglou brought excitement to Spurs. His early days were promising, with attacking football that had fans dreaming of a new era. But league form and consistency became an issue, and the injury crisis raised questions—was it just bad luck, or did the intensity of training contribute?


Despite the struggles, Ange will always be remembered for delivering the Europa League trophy—our first major silverware in 17 years. For that, we’ll be forever grateful.


Hopes for the Future


As a lifelong Spurs fan, I truly hope Frank can bring stability, tactical intelligence, and a winning mentality to the club. His ability to develop young players could be crucial, and if he can balance pragmatism with attacking intent, we might finally see Spurs competing at the highest level.

Here’s to a new chapter—let’s hope it’s one filled with success.


Steve Halls is an FA qualified coach, focusing on grassroots football but also a HUGE Tottenham fan, always dreaming of glory days returning to North London.











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