'A bigger project' – Brentford hero Sodje backs Thomas Frank to achieve great things at Spurs

Former Super Eagles defender and Brentford hero Sam Sodje has thrown his support behind outgoing manager Thomas Frank, expressing confidence that the Danish tactician will thrive at Tottenham Hotspur.

On Thursday, Brentford confirmed that Frank has left the club to join fellow Premier League team Tottenham Hotspur as their new head coach, after more than eight years at The Bees. 

Frank first joined Brentford as assistant head coach in December 2016, took over from Dean Smith in 2018, and led the club to Premier League promotion from the Championship in 2021.

The Danish manager has signed a contract with Spurs until 2028, and will be joined from Brentford by assistant first-team coach Justin Cochrane, head of athletic performance Chris Haslam and first-team analyst Joe Newton.

Sodje praised Frank's impact at Brentford and believes he is well prepared to succeed at a club with greater ambitions.

"Brentford will miss him, but I think he has done really well. He's going to Tottenham Hotspur, which has a bigger project, and I believe he will achieve great things there," Sodje told allnigeriasoccer.com on Saturday.

Frank transformed Brentford from a Championship side into a stable Premier League outfit during his tenure.

While his departure marks the end of an era at Brentford, Sodje understands the club's decision to let him leave.

"We had to let him go because of what he has done for Brentford. We'll miss him, but hopefully, we can bring in a good manager to continue from where he left off," he added.

Sodje also highlighted Frank’s deep involvement in youth development, noting how important it will be for Brentford to maintain that legacy.

"What Thomas Frank has done for the club is remarkable, and it will be difficult to find a manager capable of replicating that. 

"Now that we’re an established Premier League side, we’ll likely attract a manager who can keep us in the top flight.

"Frank also paid great attention to the academy. We want to appoint someone who shares that vision, because we have a strong academy setup. The club has become a recognised Premier League team."

Sodje was on the books of Brentford for two years, making 100 appearances in all competitions before leaving Griffin Park nineteen years ago.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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