Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has revealed he will speak to manager Jed Spence about the negative reaction to his substitution in the 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, four years after Neil Warnock’s infamous criticism of the defender’s attitude.
Spence in the spotlight as Spurs lose to Forest
The England international was seen gesturing and shaking his head when his number was called out in the second half at the City Ground.
After double goals from Callum Hudson and Odoi put the hosts in complete control, Spence was substituted on the hour mark, but Ibrahim Sangare’s stunning goal sealed Spurs’ fate. It was a disastrous afternoon as they slipped further down the European standings.
“I didn’t see it,” Frank said. “Of course, I look back to be aware of that.
“I think there are three reasons. He may be disappointed with his performance, the team’s performance, and he may be disappointed with coming on as a substitute. I’ll ask him about that.”
Jed Spence vs Forest | statistics |
|---|---|
minutes | 59 |
Tackle (win) | 1(1) |
Duel (win) | 9(6) |
Pass (completed) | 21(16) |
dribbling (completed) | 5(3) |
Spence appeared to ignore the handshake after the defeat to Chelsea, but this is not the first time he has spoken out against his manager.
Spence has been one of Tottenham’s best performers this season and this is not the first time his attitude has come under the spotlight, although Frank hinted at this after the incident following the defeat to Chelsea.
What did Warnock say about Spence?
Spence made his senior debut in 2018 and was quickly selected into Middlesbrough’s first-team squad under manager Jonathan Woodgate and eventually under his successor Neil Warnock.
The young defender’s playing time declined sharply in the second half of the 2020/21 season, with Warnock revealing his attitude could be holding him back from fulfilling his potential.
“There aren’t many players who can say it’s all up to the individual how far they go. It’s between the ears. He could be playing at a top club in England or in non-league in five years, I don’t know.”
“It takes application, dedication, all of those things. He has the tools, there’s no doubt about that.”
The England international was on loan at Forest and was part of the Reds side that won promotion to the Premier League, but then couldn’t resist a jab at his former manager on Twitter.
Warnock responded again, congratulating the full-back for taking his advice.
The 77-year-old is not the only manager to take issue with Spence, with Antonio Conte having blamed Spence for his contract at Tottenham’s board during his time in North London, calling it a “club contract”.
Since then, Spence has bounced back, earning himself a place in not only Frank’s best eleven but also Thomas Tuchel’s, and has racked up three England caps.
And while it seems unlikely that Warnock’s ‘non-league’ predictions will come true within the next 12 months, it is certainly fair to assume that the defender took two of his three shots for bothering Frank at Tottenham.
Tottenham are in talks to sack Frank and appoint a ‘smart’ manager
Thomas Frank is under pressure after Sunday’s 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest.
