Thomas Frank feels that he has “left a big piece of my heart at Brentford” following his move to Tottenham.
Frank left the Bees last night (12 June) to succeed Ange Postecoglou as manager at Tottenham Hotspur after seven years in charge of the West-London club.
The 51-year-old Dane has since written an open letter to Brentford fans in which he spoke of his belief that he has “left a big piece of my heart at Brentford,” having guided them from the Championship to Premier League in 2021 and has since kept the Bees in the top-flight.
During his time at Brentford, Frank also saw the team move from Griffin Park to the Gtech Community Stadium in 2020-21 season, which coincidentally was the season that they won promotion via the play-offs after having tasted defeat via that route a year earlier against neighbours – Fulham.
Frank consequently is proud of having had a chance “to pursue my dreams” in which what he described as “an experience and adventure” that he and his family “will cherish for life.”
The Dane also reflected on his and the Bees’ achievements together as he spoke of the bond between club and fans.
“Whatever we have achieved, we have achieved together, and our success is built on unity, spirit, courage and ambition at every level of the club and amongst the fans.
“Everybody has contributed, and every contribution has been invaluable. I am not just leaving a football club, I am saying goodbye to friends whose support through good and bad times I will carry with me always.”
Frank concluded with a message of hope that the relationships that he has built at the club will last beyond his departure, even when he returns as manager of oppositional teams in the future.
“So, while this is a goodbye, I hope the relationships I have built with everybody will be lasting ones and, of course, we will meet again in the wonderful world of football.”
Frank’s letter can be found below in full.
‘To everyone associated with Brentford Football Club.
The time has come for me to move on. But, even as I leave, I know I have left a big piece of my heart at Brentford, not just at the football club but with the community and, of course, the incredible and loyal supporters.
I want to extend my profound gratitude to the club for giving me the chance to pursue my dreams and for everyone involved who made the journey such a memorable one.
For my family and I, it has been a privilege to be allowed to be part of such a special community – it’s an experience and adventure that we will cherish for life. So, thank you.
Whatever we have achieved, we have achieved together, and our success is built on unity, spirit, courage and ambition at every level of the club and amongst the fans.
Everybody has contributed, and every contribution has been invaluable. I am not just leaving a football club, I am saying goodbye to friends whose support through good and bad times I will carry with me always.
I would like to say a special word of thanks to Matthew Benham. His trust and friendship have meant so much and the fact he gave me a chance in English football means I will always owe him a debt of gratitude. Thank you, Matt.
So, while this is a goodbye, I hope the relationships I have built with everybody will be lasting ones and, of course, we will meet again in the wonderful world of football.
Thank you,
Thomas.