Sports
4 years later, Neil Warnock’s prediction about Spurs star is causing Frank nightmares
Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has revealed he will speak to Djed Spence about his negative reaction to being substituted in the 3-0 loss at Nottingham Forest, four years after Neil Warnock’s infamous criticism of the defender’s attitude.
Spence in the spotlight as Spurs defeated at Forest
The England international was seen gesturing and shaking his head when his number came up during the second half at the City Ground.
Spence was replaced on the hour mark after a Callum Hudson-Odoi double put the hosts in complete control, but Ibrahim Sangare’s wonder goal sealed Spurs’ fate in a dismal afternoon which saw them drop further behind the European places.
“I didn’t see it,” Frank said. “Of course I will look back to be aware of it.
“I think there can be three reasons. He can be disappointed with his own performance, the team’s performance, he can be disappointed with being subbed off. I’ll ask him about that.”
|
Djed Spence vs Forest |
Stats |
|---|---|
|
Minutes |
59 |
|
Tackles (won) |
1 (1) |
|
Duels (won) |
9 (6) |
|
Passes (completed) |
21 (16) |
|
Dribbles (completed) |
5 (3) |
It is not the first time Spence has shown dissent towards his manager after he appeared to snub a handshake after the defeat to Chelsea.
Spence has been one of Tottenham’s best performers this season, something Frank alluded to after the incident following the defeat to Chelsea, but it’s not the first time his attitude has been under the spotlight.
What did Warnock say about Spence?
After making his senior debut in 2018, Spence was fast-tracked into the first team at Middlesbrough under Jonathan Woodgate and eventually his successor, Neil Warnock.
The young defender’s playing time plummeted in the second half of the 2020/21 campaign, when Warnock revealed his attitude could prevent him from fulfilling his potential.
“There are not many players where you can say it’s all up to them personally how far they go – it’s what’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.
“Application, dedication, all these things come into it. He’s got the tools, there’s no doubt about that.”
The England international was loaned out to Forest, and was part of the Reds team who won promotion back to the Premier League, after which he couldn’t resist a jab at his former boss on Twitter.
Warnock responded again, congratulating the full-back on taking his advice.
The 77 year-old is not the only boss to take issue with Spence either, as Antonio Conte pinned the blame for his signing on the Tottenham board during his time in North London, referring to the youngster as “club signing”.
Since then, a resilisent Spence has not only earned his place in Frank’s best XI but also potentially in Thomas Tuchel’s, racking up three senior England caps.
And while it seems unlikely Warnock’s “non-league” prediction will come true in the next 12 months, it is certainly fair to suggest the defender has used two of his three strikes when it comes to causing Frank headaches at Tottenham.
Tottenham now discussing sacking Frank and appointing “intelligent” manager
Thomas Frank is under pressure after the 3-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
