Former Tottenham Defender Michael Dawson Advocates for Robbie Keane as Managerial Successor
Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Michael Dawson has publicly endorsed his old teammate Robbie Keane as the perfect candidate to replace the recently sacked Thomas Frank. Frank's tenure at the north London club lasted just 38 games, culminating in his dismissal following a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Tuesday night. During his brief spell, Frank secured 13 victories but suffered 14 losses, with Spurs languishing in 16th place in the Premier League, merely five points above the relegation zone.
Dawson's Analysis of Frank's Departure and Spurs' Current Predicament
In an interview with Sky Sports, Dawson expressed his initial support for Frank, believing the manager could have turned things around. However, he acknowledged the board's decision, stating, 'It wasn't inevitable, in my opinion. I go back to the West Ham game where they lost 2-1, a really late goal and that was the point where I thought, will they make the change?' Dawson highlighted the club's precarious position, noting that Spurs are embroiled in a relegation battle despite their success in the Champions League, where they have already advanced to the last 16.
The critical issue now facing Tottenham is whether to appoint an interim manager for the remainder of the season or to hire a permanent replacement immediately. Dawson speculated that if the club opts to wait until summer, former manager Mauricio Pochettino, currently in charge of the USA national team, would be the likely target. 'If that happens there's only one manager they're waiting for and that has to be Pochettino in the summer,' he said.
Robbie Keane: A Passionate and Knowledgeable Contender
Despite Pochettino's popularity among fans, Dawson strongly advocates for Robbie Keane as an immediate appointment to boost morale. Keane, a club legend who scored 122 goals in 306 appearances across two spells with Spurs, is currently managing Hungarian side Ferencvaros. Dawson praised Keane's deep connection to the club, saying, 'For me there's someone there in the making, someone who knows the football club, someone who's got the passion, played for the club, loves it, will galvanise everyone and bring them in the right direction moving forward and that is Robbie Keane, for me.'
Dawson acknowledged the challenges of luring Keane away from Ferencvaros, where he is joint-top of the league and competing in the Europa League knockout stages. He questioned, 'I can't imagine that, leaving Ferencvaros, joint-top of the league, in the knockout stages of the Europa League, so I don't know too many managers who would leave a contract there to go for an interim.' However, he suggested that Spurs should consider offering Keane a permanent role, arguing, 'But why not give him it on a permanent basis? They've tried Jose Mourinho, they've tried Antonio Conte, they've tried Thomas Frank and I was someone who was all in for Thomas Frank.'
Keane's Managerial Track Record and Potential Impact
Robbie Keane has carved out a unique managerial path, beginning with a brief stint at Indian side ATK in 2018. He later led Maccabi Tel Aviv to the Israeli Premier League title in the 2023/24 season before departing after 56 games. Since joining Ferencvaros in January 2025, he has already secured the Nemzeti Bajnokság (Hungarian top flight) title in his first season. Dawson emphasized that Keane's passion and understanding of Tottenham could be pivotal in steering the club away from relegation threats and restoring confidence among players and supporters alike.
As Spurs navigate this critical period, with important matches ahead in both domestic and European competitions, the decision on Frank's successor will be crucial. The board must weigh the options between an interim solution and a long-term appointment, with Dawson firmly backing Keane as the ideal choice to inject energy and direction into the struggling squad.
