Rob Reiner’s youngest son, Nick is in custody following the brutal murders of his parents after the pair were found dead at their home in Los Angeles yesterday
Daniel Bird Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor
View 4 Images
Rob Reiner’s son Nick in custody after gruesome murder of parents(Image: Getty Images)
Rob Reiner’s son Nick is in custody after his parents were murdered. Nick, 32, was taken into custody by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department at around 5:46am PST on Monday. He is being held on $4million bail in connection with the murder of his parents, records obtained by the Mirror have revealed.
He was arrested on Sunday at 21:15 local time and booked the following morning. Nick, who is said to live in the Los Angeles area, is very rarely seen in public after opening up about his battles with addiction in 2016. He previously opened up about going to rehab and how his addictions led him to homelessness. “I was homeless in Maine. I was homeless in New Jersey. I was homeless in Texas. I spent nights on the street. I spent weeks on the street. It was not fun,” he told People magazine in an interview in 2016.
The murder of Rob and his wife, Michele, has sent shockwaves across the globe after they allegedly had their throats slit by a relative following an argument. The agency description of Nick’s arrest states “Gang Activity.”
It’s claimed that Romy, Rob and Michele’s daughter found their bodies inside their home in Brentwood. Romy had told law enforcement that a relative “should be a suspect” because they were “dangerous”.
The Los Angeles Fire Department were called to the home to provide medical aid at 3:30pm local time on Sunday and discovered a man, 78, and a woman, 68, were already dead upon arrival. Police confirmed that both victims had suffered from lacerations “consistent with a knife [attack].”
A spokesperson for the Reiner family said: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time.”
Meanwhile, Rob’s eldest daughter, Tracy Reiner, who was adopted by the star during his first marriage to Penny Marshall, said she was in “shock.” Speaking to NBC, she said: “I came from the greatest family ever. I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock.”
She told how she had seen her father the day before for a family gathering. “I came from the greatest family ever,” she said. “I don’t know what to say. I’m in shock.” A senior officer told the Mirror that investigators intended to speak with all relevant family members and associates as part of a routine procedure in a case of this nature.
“We’re going to try to speak to every family member that we can to get to the facts of this investigation,” the officer said, adding that detectives were set to re-enter the sprawling six-bedroomed property to conduct a detailed forensic examination.He noted that the house had been left in the same condition as when officers first arrived, after police determined there was no ongoing threat.
Police had already questioned a relative of Rob over the alleged murder. During a press conference late on Sunday evening, police said they were seeking to obtain a search warrant for a home and were “not looking for anyone as a suspect or in any other manner,” before adding that they would continue with their investigations.
Alan Hamilton, deputy police chief of Los Angeles, confirmed that the force would continue to interview several members of the family. There were no signs of forced entry on the $13.5 million mansion.
In a statement shared on X, formerly known as Twitter on Sunday, the police department said: “LAPD officers responded to a death investigation in the 200 block of S. Chadbourne Ave. Inside the residence, officers discovered 2 decedents. The identity of the decedents has not yet been confirmed.
Article continues below
“Robbery Homicide Division (RHD) responded to the residence, which has been identified as the home of Rob Reiner. At this time, no further details are available as this is an ongoing RHD investigation, into an apparent homicide.”
The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has dismissed a suit seeking to declare the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) and the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) Acts as unconstitutional.
This decision affirms the legality of government-established religious commissions in the country.
Justice Akintayo Aluko held that the Applicant, Human Rights and Empowerment Project Ltd/Gte, failed to provide credible evidence that the statutes violated Sections 10 and 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
On October 17, 2024, the Applicant had approached the court, seeking a series of declarations and orders.
These included a declaration that the NCPC and NAHCON Acts were inconsistent with the Constitution, and an order restraining the Federal Government from funding or subsidising religious pilgrimages for Christians and Muslims.
The suit argued that such sponsorship was discriminatory against adherents of other faiths and amounted to an unconstitutional adoption of state religion.
READ ALSO: Supreme Court Upholds President’s Power To Declare Emergency Rule, Suspend Elected Officials
In its affidavit, the Applicant relied largely on newspaper reports and argued that government allocations for pilgrimages amounted to misuse of taxpayers’ funds.
The Applicant also sought to highlight alleged breaches of the fundamental right to freedom from discrimination under Section 42 of the Constitution.
During the hearing on October 9, 2025, counsel for the Applicant urged the court to hold that government sponsorship of pilgrimages breached constitutional provisions, noting that restricting funding to only Christian and Muslim pilgrims was discriminatory.
However, the 4th Respondent, NAHCON, countered that all Hajj payments were made directly by intending pilgrims through state-level Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, not from public funds.
Counsel for NAHCON further submitted that the existence of the religious commissions did not amount to adopting a state religion, and that the Applicant had not shown any identifiable group of citizens whose rights were violated.
In resolving the first issue, Justice Aluko examined the provisions of Sections 10 and 42 of the Constitution. Section 10 prohibits any government from adopting a religion as a state religion, while Section 42 protects citizens from discrimination based on religion, ethnicity, or other grounds.
The court held that there was no credible evidence that either Act led to the adoption of a state religion or violated the right to freedom from discrimination.
On the second issue regarding the alleged misuse of taxpayers’ funds, the court noted that the Applicant’s own evidence indicated that the Lagos State Government had saved N4.5 billion over three years by ceasing the sponsorship of pilgrimages, redirecting the funds to infrastructure projects.
Justice Aluko emphasised that the Applicant’s reliance on newspaper publications was inadequate, describing such evidence as hearsay unless properly certified under the law.
The judgment also highlighted that declaratory reliefs require strong and convincing proof, which the Applicant failed to provide.
The court stressed that allegations without concrete evidence, particularly those relying on speculation or media reports, could not sustain a constitutional claim.
The TV presenter has shared an update on his life after splitting from his wife after seven years of marriage and a rather awkward moment on Loose Women went viral
Ellie Fry Assistant Head of Features (Audience)
From family rows to looming separations, the past year has proved a turbulent journey for Jeff Brazier and his sons. When Jade Goody heartbreakingly passed away from cervical cancer at just 27, her former partner Jeff faced the agonising task of telling their two boys – five-year-old Bobby and four-year-old Freddy at the time.
Since that crushing moment, he’s shouldered the responsibility of being both mother and father to his children, thrust into solo parenting with an overwhelming determination to preserve their mum’s legacy. In the final days before Jade’s passing, the former pair poignantly penned a story for their sons explaining how she would transform into a star in the heavens that they could always glimpse.
“She didn’t want to tell them, but she knew she had to do it because she wanted them to know the truth. The thought of that always reduces me to tears. Our poor boys, poor Jade,” Jeff said. Sixteen years later, the tight-knit family unit that Jeff has battled so fiercely to safeguard seems to be crumbling.
The television personality parted ways with spouse Kate Dwyer for the second time, earlier this year. Sources suggest that PR expert Kate, 35, departed their family home two months ago, with Jeff announcing on social media that their relationship had reached its end. In November, Jeff, 46, wrote: “‘I’m so full of love and gratitude for Kate. For all we achieved, for how much we grew, for everything we endured. We separated in the summer and kept it private for as long as we could to give us some time to adjust. We both deserve complete happiness and we’re upset that we ultimately couldn’t be that for one another and It felt time to let it go.” Ahead of announcing the split, he appeared on GMB without his wedding ring, whilst Kate reportedly also removed hers following a trip to Las Vegas for the Grand Prix. The pair had previously separated in 2022 before getting back together seven months down the line.
Kate has reportedly returned to her Hackney flat, according to The Sun. A source said: “It’s been an incredibly stressful year for all of them. It’s been one thing after another. The pressure they’re under has exposed the weaknesses in their marriage and it’s become too much. Kate has told friends she’s had enough. She left three weeks ago and is now living in an apartment in London.”
Discussing his fresh living arrangements, Jeff explained he’d finally chosen to branch out and prioritise his own needs. “After three years in the commuter belt to make things easy for everyone else, it was when I ultimately became a storage facility that I realised it was time to suit myself and open fields make me happy,” he penned.
It comes after Jeff left Loose Women viewers open-mouthed after appearing to take a swipe at show host, Ruth Langsford.
In a very awkward exchange, Jeff went viral after taking time during the live TV show to criticise Ruth for ‘eating into his screen time’ as he presented the competition segment on the ITV show.
Just moments after telling Ruth she looked gorgeous in her outfit, Jeff told the mum-of-one she was ‘taking up his time’ on air after she replied, briefly, to his compliment. Ruth looked stunned after Jeff’s retort, but simply said: “Whatever” before adding: “Your wish is my command.”
Insiders have since claimed while Ruth did not want to make a complaint about the comment, Jeff was given a talking to about the on-screen incident.
A Loose Women source told The Sun: “Jeff’s cross words came out of nowhere and really took Ruth aback. He was spoken to by bosses who understand he’s dealing with a lot of stress at the moment, but warned there’s no excuse for taking it out on Ruth.”
On Sunday, Jeff shared a behind the scenes set of photos following his trip to the Caribbean Island of Saint Kitts for ITV, writing: “Just had the perfect week in St Kitts thanks to @stkittstourism Celebrating the sunshine and time to reflect on life & work while spending time with the team filming for one of our big @itvwin January competitions.”
Earlier this year, Jeff had initiated court proceedings to prevent Freddy, who is set to become a father soon, from visiting his maternal grandmother, Jackiey Budden, in a bid to ‘keep him safe’ – though this has since been abandoned.
The acrimonious dispute erupted into the public arena when Jackiey delivered a scathing interview attacking Jeff, even asserting that she’s the “closest thing” the boys have “to a mum”. In a crushing blow, Freddy echoed these sentiments, stating in an interview that he ‘doesn’t want to see’ his dad and branding him as image-obsessed with no regard for ‘his own sons’. “I don’t want to see him, and I won’t see him next week on Father’s Day either,” he declared in June.
“But that’s because I feel like I’m being hung out. I don’t really deserve it.” Freddy also seemed to aim a dig at Kate when he reeled off a list of things that irritate him – including ‘step parents’. The bond between Freddy and his elder brother Bobby has also taken a battering.
Freddy confessed that he and Bobby are no longer tight – a far cry from the heartwarming moments during Strictly when Freddy and Jeff were spotted enthusiastically supporting Bobby from the audience. He revealed they are “all barely speaking,” despite having once been thick as thieves.
Following the youngest sibling’s explosive interview, Bobby finally spoke out about his brother’s conduct. Speaking to The Sun in July, he said: “Freddy’s very sensitive and wants to please. And when he grows up a little bit that will serve him well. There are things I don’t like about him and there are things about me he doesn’t like. Freddy will be OK, I don’t know if he looks up to me, but I look up to him in many ways, but he’s a good boy.”
The Strictly sensation also allegedly pulled away from his father Jeff as the family drama escalated, relocating to his own pad in Soho. He’s reportedly thrown himself into spiritual pursuits whilst trying to work through the troubled dynamic with his dad. A source close to the family revealed: “Bobby’s always had a spiritual side, but this is intentional. It’s clear he’s trying to leave all the fighting and noise behind. Freddy’s rebellion is loud – drugs, public slanging matches, and legal battles about his nana – while Bobby’s is quiet. But actually it’s just as defiant. He’s turning his back on the life his dad created for them in Essex and following his own path.”
Dr Jane Halsall, a chartered counselling psychologist, spoke to the Mirror about how grief is central to the family feud. She said: “Grief is very individual and I think that is really clear in the family system with the Braziers. Each person has tried to find their own identity but clearly struggled over the years – one struggling with addiction, one child embracing religion – it is that search for meaning and identity.
“When Jade died, the loss will have created a profound disruption to the emotional structure of the family, removing a key figure whose role had anchored the children. In stepping in to fill the gap, Jeff appears to have prioritised protecting the children and managing the practical and emotional demands of single parenting, which may have limited his ability to process his own grief.”
The expert went on: “Trying to control the dynamics, I believe has worked against Jeff. This is not his fault as he has taken on a huge responsibility but I believe that his unprocessed grief will have been the driving force. Often people try to control areas of their life as a defence to avoid sitting with their feelings. With two young children and a wife, it would make sense that they became his focus. However, as the boys have grown up and become more independent, he has less control and I wonder if that has triggered a sense of emotional dysregulation.
“With family systems theory, such role shifts can create strain over time, particularly when each family member is grieving differently and communication becomes shaped by overprotection rather than openness. The uniqueness of individual grief responses, combined with the significant developmental impact of losing a parent at a young age, can create long-standing emotional patterns that influence adult relationships.”
And Jeff wasn’t the only one caught up in the fallout, with Bobby allegedly pulling away from his stepmother as well. Last year, Kate admitted she ‘felt like a failure’ in her marriage to Jeff before coming to terms with the fact that every couple faces challenges.
She opened up about matrimony after a follower sought guidance on salvaging their own relationship. The publicist responded: “I think we are all guilty of portraying only the good bits on social media.
“Anyone who says marriage and raising kids is easy is lying in my opinion. I felt like such a failure until I realised everyone has their struggles. I would never share the details of our relationship, but the one thing I am grateful for is that my husband is just as willing to put the work into himself and the relationship as I am. You can’t ask for anything more than that.” Delving deeper into what caused the marital breakdown, Dr Halsall went on: “It is possible that Jeff has remained in a functional, caregiving mode for years, leaving little space for his own emotional integration, which in turn may have affected the couple’s intimacy, communication, and capacity to reconnect.
“Hence why the marriage has struggled. Therefore, it is really important to be able to communicate and sit with how you feel, otherwise, it can result in what we call complicated grief, which disrupts your daily functioning and emotional recovery.”
A turning point finally emerged in the Brazier family rift when Jeff’s lads set aside their differences to rally behind their father during his West End debut in 101 Dalmatians: The Musical towards the end of July. Beaming dad Jeff shared an adorable photo of the threesome and penned: “So lovely to have both the lads come along to watch me in @101dalmatiansuk. I love how much it made them laugh and it was really special that they were both there to support me. Thanks for coming @freddybrazier_ @bobbybrazier.”
Freddy appeared to signal that their rift had been resolved, responding: “What a show, loved every minute of it! Most of all I loved watching you just play and have fun. I love you Dad.” Just days following their public reconciliation, the troubled young man opened up about the devastating truth behind his bond with his grandmother Jackiey, and what created distance between him and his father.
“I’ve been smoking since I was 12,” he revealed. “I’ve been to rehab, I’ve been sectioned, I’ve had manic episodes, I’ve been in cells. There’s been a real journey and it’s been a tough one.” The 21 year old also seemed to disclose that he had heartbreakingly ‘tried to end it all’ by ‘crashing his car’ during a ‘manic episode’.
He further alleged that his grandmother Jackiey was responsible for getting him “hooked” on drugs. “My nan was definitely the person who not only introduced me to weed but got me hooked,” Freddy revealed.
Speaking about his bond with father Jeff and explaining why he spent considerable time with his grandmother, Freddy poignantly shared: “I feel like if I didn’t prioritise the relationship with my mum’s mum Jackiey… I was scared that if I wasn’t [around her], she’d kill herself. And I had that in my head for so long to the point where I pushed my dad away and I was at my nan’s for months, go on mad ones..
“I’ve been smoking from the age of 12 and it’s time to stop,” he openly admitted. “It was a bad coping mechanism that turned into an addiction – something I relied on and something that made me feel sane and somewhat OK.”
Freddy revealed his desire to get “clean” in order to repair his bonds with Jeff and Jackiey. He stated: “I want to be happy and be in a healthy relationship and have a healthy relationship with my Nana and my father.” Freddy’s courageous confession about his battles offers hope for healing between the two lads and Jeff. With a baby on the horizon and his dad apparently navigating a tough separation, they’ll probably require each other’s support more than ever.
Article continues below
Never one to dodge the challenges of raising children whilst grieving, Jeff reflected last year: “I think when the boys lost their mum I really doubled down on putting all of my time, effort, attention, focus on my children. I needed to be there, helping them to navigate whatever the future was going to look like for them given their loss. And I’m still playing that role.”
The fleece star print cuffed hem pyjama set is trending at M&S and has been reduced from £20 to £16 – and shoppers can get it for even less with a handy deal stack
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
View 3 Images
Marks and Spencer shoppers race to buy heavily reduced Christmas fleece lounge wear set for 87p in deal stack(Image: Marks and Spencer)
With the chillier months officially upon us, securing the right pyjamas for bedtime is key to staying cosy – and it can even help save on heating and gas bills. Now, shoppers can pocket even more savings with a fantastic deal on a bestselling pyjama set from M&S.
The fleece star print cuffed hem pyjama set has been reduced to £16 from £20 on the website, but fashion enthusiasts can snag it for less than £1 thanks to a TopCashback deal. For those who are new members to both TopCashback and M&S, they can nab the set for £0.87 after cashback, and for those only new to M&S, they can get it for £15.87 after cashback.
The pyjama set is trending on M&S’ site and has been purchased over 100 times in the last 48 hours. It’s available in sizes S to XXL and comes in the colours pink mix, black mix, ivory mix and purple mix, ensuring there’s an option for everyone.
With customers stating it ‘fits true to size,’ buyers are guaranteed to be comfortable whenever they’re snuggled up in their new pyjamas. They’re designed to be a ‘comfy regular fit’ and have cuffs on the long sleeves and legs to keep the warmth in.
The bottoms also feature an elasticated waistband and they’re crafted from a ‘cosy soft fleece’. Made from 100% polyester, the fleece star print cuffed hem pyjama set is a brilliant choice for those wanting to stay both stylish and warm this winter, reports the Manchester Evening News.
READ MORE: Ugg’s stylish clogs ‘keep feet so warm’ and are now 70% off in flash sale
READ MORE: Stacey Solomon says her under-£20 hand warmers are her ‘best discovery of 2025’
Another option is the light pink contrast trim revere collar pyjama set for £27.99 from New Look. This comes in sizes medium, large and extra large, as well as a variety of other colours, including black (£20.99), marl grey (£16.79) and mink (£20.99), among others.
A second choice is the Lipsy lilac purple long sleeve printed satin pyjamas set for £45 from Next. This set is available in both regular and petite fittings, as well as sizes XS to large.
However, shoppers have left more than 200 reviews on the fleece star print cuffed hem pyjama set from M&S. One person commented: “Excellent pyjamas, just what I was looking for. Warm and cosy and fit well.”
A second wrote: “Lovely soft, comfortable true fit. Good quality and great price.” While a third said: “Bought for my niece, they feel warm and cosy – soft on skin.”
A few others had slight reservations, as one said: “Warm, comfortable, a good size, might be a little short if you’re tall!” Another said: “Lovely soft and well made pjs. Loved the purple colour. Bought as a present. Would have been five stars but cuffs on the sleeve could have been a bit stretchier like the trouser cuffs.”
The fleece star print cuffed hem pyjama set is available from M&S.
Article continues below
How to get the M&S pyjama set via TopCashback for 87p
In the away end of the City Ground on Sunday, every Tottenham Hotspur supporter was given a free scarf by the club.
For at least one Spurs supporter, the knitwear was most useful for shielding their eyes from another dismal display by their team.
Spurs were beaten 3-0 by Nottingham Forest, a result which leaves them 11th in the Premier League, six points off the top four.
Under manager Thomas Frank, Spurs have lost as many league games as they have won this season and been beaten in three of their previous five.
For some Spurs fans, the comedown six months on from their Europa League triumph is impossible to take and they have turned on Frank.
The former Brentford manager’s direct style of play, at times poorly implemented by the players, has also not endeared him to some supporters.
What have the fans had to say?
Getty Images
Ali Speechly
Fan writer
Just when you think it is safe to watch Spurs again, they deliver another nightmarish performance.
With consecutive positive performances at home in the Premier League and Champions League last week, it looked as though Thomas Frank’s team was starting to build some consistency.
However, after a painfully pessimistic performance against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, Spurs confirmed that they remain well and truly wedged in the ‘storming’ phase of team development.
When viewed through this lens, you can understand why Frank appears relatively calm on the touchline and in his post-match interviews. The project manager in him knows that change takes time, and what appears to be chaos from the outside is actually an integral part of the transformation needed at this club.
Unfortunately for Frank, and anyone else who agrees with him that “this is not a quick fix”, in recent years managers at Spurs have not been given long to turn things around.
Hopefully, this time will be different.
In many respects, Frank’s appointment at Spurs reminds me of when Gareth Southgate took the England job. Many questioned his experience and doubted his suitability at that level too.
While ultimately Southgate did not win anything with England, he did the unenviable but necessary work of changing the culture and laying the foundations for future success. He turned them into a team that justified the hype.
I still think Frank is capable of achieving the cultural change needed at Spurs, but as fans we have to start by being honest that we are not the team we want to be. Not yet.
Frank backing ‘not universal’ at Spurs – but no ‘knee-jerk reaction’
Getty Images
Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent
There is unlikely to be a knee-jerk reaction at Tottenham to Sunday’s disappointing loss at Nottingham Forest.
Thomas Frank’s future has been thrust back into the spotlight once again following the 3-0 loss at the City Ground that, not for the first time this season, sparked anger from Spurs supporters towards their head coach.
But for the time being, there is no sense that the Dane’s future is under any immediate threat despite the lacklustre level of performance against Forest.
For context, Tottenham were on the back of a three-match unbeaten run ahead of Sunday’s loss – a credible 2-2 draw at Newcastle was followed by two straight victories over Brentford and Slavia Prague.
Prior to the loss to Sean Dyche’s side there had been shoots of improvement, so with that said Sunday’s loss is unlikely to prompt an immediate change of tact.
That’s not to say that the backing for Frank is entirely universal behind the scenes at the north London club.
Following the home loss to Fulham on November 29, which extended a worrying run of just one victory in eight matches, well-placed sources told BBC Sport at the time that Frank’s performance had come increasing internal scrutiny.
The apparent disdain from sections of supporters towards Frank during the opening half of the season is also an unsavoury dynamic that has not gone unnoticed.
Spurs, though, are yet to reach a point so far this season whereby they have given serious consideration to dispensing with Frank.
There is an acknowledgement that there will be bumps in the road, though you can imagine Frank can ill-afford many days like Sunday if those aforementioned doubts aren’t to resurface more prominently in the coming weeks.
It is also key to point out that chief executive Vinai Venkatesham was integral to Arsenal’s decision to stick with Mikel Arteta during some of the lowest depths of the Spaniard’s stewardship at the Emirates.
Arsenal are now widely viewed as one of the strongest teams in European football.
Frank has some way to go emulate Arteta – but there is currently a willingness to give him an opportunity to lay foundations towards a similar path to success.
How does Frank compare to Ange?
Getty Images
Sunday’s loss at Forest marked Frank reaching a quarter-century of matches in charge of Spurs. Like England’s batters in the Ashes, a ton or even a half-century is far from guaranteed.
In his 25 games across all competitions, the Dane has won 10 matches and lost nine.
Those nine defeats include on penalties against PSG in the Uefa Super Cup, a 2-0 loss to Newcastle in the League Cup, and Premier League defeats including a 4-1 hammering off local rivals Arsenal.
This mixed bag of form has seen some supporters pining for the return of former manager Ange Postecoglou, and his often entertaining tactic of ‘Angeball’.
It was of course the Australian who ended Spurs’ 17-year wait for a trophy last season by beating Manchester United in the Europa League final.
Those supporters may be remembering Postecoglou’s first 25 games at Spurs, of which they won 14. This included a stellar start to the 2023-24 Premier League season, when Spurs won eight and drew two of their opening 10 matches.
But they may do well to remember the 60-year-old’s final 25 games in charge, which included Spurs spiralling to 17th in the Premier League last season – their worst finish since the formation of the league.
In the away end of the City Ground on Sunday, every Tottenham Hotspur supporter was given a free scarf by the club.
For at least one Spurs supporter, the knitwear was most useful for shielding their eyes from another dismal display by their team.
Spurs were beaten 3-0 by Nottingham Forest, a result which leaves them 11th in the Premier League, six points off the top four.
Under manager Thomas Frank, Spurs have lost as many league games as they have won this season and been beaten in three of their previous five.
For some Spurs fans, the comedown six months on from their Europa League triumph is impossible to take and they have turned on Frank.
The former Brentford manager’s direct style of play, at times poorly implemented by the players, has also not endeared him to some supporters.
What have the fans had to say?
Getty Images
Ali Speechly
Fan writer
Just when you think it is safe to watch Spurs again, they deliver another nightmarish performance.
With consecutive positive performances at home in the Premier League and Champions League last week, it looked as though Thomas Frank’s team was starting to build some consistency.
However, after a painfully pessimistic performance against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, Spurs confirmed that they remain well and truly wedged in the ‘storming’ phase of team development.
When viewed through this lens, you can understand why Frank appears relatively calm on the touchline and in his post-match interviews. The project manager in him knows that change takes time, and what appears to be chaos from the outside is actually an integral part of the transformation needed at this club.
Unfortunately for Frank, and anyone else who agrees with him that “this is not a quick fix”, in recent years managers at Spurs have not been given long to turn things around.
Hopefully, this time will be different.
In many respects, Frank’s appointment at Spurs reminds me of when Gareth Southgate took the England job. Many questioned his experience and doubted his suitability at that level too.
While ultimately Southgate did not win anything with England, he did the unenviable but necessary work of changing the culture and laying the foundations for future success. He turned them into a team that justified the hype.
I still think Frank is capable of achieving the cultural change needed at Spurs, but as fans we have to start by being honest that we are not the team we want to be. Not yet.
Frank backing ‘not universal’ at Spurs – but no ‘knee-jerk reaction’
Getty Images
Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent
There is unlikely to be a knee-jerk reaction at Tottenham to Sunday’s disappointing loss at Nottingham Forest.
Thomas Frank’s future has been thrust back into the spotlight once again following the 3-0 loss at the City Ground that, not for the first time this season, sparked anger from Spurs supporters towards their head coach.
But for the time being, there is no sense that the Dane’s future is under any immediate threat despite the lacklustre level of performance against Forest.
For context, Tottenham were on the back of a three-match unbeaten run ahead of Sunday’s loss – a credible 2-2 draw at Newcastle was followed by two straight victories over Brentford and Slavia Prague.
Prior to the loss to Sean Dyche’s side there had been shoots of improvement, so with that said Sunday’s loss is unlikely to prompt an immediate change of tact.
That’s not to say that the backing for Frank is entirely universal behind the scenes at the north London club.
Following the home loss to Fulham on November 29, which extended a worrying run of just one victory in eight matches, well-placed sources told BBC Sport at the time that Frank’s performance had come increasing internal scrutiny.
The apparent disdain from sections of supporters towards Frank during the opening half of the season is also an unsavoury dynamic that has not gone unnoticed.
Spurs, though, are yet to reach a point so far this season whereby they have given serious consideration to dispensing with Frank.
There is an acknowledgement that there will be bumps in the road, though you can imagine Frank can ill-afford many days like Sunday if those aforementioned doubts aren’t to resurface more prominently in the coming weeks.
It is also key to point out that chief executive Vinai Venkatesham was integral to Arsenal’s decision to stick with Mikel Arteta during some of the lowest depths of the Spaniard’s stewardship at the Emirates.
Arsenal are now widely viewed as one of the strongest teams in European football.
Frank has some way to go emulate Arteta – but there is currently a willingness to give him an opportunity to lay foundations towards a similar path to success.
How does Frank compare to Ange?
Getty Images
Sunday’s loss at Forest marked Frank reaching a quarter-century of matches in charge of Spurs. Like England’s batters in the Ashes, a ton or even a half-century is far from guaranteed.
In his 25 games across all competitions, the Dane has won 10 matches and lost nine.
Those nine defeats include on penalties against PSG in the Uefa Super Cup, a 2-0 loss to Newcastle in the League Cup, and Premier League defeats including a 4-1 hammering off local rivals Arsenal.
This mixed bag of form has seen some supporters pining for the return of former manager Ange Postecoglou, and his often entertaining tactic of ‘Angeball’.
It was of course the Australian who ended Spurs’ 17-year wait for a trophy last season by beating Manchester United in the Europa League final.
Those supporters may be remembering Postecoglou’s first 25 games at Spurs, of which they won 14. This included a stellar start to the 2023-24 Premier League season, when Spurs won eight and drew two of their opening 10 matches.
But they may do well to remember the 60-year-old’s final 25 games in charge, which included Spurs spiralling to 17th in the Premier League last season – their worst finish since the formation of the league.
