It’s hard to put into words what Thomas Frank means to Brentford. As a fan, and someone who has followed the club closely for years, his departure to Tottenham Hotspur feels like the end of an era. He gave us so much, not just in terms of results on the pitch, but also in terms of a feeling – a belief that we could compete, that we belonged.
When he took over from Dean Smith in 2018, it felt like a natural progression. He’d been part of the setup, understood the club's values and the direction we were heading. But I don't think anyone could have predicted the incredible journey we were about to embark on. He instilled a real sense of identity, a tactical clarity that transformed us into one of the Championship's most exciting teams.
That attacking trio of Benrahma, Watkins and Mbeumo, the ‘BMW’ as the fans affectionately called them, was just electric. The way they tore through defenses was a joy to watch, and it culminated in that heartbreaking Play-Off Final defeat to Fulham. But even that felt like a stepping stone. Thomas didn’t let it derail us. He rebuilt, he evolved, and he found a way to make us even stronger.
The promotion to the Premier League in 2021 was the culmination of everything. It was a dream come true, something I, and many other Brentford fans, had waited a lifetime to see. And Thomas was the man who delivered it. He became only the second manager to lead Brentford into the top flight. The celebrations that day at Wembley will forever be etched in my memory.
But it wasn’t just about getting us there. It was about establishing ourselves, proving we weren’t just a flash in the pan. And he did that, too. He made us competitive, difficult to beat, and he even managed to secure a top-half finish. His tactical nous, his ability to adapt, and his calm leadership were evident for all to see. He turned Brentford into a model club, an example of how to punch above your weight with smart recruitment and a clear vision.
What I’ll remember most about Thomas is the connection he had with the fans. He understood the club, the community, and what it meant to be a Brentford supporter. He always had time for people, always spoke with honesty and passion. He made us feel like we were all in it together.
Of course, there will be disappointment that he’s left. It's a huge blow to lose such a talented manager, especially to a club like Tottenham. But I also understand his decision. He's ambitious, he wants to test himself at the highest level, and he's earned that opportunity. And honestly, you can't begrudge him that.
Brentford will move on, of course. The club has a strong structure in place, a clear philosophy, and a fantastic group of players. But Thomas Frank will always be a legend at Brentford. He gave us so much, for so long. He’ll be truly missed. I wish him all the best at Tottenham, even if it feels a little strange to say it. Thank you, Thomas, for everything.
