Rule The Roost - A Tottenham Hotspur Podcast

Jack is joined by Goal.com's Sean Walsh to discuss Tottenham's brilliant win over Borussia Dortmund.

We react to a refreshing approach and performance, trying to make sense of it within the context of an otherwise awful season, though nobody should be complaining about the result right now.

We analyse the tactical shift that saw Djed Spence utilised in an advanced role, praising his partnership with Destiny Udogie on the left and asking if this is a blueprint we will see more of going forward. The pressure on Thomas Frank was immense coming into this, could this be the springboard for a genuine turnaround, or is the writing already on the wall regardless?

Sean then answers your questions, covering the questionable transfer links to two underwhelming West Ham players, and a deep dive into Tottenham's injury record which sparks a wider conversation about whether football is in danger of eating itself by pushing players' bodies to the brink.

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Spurs finally give the home support something to cheer about.

Some may worry that it’s saved Thomas Frank’s job, but the rest of us can just enjoy a Spurs victory in the Champions League.
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Jack is joined by Phil to discuss the seemingly inevitable exit of Thomas Frank that is... still yet to happen.

Despite an awful 2-1 loss at home to West Ham and intense gossip suggesting he would be sacked on Monday, the manager has apparently received a vote of confidence from the board, citing a "good lunch" with Vinai Venkatesham and Johan Lange. We ask how on earth they have come to this decision when Frank simply doesn't look fit for the role.

We also turn the spotlight on the squad. Do certain players need to take a long, hard look at themselves? Is there a culture at Tottenham that allows this group to constantly hide behind the manager or the board when things go wrong?

We discuss the rumours linking Xavi Hernandez to the job. Is he really the right man, or are there flags present already?

Finally, attention turns to the Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund. We question Frank's controversial decision to remove Mathys Tel from the European squad to reinstate Dominic Solanke, and pick through the key quotes from a defiant pre-match press conference.

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Spurs lose again. This time against West Ham. You have to ask yourself, if we're not beating them at home, who are we beating? Tottenham in what appears to be terminal form, where not even the signing of Conor Gallagher could give us a lift. Dear oh dear... how does Thomas Frank survive this?
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Note: In classic Tottenham fashion, they've announced two new staff hires immediately after we stopped recording.

Jack is joined by the Athletic's James Maw to discuss the signing of Conor Gallagher. While some fans remain unconvinced, we discuss the definite positives he brings to the midfield and why he might be exactly what this side needs.

Conversation moves to the ownership's wider strategy. Does the decision to shift Brennan Johnson, combined with paying the necessary fee to land Gallagher, signal a genuine change in how the club conducts itself? We also acknowledge the departure of Fabio Paratici and discuss Aston Villa’s strange desperation to carve out a rivalry with Tottenham.

James then answers your listener questions, including whether he would take Xabi Alonso as manager, and if a return for Mauricio Pochettino would actually be good for the club.

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