Rule The Roost

Jack welcomes Lara back to the show to try and make sense of the seemingly hopeless situation at Tottenham right now. We ask the big questions: what exactly is going wrong, who is ultimately to blame for this mess, and where on earth do the club go from here? Lara also tackles a selection of listener questions, diving into some fascinating debates. We discuss which of the 'best worst' players of yesteryear you would happily take back in the current side, and explore the paradox of whether Harry Kane and Son Heung-min are simultaneously the best and worst things to happen to the club in the last 10 years. The conversation then shifts to the media landscape, asking if Spurs podcasters and creators need to be less negative to help lift the club out of its current strife. Finally, we look at actionable steps and discuss how fans can get better organised to effectively protest the current state of affairs at the club. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack welcomes Con back to the show, and he is angry. After specifically requesting to come on purely to vent his frustrations, the pair pick through the rubble of another painful North London Derby defeat. With the dust having settled slightly on the 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Arsenal, we desperately try to see if there are any positives to take forward as Tottenham find themselves thoroughly entrenched in a relegation battle. We ask the big questions: do these players actually have the stomach for a scrap at the bottom of the table? Can this squad be trusted when the pressure is truly on? We also take a microscope to some of the individual performances on the day, and speculate on the uncomfortable truth: if the unthinkable happens and Spurs do go down, who will be the first players to jump ship? Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A bit later than usual, I try my best to break down what exactly went wrong yesterday... what bits did we get right? My fears for Spurs going forwards and just a general sense of trying to get my emotions in check after what was a miserable, miserable defeat. Just when you think the pain that club dishes out on us has maybe stopped, it always seems to find a way to make itself known. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Sean Connell, Editor at The Sponsor, to dive deep into the business and commercial reality of Tottenham's current existential spiral. We start by looking at the elusive stadium naming rights. Following Sean's recent research on the fair market value of European stadiums, we ask if Daniel Levy and the current hierarchy missed the boat by holding out for unrealistic valuations while producing inconsistent results on the pitch. The conversation then tackles the recent bombshell report from Matt Law, suggesting that long-standing commercial partners are cutting ties due to the ongoing chaos and relegation fears. We get Sean's expert view on what actual power sponsors hold in these scenarios. Can they force the club into making better footballing decisions, and what can the likes of Vinai Venkatesham do to repair the toxic commercial environment? Finally, we discuss the front-of-shirt dilemma and the massive financial hit Spurs might take if they had to renegotiate their prime real estate in the current climate. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack welcomes Paul O Keefe back to the show to discuss the latest happenings at Tottenham and ask the ultimate question: is everything really as big a mess as it seems from the outside? We start by looking back at the decision to keep Thomas Frank in post for as long as the club did. Whose idea was it to delay the inevitable, and what does that hesitation say about the current power structure? Conversation then turns to Igor Tudor stepping into the hotseat. What does Paul make of the appointment? We discuss whether a strict disciplinarian can actually exert proper control over this group of players when everyone knows he is only a temporary fix. Finally, Paul answers your listener questions, including: Have the club already spoken to Mauricio Pochettino about a summer return? Will Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham be the next ones fired? What are our favourite North London Derby memories? Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack welcomes Tom Foins back to the pod to mull over the news that the majority of Thomas Frank's backroom staff have been given the chop. We discuss the brutal nature of the clearout, specifically Johnny Heitinga departing after just 33 days at the club, and the loss of highly-rated coach Justin Cochrane. Tom reflects on why this is probably for the best in the long run, but acknowledges that the saga is once again reflective of the chaotic decision-making plaguing the club. The futures of Vinai Venkatesham and Johan Lange are firmly in the spotlight. We ask if the club would be better off without them, and whether a total uprooting of the hierarchy is needed to put this miserable period behind us. Attention then turns to the appointment of Igor Tudor. We discuss what we can hope and expect from him during his time as Spurs boss, especially with such a depleted squad, will he be forced to tap into the youth team resources? Finally, we look ahead to the summer: Mauricio Pochettino seems to be the most obvious pick right now, but is he actually the right one? Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack jumps on an impromptu call with Gazzetta dello Sport's Tommy Milanese to react to the breaking news that Igor Tudor is all but confirmed as Tottenham's new interim manager. We dig into Tudor's reputation in Italy to find out exactly what we are getting. Tommy gives the lowdown on his mixed spells with Lazio and Juventus (including that recent 8-game winless run), and we discuss whether his abrasive, high-intensity tactical style can actually blend with this specific group of players, or if it's a disaster waiting to happen. We also ask the big questions: will he be willing to incorporate the youth players Spurs are so reliant on? And crucially, is he the man to save us from the drop? Tommy also shares some fascinating insight into Fabio Paratici's reputation in Italy, and shares a brilliant anecdote about an impromptu lunch date with Jose Mourinho during his time working for the club. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Jon Bass to discuss the sacking of Thomas Frank. We look back on his time at the club and ask the burning question: why on earth did it take the board this long to remove a man who was clearly incompetent for the role? We reflect on the damage done and the "existential spiral" the club now finds itself in. Attention then turns to the future. We mull over potential alternative appointments, both on an interim basis to save our season, and the long-term vision required to fix the mess. Jon also answers your listener questions, including a deep dive into whether the injuries are actually being caused by the stadium's retractable surface, and a shout for a "left-field" appointment with a little-known coysy affiliation. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thomas Frank is gone - official announcement. Tottenham's worst manager of the Premier League era and one of their worst managers of all time... but is it all his fault? Whatever the case, something had to change... but who now? Cochrane? Heitinga? Mason? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Say it again, Jack... Tottenham lose again. Surely the game that seals Thomas Frank's fate? Results around Spurs conspiring to give the league table a very concerning glow. Where are the wins coming from? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack welcomes Con back to the show to reflect upon the defeat at Old Trafford that pushes Spurs perilously close to the relegation zone. We ask the uncomfortable question: is this actually going to happen? Do we have enough about us to avoid the drop, or is the club sleepwalking into disaster? We discuss the failings of Thomas Frank, his system, his demeanour, and the uninspiring displays that seem to be dragging the club down. The conversation goes deep on Cristian Romero's red card. Was it a red? Is he refereed differently to other players due to media narratives? We also address the growing calls from some Spurs fans who label the vice-captain a "liability" and ask if they are right or simply buying into the external noise. We couldn't record this without talking about Mauricio Pochettino's appearance on the High Performance podcast, where he seemed to be fluttering his eyelashes at Tottenham once again. Is a return destiny, or just emotional wistful thinking when we need a proper strategy? Finally, we look ahead to Tuesday's crunch game against Newcastle at White Hart Lane, a match that feels like a must-win for both the manager and the club's survival hopes. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Spurs lose again. Something I'm getting bored of typing. Sure, Manchester United have been reinvigorated by Michael Carrick, but it's still frustrating to see Spurs put in such a meek showing against a side that we beat four times last season. The Cristian Romero debate will rage on, was it a red, wasn't it? Either way, the timing is somewhat ironic, giving his bemoaning of the team being short of players. Udogie limping off again, completed a miserable afternoon for Spurs that again asks the question...where are the points coming from? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack welcomes Billie T (When The Whistle Blows) back to the podcast to pile into the post-transfer window anguish at Tottenham. We start on a lighter note with a story about Billie virtually rubbing shoulders with Xavi Simons, and explore the unlikely connection between the Dutch playmaker and the joys of Chas & Dave. Conversation quickly turns serious as we discuss Cristian Romero's inflammatory Instagram post. Was he right to air his frustrations, or should the club captain keep the dirty laundry private? We ask if this is the beginning of the end for his time at Spurs and if we would consider selling him in the summer. We also analyse Johan Lange's interview on the club channels after the window closed, discussing why the Technical Director cuts such an uninspiring figure during a time of crisis. Finally, Billie answers listener questions, including a chat around Change For Tottenham's attempted 75th-minute walkout protest against Man City, and how the group might change their tactics in the future. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Phil to unpack another transfer window of frustration as the deadline SLAMS shut. Spurs failed to get any significant last-minute deals across the line, leaving the fanbase refreshing their feeds only to see more youthful acquisitions rather than the first-team ready starters we desperately need. We ask if this is a major worry for the remainder of the campaign. With the squad looking threadbare to say the least, have the club taken a massive gamble by refusing to strengthen the senior ranks when we needed it most? Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club is officially a social experiment... with about five fit players at our disposal, we still somehow managed to avert disaster at home to Man City in a game that at half time looked like it was set up to be a cricket score... Yes, it may have given Arsenal a slightly advantage, but this is about Spurs getting precious points. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Gavin to reflect on the joys of European football and ask why Tottenham aren't more loud and proud about their pedigree in continental competition. We discuss the bizarre duality of the current season: finishing in the top 4 of the Champions League phase, yet languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League with the threat of relegation breathing down our necks. Does the European success buy Thomas Frank more time, or is his number up regardless of our continental adventures? The pair also discuss the ownership, looking for any clues in their recent behaviour, before answering your questions. Topics covered include whether it is now compulsory for the Spurs transfer committee to prioritise "old hard men" over technical footballers, and we finish on a lighter note with a chat about our favourite non-alcoholic drinks. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Spurs continue their hot form in Europe. There is nothing about this club that makes sense. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Billie T to react to Tottenham's last-gasp draw with Burnley. We discuss how Cristian Romero turned goalscorer, a consistent theme this season, to snatch a point from the jaws of a terrible defeat. But the bigger question remains: how is Thomas Frank still in charge? We react to the particularly uncomfortable video of his interaction with fans after the final whistle, and discuss whether the board are ignoring the reality of a fanbase that is incredibly unhappy. We delve into the "data vs context" debate, apparently the underlying numbers suggest a slight upturn, but does that matter when the team looks so uninspired and lacking direction? Conversation moves to the ongoing experiment with Djed Spence in an attacking role, and the rumours linking Andy Robertson to the club. Have we become a donkey sanctuary for aging stars? We also weigh up the reports suggesting Guglielmo Vicario could be sold to Inter Milan. Finally, Billie fills us in on the latest Change For Tottenham initiative ahead of further planned action at the Man City game. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

By the skin of their teeth, Spurs squeezed out a draw away at Burnley. Surely that's it for Thomas Frank? Also, why is it only our defenders that score goals? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Charlie Parrish to react to the FA Cup exit at the hands of Aston Villa. We start with the grim realisation that, once again, Tottenham's vague hopes of silverware have been all but extinguished in January. We discuss the apathy of facing the next five months playing for nothing but league position, and why this specific failure feels like the final straw for many. Conversation turns to the toxic atmosphere inside the stadium, specifically the moment Spurs fans joined the away end in singing "You're getting sacked in the morning" at Thomas Frank. Is the relationship now terminally broken? We then analyse the performance itself: a shambolic first half followed by a spirited second. We discuss the theory that Xavi Simons and the squad looked significantly better only when they seemingly stopped following the manager's rigid instructions and started playing with freedom. Finally, we react to the news confirmed by David Ornstein that Fabio Paratici is set to leave the club for Fiorentina, and what that means for the structure of the club moving forward. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Spurs are out of the FA Cup - a spirited fightback in the second half, likely against the manger's wishes, wasn't enough to see us overcome a Villa side now rapidly overtaking us. What a miserable affair. Time to go? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Paul O Keefe to pick through the debris of the current Tottenham Hotspur debacle. We break down exactly what Thomas Frank is getting wrong, tactically and emotionally, but ask if he is merely one piece in a much larger puzzle of failure, with all roads ultimately leading back to the ownership. Discussion turns to the January window: with the club seemingly obsessed with "prospects" and "possibles" for the future, will we actually see any first-team action to help us in the here and now? Paul also fields your questions, so buckle up and enjoy. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tottenham lose again - and of course Semenyo completes his hero's farewell narrative. Spurs look like they're in terminal decline... is relegation just catastrophising or do we need to start seriously shaping up? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Content Warning: This is a severely moany podcast. Jack is joined by Jon Bass to pick through the wreckage of the shambolic performance against Sunderland. But if you are on the hunt for catharsis, this is the place to find it. We discuss Thomas Frank's dreary outlook and demeanour, arguing that he is dragging the club down and simply has to go. But we also acknowledge that the buck doesn't stop with him, even with Daniel Levy gone, where is the vision from the club's hierarchy? It feels like the same old story. We then look ahead to the summer and debate the rumours of a Mauricio Pochettino return, weighing up the pros and cons of one last dance with El Jefe. Finally, we look ahead to tomorrow's opponents, Bournemouth, and ask if Spurs missed a trick with Antoine Semenyo seemingly off to Man City, or if we were right to pass. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After some promising opening exchanges, Spurs failed to keep the lead at home to Sunderland - a game that our manager Thomas Frank heralded as a 'tricky one' - Sunderland at home. The welcome inclusion of Mathys Tel gave us some much needed attacking invention, but as the game went on, we reverted to type and tried our best to hold onto the lead at home to Sunderland...and failed. This can't go on, can it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke to dive straight into the terrible display at the G-Tech Community Stadium. We ask if JPB has been surprised by how Thomas Frank's tenure has unfolded thus far, and address the scenes in the away end, did the manager deserve to be heartily booed? We discuss whether Frank is failing to read the room and if he is dangerously out of tune with the emotional beat of the fanbase. Crucially, we debate the big decision: should Spurs stick with him until the end of the season, or is it time to look for a replacement now? Listener questions cover whether Frank understands the correlation between ticket prices and fan patience, and if Spurs are now only capable of fishing in the "Frank pond" rather than attracting elite names like Xabi Alonso or Julian Nagelsmann. Finally, things get lighter as we find out Jack's darts nickname and walk-out tune. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Spurs grind out a 1-1 draw with Brentford on New Years Day. An uninspiring game in which Spurs registered ONE shot on target. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Quizmaster Foins is back for the most eagerly anticipated moment of the Tottenham quiz calendar. It is time for the annual send-off. Grab a drink and play along at home as Foins delivers his brain-busting Spurs trivia to see who really knows their stuff. The reigning champions, "The Journalists" (Dan Kilpatrick and Sean Walsh), are back to defend their crown. Standing in their way are Rosa and Billie from the Hometown Glory podcast, while Jack steps out from behind the host's desk to compete against them all for the ultimate bragging rights. Thank you to everyone for your incredible support throughout the year - have fun with this one, and we will see you in 2026! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Phil to discuss the 1-0 win away at Crystal Palace. We explore why so many Spurs fans feel unhappy despite the result and debate the current mood of the fanbase. We ask the difficult questions about the style of play: are we seeing the progress we want, and where can we find the glimmers of hope that we are building towards something bigger? There is also an impassioned discussion about VAR. What is it taking from the game, who is it serving, and is it hampering the pure joy of football? Finally, we react to the big news from Alasdair Gold that Vinai Venkatesham is set to lift the wage ceiling at Spurs. We discuss if this is the game-changer the club needs to attract a higher calibre of player, and whether we are currently in a position to lure that elite talent to N17. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Spurs win! It's a Christmas miracle! It doesn't always have to be pretty, sometimes it can be ugly - a reversal in fortunes was needed, and getting a win away at Selhurst is no small feat, especially under the guidance of Oliver Glasner. Archie Gray the hero after TWO of Richarlison's efforts were adjudged to have been offside as football becomes the snake eating its own tail. Isn't this game supposed to be exciting? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Merry Christmas from Rule The Roost. Whether you are avoiding conversations with your racist uncle, on a post-dinner dog walk, or just trying to escape the washing up Jack is here with a festive stocking filler. Yeah, things haven't been great, but as it's Christmas, let's focus on the good times. Jack has asked friends of the show, familiar voices from the Rule The Roost universe, and the wider Spurs podcasting community to send in their absolute favourite Tottenham memories. It is a compilation of nostalgia, joy, and a necessary reminder of exactly why we love this lump of coal of a football club. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Phil to reflect on the weekend's loss to Liverpool. While losing to Liverpool is fairly commonplace for Tottenham, we discuss why the continued poor results and wretched home form are now a cause for major concern. We ask the uncomfortable question: Are Spurs actually too big to go down? We then dive into the psyche of the fanbase and the debate around "purity of ethos" versus winning at all costs. Does a rigid focus on playing a certain way hamper the club's ambition, or is that identity the only thing that matters? Finally, we delve into the Tottenham career of Fabio Paratici, who is reportedly on the verge of a move to Fiorentina. We question whether we will actually feel his loss, and run the rule over the signings made under his stewardship. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack reflects off the back of yet another home defeat and defeat to Liverpool - something you'd think we're accustomed to be now, but still the frustration grows. From bad refereeing to questionable decision making from the players - it still felt like a largely uninspiring affair, aside from a rousing ending spearheaded by Richarlison. It needn't be all negatives, but we seriously need to start winning games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Billie T to dive back into the shocking performance against Nottingham Forest, lamenting the wheels coming off the previous (minor) upturn in form. We ask if Spurs fans are being too hasty and emotional in calling for Thomas Frank's head now? Should we stick with him and ride this out, or is it only right that we hold dear to our identity as an attacking side and refuse to compromise? We try to find some positivity amidst the mire of the season, touching on the growing partnership between Xavi Simons and Archie Gray, and why the increased inclusion of the latter shouldn't become a culture war. Billie then answers your questions, discussing the idea of Mohammed Kudus playing a central midfield role to emulate Mousa Dembélé, and which fixture we would choose to play without VAR. Things then get a bit festive as we find out Billie's all-time favourite Christmas present and his definitive Christmas dinner side. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Mark Nesbit to discuss the fallout from Tottenham's humbling at the hands of Nottingham Forest. We dive into the "who was to blame" debate between Archie Gray and Guglielmo Vicario, which leads to a wider conversation about the goalkeeper spot. Is it imperative we replace him? And if the backup options aren't good enough either, is this just another sign that the recruitment and talent ID at the club is broken? We discuss whether this is Daniel Levy's legacy playing out before our eyes, and why the Lewis family need to address this sooner rather than later to stop the club sliding into a death spiral. Finally, we get onto Thomas Frank, should he be sacked? Would it be unhealthy to replace another manager so soon, and if we did, who on earth would take over? Theme Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After some promising form, a strangely abysmal performance from Spurs at the City ground. Forest fans will no doubt be revelling in this one after the summer's bitter back and forth between the clubs - but once again this felt like the sort of performance that Spurs might have lost, whoever the opposition was. Do Forest have better players at their disposal? Is Spurs' technical floor too low? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

GET YOUR PREVIEW PODS AND AD-FREE PODS ON PATREON.COM/RTRPOD Jack previews Forest, as the title would suggest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Adam Nathan from An Echo of Glory to react to another great night in Europe as Spurs dispatched Slavia Prague. We discuss whether Thomas Frank is finally turning the corner, fuelled by the burgeoning synergy between Xavi Simons and Archie Gray and how pivotal that partnership will be for the rest of the campaign. Conversation then shifts to Mauricio Pochettino, who told the BBC this week that he has "unfinished business" in the Premier League. We ask the big question: would we actually have him back? Is the romanticism worth the risk, or should that door remain closed? Adam then tackles listener questions, including a deep dive into the pros and cons of Pedro Porro... is his attacking output enough to justify the defensive questions? Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack welcomes Phil back to the pod to bask in the glory of the perfect weekend: a Tottenham win and an Arsenal defeat. We discuss this specific brand of joy, how football dictates our mental health, and the unique "shine" the world takes on when results go our way. We then dive into the performance against Brentford, specifically the 'redemption' of Xavi Simons. Has he finally staked his claim and he absolutely ran the show? Conversation moves to Thomas Frank, his willingness to change his stance on Simons, the newfound aggression in the side, and why we must remember that he is learning on the job. We also touch on a fantastic showing from Archie Gray, look ahead to the Champions League clash with Slavia Prague, and close with a word on Mo Salah's incendiary comments at Leed and why they make us all the more grateful for the graceful way Sonny bowed out. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Finally, Spurs win a game at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium! Xavi Simons was star of the show as Spurs overcame Thomas Frank's old side at a time when the knives were well and truly out for the Danish manager. Spurs played with more intent and purpose than we've seen in a while (outside of the PSG game) and it paid off - there surely can be no reason to not play Xavi from now on? Jack dives into his feelings on the game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Kish from Lilywhite Lab to try and make sense of the trip to St James' Park. We examine the reaction to the Newcastle game, trying to separate the emotional relief of the result from the rational assessment of the performance. Discussion then turns to the confusing case of Xavi Simons. Is his continued omission a simple struggle to adjust to the Premier League, or a more worrying reflection of a clash with Thomas Frank's style of play? We also dive into the midfield engine room and ask if it is finally time for Archie Gray to permanently displace Rodrigo Bentancur. Listener questions this week cover the Vicario Debate and whether it's time to upgrade or is the criticism overblown? And we find out who Kish would pick to replace Thomas Frank if the axe ultimately falls. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two worldies from Cristian Romero have spared Spurs yet another defeat in the Premier League after a wholly uninspiring performance from Thomas Frank's men. Tottenham's performance, however, pales in comparison to the shambolic officiating on display to award potentially the worst penalty ever seen. Jack has plenty to go on about with this one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Gavin to dissect yet another miserable afternoon in N17 as Tottenham fell to a 2-1 defeat against Fulham. We digest the reality that Spurs have managed just one home win all season, and ask if time is finally up for Thomas Frank. Is he simply unable to handle this level of football, or is it too hasty to pull the trigger? If he does go, who steps in? They look into the potential candidates to replace him and weigh up the pros and cons of another managerial reset. We also touch on the ownership, despite the noise of a boardroom reshuffle, we ask if a leopard can truly change its spots, and discuss what we actually need to see to believe the club isn't entering a death spiral. Finally, we look ahead to Tuesday night's trip to Newcastle. Is there any hope of a result at St James' Park, or are we destined for another walloping? Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the third time in less than seven days, Tottenham have tasted defeat. Only one win at home all season, and we lose to Fulham who had only one point away from home until today. Where do we go from here? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Charlie Parrish to pick the bones out of the 5-3 defeat to PSG. We discuss why, despite the result, there were genuine green shoots of promise in Paris, diving into the stylistic shifts and personnel tweaks Thomas Frank employed, and what this new look means for the rest of the season. We also debate the Xavi Simons situation, is he just taking time to adapt, or is he the latest victim of the club's disjointed squad building? Questions this week cover whether we need to ignore the spectre of Arsenal's success to truly enjoy Tottenham again, what tracks would feature on Thomas Frank's Apple playlist, and the morality of passing on Spurs fandom to our children. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is on the mic to react to a breathless 5-3 defeat to PSG in the Champions League. It was a performance that arguably defied the scoreline. Plenty of attacking promise and evidence that Thomas Frank is attempting to be more positive, but ultimately undone by moments of madness at the back and the sheer quality of PSG. Discussion covers the harsh reality of individual errors at this level, why there is reason for stoicism rather than panic, and the undeniable positives to take from a chaotic night in Paris. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices