Jermain Defoe makes Tottenham prediction after spending time with Thomas Frank

Jermain Defoe has seen Thomas Frank’s coaching abilities first-hand and believes the new Tottenham boss is set for a memorable first season in the White Hart Lane hotseat.

The Spurs legend, 42, was over the moon when the Dane took the job following the sacking of Ange Postecoglou, who oversaw an end to the club’s 17-year trophy drought but also their lowest Premier League finish in 48 years.

Defoe hopes an upturn in domestic fortunes is on the cards and feels Frank is the right man to instil a winning mentality. “It’s a really good appointment,” he said. “I was lucky enough to be invited into Brentford last season by Justin Cochrane, his assistant, to spend the day there.

“I was really impressed by the atmosphere of the club, the connection the players had with the manager, his messages in the training session, everything really.

“It was amazing to be there and see how he did things at the football club. You could see why they were successful and that’s why I was so happy when he got appointed.

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“The club have made some good signings and I’m really looking forward to the season.” Spurs’ build-up has been hampered by an ACL injury to James Maddison and the departure of Son Heung-min, who sits two places above Defoe in the club’s all-time goalscorers list.

But Defoe hopes there is fresh talent waiting in the wings ready to step up. "Some players are difficult to replace – when Harry (Kane) went, you were thinking ‘how are we going to replace him’,” he said.

“People like Harry and Sonny are unique footballers. Son will go down as a club legend and will be missed on and off the pitch, he’s a good guy and a good captain who led by example.

“But it’s football. Players move on and clubs have to try and move on to get that next one through the door.

“It would be nice if it was someone from the academy, producing players, and if not hopefully we can do some more business.”

Defoe was speaking as part was speaking at a KP Snacks event in Charlton Park, helping to celebrate their achievement of installing 100 all-weather, grassroots community cricket pitches across England and Wales as part of their Everyone In campaign.

He has not played the sport since his schooldays but relished taking part and seeing the opportunities on offer for children in the capital.

“It’s an amazing campaign and it’s really good to be involved,” he said. “This is pitch number 100, so it was only right that I picked the bat up and hit a six.

“To see families come out, the pros come out, and see that connection with the community is really nice. My grandad loved cricket, I remember being at my nan’s house and my grandad was always watching cricket, with his St Lucian background, supporting the West Indies.

“Years later, I was at West Ham with Shaka Hislop and through Shaka, I met Brian Lara and became friends. It’s a fantastic sport and one I want to go and watch soon.”

KP Snacks, the Official Team Partner of The Hundred, are celebrating the installation of 100 new community cricket pitches across England and Wales as part of their Everyone In campaign. To find out more and search for your nearest pitch, visit: www.everyonein.co.uk/pitchfinder .

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