The favourite to be Brentford’s next manager would not only be taking his first role in charge of a Premier League club, but in charge of any club at all.
Thomas Frank is the hot favourite to become the next Tottenham boss after the dismissal of Ange Postecoglou.
The Dane has been in charge of the Bees since 2018 and done a fantastic job, leading them up from the Championship and establishing them as a consistent force in the Premier League.
He now looks set to move on, with Spurs making him their number one target and Frank recognising the opportunity to take charge of the Europa League winners who will return to the Champions League next season.
A deal is far from done, but if Frank does indeed move across London to take charge of Spurs, he will need to be replaced.
The favourite with the bookmakers to be the next Bees boss is a well established coach, but will be a new name to many Premier League fans.
Justin Cochrane has been on the coaching staff with the Brentford first team since July 2022 and took up a second role with the England senior team in February this year.
On that appointment in February, he said: ‘It’s an honour to be asked to work for the senior men’s national team,” said Cochrane.
‘This is a really exciting opportunity for me and I’m extremely grateful to Brentford for allowing me to take on this role.’
Cochrane had a 13-year playing career in the lower leagues but has stepped up a level after moving into coaching.
He worked in the Tottenham academy, coached England up to Under-17 level, then became head of player development and coaching at Manchester United in 2021.
Now after his time as Frank’s assistant and working with Thomas Tuchel, he is being tipped to take over the top job at Brentford.
Next Brentford manager odds
Justin Cochrane 4/7
Kieran McKenna 7/2
Kjetil Knutsen 8/1
Danny Rohl 8/1
Michael Carrick 12/1
Edin Terzic 16/1
Steven Gerrard 16/1
Sean Dyche 16/1
Steve Copper 16/1
Gary O’Neil 16/1
Marco Rose 16/1
Odds courtesy of BetVictor
BetVictor make Cochrane the runaway favourite, with other candidates lagging a long way behind in the betting.
Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna is second-favourite, with Bodo/Glimt boss Kjetil Knutsen next in line.
Other managers considered potential contenders include Danny Rohl and Michael Carrick, while the likes of Steve Cooper, Edin Terzic and Marco Rose are outsiders.
Negotiations are ongoing between Spurs and Brentford over a deal for Frank.
The BBC report that a compensation package could exceed £10m and will rise further if Frank wants to take members of his staff with him.
A deal looks likely to be struck, though, with reports even suggesting that Frank is already trying to influence transfer policy at Tottenham.
With Bryan Mbeumo a target for Manchester United this summer, Frank has reportedly told Spurs to do their best to beat the Red Devils to sign the Brentford forward.