Brentford head coach Thomas Frank would likely “consider” taking the West Ham job if it becomes available again in the future, according to Sky Sports presenter Dougie Critchley.

Julen Lopetegui was only appointed in the summer but the Hammers’ poor start to the season has already led to speculation about a potential change in the dugout. Critchley claims Frank (who has also been linked with Manchester United) deserves a shot at a high-profile club:

“If he (Lopetegui) was removed from his job, I think Thomas Frank would be a really, really smart appointment. Thomas Frank, I would love for him to get a traditional Big Six job as I mentioned with Man United, I think he would do a very effective job there as well.”

“It maybe feels like he might have missed the boat now that Ange Postecoglou’s at Spurs, are Man United are going to take a leap to go for Thomas Frank? That would feel very bold given his record is at Brentford really, it’s not any higher than that.”

“But I would love to see him get a chance at a club like West Ham because I do think he really deserves it. I think if a club like West Ham came to the table for Thomas Frank, I think he would really consider it.”

Lopetegui will be given time to right the ship

Technical director Tim Steidten has made it clear that the current head coach will be afforded the opportunity to improve on West Ham’s underwhelming start.

After beating Ipswich Town 4-1 before the international break, there is no immediate pressure on Lopetegui anyway and there are definitely mitigating circumstances.

With 9 new first-team players, it was always going to be tough for the team to gel straight away. In that context, 8 points from 7 league games is not disastrous.

Why was Frank overlooked for the West Ham job in the summer?

Some fans may rightly ask why the Dane wasn’t even considered as David Moyes’ successor. Brentford have had a decent start to the season, sitting ahead of the Irons in 11th place.

However, if you cast your mind back to the end of the 2023/24 campaign, you can understand the reasoning behind snubbing Frank. Brentford were not in danger of being relegated but they still finished in 16th, with just 39 points.

Find out who is in West Ham’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here