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The Tottenham<\/a> hierarchy now have a huge decision to make.<\/p>\n Thomas Frank’s future at the club is uncertain. That isn’t a secret, of course – it has been the case for weeks.<\/p>\n Large sections of the supporters want him sacked. The boos that rang round Tottenham Hotspur<\/a> Stadium at full-time were testament to that prevailing feeling from a disgruntled fanbase. <\/p>\n Crucially, there has been a loss of support towards the Dane internally. <\/p>\n So, the fact Frank’s disastrous first season in charge lurched to deeper depths following this defeat by Newcastle<\/a> may have significant consequences.<\/p>\n If Nottingham Forest<\/a>, who occupy 17th, beat Wolves<\/a> on Wednesday night they will go level on points with Tottenham<\/a>.<\/p>\n Frank is understandably hesitant to admit his side are in relegation fight – but the numbers don’t lie.<\/p>\n That said, it may not be Frank’s problem for much longer – Tottenham<\/a>‘s latest loss will push the beleaguered manager closer to what appears an inevitable exit.<\/p>\n Indeed, such has been the level of contemplation regarding Frank’s immediate future at Tottenham<\/a> in recent weeks that this loss will almost certainly trigger further soul-searching from the club’s leadership group.<\/p>\n The fact the Spurs board have stuck by Frank during such a difficult period proves they want the appointment to work. <\/p>\n The easier decision would have been to show Frank the door by now.<\/p>\n However, the Tottenham<\/a> hierarchy believe Frank has been dealt a rough hand.<\/p>\n There’s an acknowledgment that the season has been disrupted by multiple injuries to key players.<\/p>\n There is also recognition that the squad needs repair work – particularly considering the departures of their two main sources of goals in Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.<\/p>\n There is also a sense behind the scenes that the squad is lacking in leadership. It was why they signed England international Conor Gallagher and tried to land Andy Robertson from Liverpool<\/a> – both with plenty of Premier League experience.<\/p>\n There is also a sense from Tottenham<\/a>‘s executive team that the club require a period of managerial stability.<\/p>\n But by the same token, sources have told BBC Sport that work towards a contingency plan in the event they make a decision they really don’t want to make illustrates the precarity of Frank’s position.<\/p>\n If the club decide to part with Frank in the immediate aftermath of this Newcastle<\/a> defeat, they will have 12 days until their next fixture against Arsenal<\/a> on 22 February. <\/p>\n That leaves Tottenham<\/a> with a prolonged window to execute their replacement plan and leave Frank’s successor with time to implement a blueprint for the north London derby.<\/p>\n The pressure on Frank is at breaking point. We are about to find out if Tottenham<\/a> crack.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n