If there is an obvious void in Thomas Frank’s credentials to manage Tottenham it comes in Europe.
His experience is minimal and Bill Nicholson, the most illustrious of his predecessors, once claimed the club was ‘nothing’ without European football.
It explains the tidal wave of euphoria unleashed upon a long-suffering fanbase by the Europa League triumph under Ange Postecoglou in Bilbao three months ago.
Past glories were rekindled and prestigious opportunities served up, including the glitzy decoration of tonight’s UEFA Super Cup date with Paris Saint-Germain in north-eastern Italy and the altogether more meaningful prospect of a Champions League draw before the end of this month.