Tottenham coach poised to secure first senior head-coach role at club owned by Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke

Tottenham assistant Matt Wells is understood to be closing in on his first senior managerial role, with talkSPORT reporting that he is set to become the new head coach of Colorado Rapids.

The 37-year-old, who is currently part of Thomas Frank’s coaching team at Spurs, has not yet managed a senior side but is now poised to begin his head-coaching career in MLS. Wells is believed to be close to completing a move to Colorado, who have been without a manager since parting company with former Manchester United coach Chris Armas in October.

Wells has built up extensive coaching experience despite his young age, having previously worked with Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham and alongside Scott Parker at Fulham, Bournemouth and Club Brugge. After assessing a range of candidates from both MLS and abroad, the Rapids are thought to have identified Wells as the standout option, largely due to his fit with their recruitment-led long-term strategy.

Should the appointment go through, Wells would rank among the youngest head coaches in MLS, with only Minnesota United’s Eric Ramsey, aged 34, being younger. His exit would also leave Thomas Frank short of one of his four senior assistants just six months into his tenure in north London.

Arsenal connections

Colorado Rapids’ ownership links to Arsenal could add another layer of intrigue, with both clubs falling under the Kroenke Sports & Entertainment umbrella. That would see Wells move from working at one of Stan Kroenke’s fiercest rivals to being employed by the same ownership group.

The Rapids have previously explored Arsenal-related options, having interviewed Jack Wilshere for the role in October 2023. Former Arsenal defender Rob Holding is also part of the current squad, making six appearances since his summer switch from Crystal Palace.

Last season’s performance

On the pitch, Colorado narrowly missed out on the MLS Cup Play-Offs last season after finishing 11th in the Western Conference. Their campaign yielded 11 wins, 15 losses and eight draws from 34 matches, a disappointing return that ultimately led to Armas’ dismissal.

If Wells’ appointment is confirmed, his immediate task will be to steer the Rapids back into the play-offs. Inter Miami claimed the MLS Cup this year, with Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and company lifting the trophy last weekend.