Heitinga enjoyed a positive spell as interim coach of the Eredivisie giants in 2023, winning 11 of his 16 league games in charge, but he did not have the same success in the permanent role this season.

After being appointed in May 2025, Heitinga won just five of his 11 league matches, averaging 1.82 points per game before getting sacked in November.

The Dutch coach also lost all four of his UEFA Champions League games this term, with Ajax now 34th in the league-phase standings after six matches.

Heitinga, who represented both Everton and Fulham as a player, was an assistant coach at Liverpool for its Premier League-winning campaign last season, while he was also a first-team assistant at West Ham United in 2023-2024.

Frank said: “John is a great addition to our coaching staff. His ability, personality and character will add huge value both on and off the pitch.

“He had an impressive playing career across Europe – including five years in the Premier League – and with the Dutch national team.

“As a former defender, that will be one of his main responsibilities on the training pitch, and he brings great coaching and management experiences from all levels of the game, which will really help us moving forward.”

Heitinga will be on the Spurs bench when they host West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday (AEDT).

After a 3-0 win at London Stadium in September, Spurs are looking to complete the league double over West Ham for the first time since 2019-2020.

However, Spurs have won just four of their past 24 Premier League home games, losing 14, while their two home wins this season are their fewest after 10 games in a league campaign.