Tottenham’s Djed Spence reveals he keeps a ‘mental note’ of doubters, including Conte and Warnock. His England call-up is a response to critics, marking a career milestone. Spence aims to be the first Muslim to play for England’s senior team, inspiring young athletes with his story of perseverance and faith.
Djed Spence, the Tottenham Hotspur full-back, is making headlines not just for his impressive performances on the pitch, but also for his candid remarks about those who doubted him along his journey. In a recent interview, Spence revealed that he keeps a "mental note" of everyone who questioned his ability to succeed, including prominent figures like Antonio Conte and Neil Warnock. Spence's recent call-up to the England squad serves as a powerful response to these doubters, marking a significant milestone in his career.
"I have a mental note of people who doubted me, for sure, and it does feel good to prove them wrong," Spence stated, reflecting on the challenges and criticisms he has faced. His journey to the England senior squad has been anything but straightforward. Before solidifying his place in the Premier League, Spence was sent out on loan three times by Tottenham. A particularly noteworthy period was his loan spell at Middlesbrough in 2021, where then-manager Neil Warnock issued a stark warning: unless Spence's dedication improved, he risked playing non-league football within five years. The defender's determination and hard work have clearly paid off, silencing those who questioned his potential.
The 25-year-old defender admits that the doubts he encountered have been a significant source of motivation. His resilience is evident as he stands on the brink of potentially becoming the first Muslim to represent the senior England team. Should he feature in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra or Serbia, it would not only be a personal triumph but also a historic moment. "I wouldn’t say I particularly have a list but I do have a mental note of people who doubted me, for sure, and it does feel good to prove them wrong," Spence affirmed. He added, "I’ve always had that from a young age, from grassroots football to academy – if you’re going to stay on or get released or get your scholar [contract] – to being a professional. I’ve always had to fight for my position and deal with disappointment."
Spence's ability to turn perceived setbacks into opportunities has defined his career. After securing promotion to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest during a loan spell from Middlesbrough, he playfully trolled Warnock on social media, posting a photo of himself celebrating with a cigar and the playoff trophy. He revived this image after winning the Europa League last season, showcasing his sense of humor and unwavering self-belief.
However, Spence's relationship with Antonio Conte was far from smooth. In 2022, when Spence joined Tottenham from Middlesbrough, Conte publicly distanced himself from the signing, referring to Spence as "an investment of the club" rather than a personal choice. This lack of immediate support and confidence from the then Spurs head coach had a detrimental effect on Spence, leading to a loan spell at Rennes. The defender's confidence was visibly shaken during this period.
Despite the challenges, Spence remains grateful to Ange Postecoglou, under whose leadership he won the Europa League. Reflecting on his journey, Spence highlighted the difficulties he faced upon arriving at Tottenham. "The biggest hurdle is when I signed for Tottenham and I didn’t necessarily feel the love straight away," he explained. "I was on such a high going into the club. I’d done really well, got promoted with Nottingham Forest. I am buzzing, I am going to sign for Tottenham. So to hear comments like that wasn’t nice. It does shatter your confidence a bit. I almost came crashing down because of comments from the manager and not playing. I was in a difficult space."
Spence's faith has been a constant source of strength throughout his career. He expressed both pride and surprise upon learning that he could potentially become the first Muslim to play for the England senior team. "It’s a blessing, it’s amazing. I was surprised, really, first ever. If I can do it, you can do it. It’s [important] not just for Muslim kids but for any child of any faith. Put your mind to something and you can do it, man." Spence's story serves as an inspiring message to young athletes of all backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and self-belief in the face of adversity.