Tottenham Hotspur Women are aiming for a fresh start in the 2025-26 WSL season with new manager Martin Ho. After a disappointing previous season, the team is focused on improving cohesion and performance. Key to their success will be the fitness of Beth England and the integration of new signing Toko Koga. The club’s commitment to the women’s team, supported by improved infrastructure and the arrival of key personnel, aims to attract more fans and drive success on the pitch.
After a dismal 2024-25 season, Tottenham Hotspur Women are eager to turn the page as they approach the 2025-26 Women’s Super League (WSL) campaign. The club has appointed Martin Ho as their new manager, hoping he can revitalize a squad that underperformed significantly last term. The appointment comes after Robert Vilahamn's departure following a season where Spurs finished just one spot above the bottom of the league, a stark contrast to their FA Cup final appearance and sixth-place finish the previous year.
The general consensus is that something had to change, but identifying the root cause of the issues proved challenging. Under Vilahamn, Tottenham had shown promise, reaching their first FA Cup final and securing a respectable sixth position in the WSL. There was a sense of optimism and confidence surrounding the project. However, the subsequent season saw a dramatic decline, leaving many scratching their heads. The lack of cohesion on the pitch and the team’s backward trajectory made Vilahamn’s departure inevitable.
Martin Ho's arrival signifies a fresh start for a team whose aspirations suffered a severe blow. Despite the disappointing season, the quality within the squad remains evident. A key factor in Tottenham’s potential success hinges on the fitness of star striker Beth England. Midfielder Olivia Holdt, who joined the club during their slump in January, shared her perspective: "I could see that people were low and we were struggling a lot. It was weird because when I looked around in the locker room I felt these were, and are, good players. Player for player I thought we had a great team." Holdt’s insights highlight the perplexing nature of Tottenham’s struggles. She remains optimistic about the upcoming season, emphasizing the importance of team unity and a shared desire to prove themselves after enduring a challenging period together. "That’s the thing that was so hard last year. That’s also why I feel so confident going into this season because we still have the same squad, relationships have been built, we’ve been through that downhill season together and now we want to prove ourselves.”
While Martin Ho is the most significant addition to the team, Japanese defender Toko Koga is the only major player acquisition. Koga, who joined from Feyenoord, has signed a deal to keep her in north London until 2029. At only 19, the Japan international made her senior debut against the United States of America in the SheBelieves Cup in April 2024. She also played every game at that year’s Olympics and scored the winning goal against the USA in this year’s SheBelieves Cup as Japan won the friendly competition. Rosella Ayane, Becky Spencer, and Hayley Raso have all departed from the club. Assessing the true impact of the managerial change will take time, but a pre-season victory over European champions Arsenal, even in a friendly context, will undoubtedly boost the team’s morale.
Ho brings a wealth of coaching experience to Tottenham, having served as an assistant coach at Everton and Manchester United before taking on his first head coach role with Norwegian side Brann, leading them to the Champions League quarter-finals. His managerial style differs significantly from that of Vilahamn. Holdt describes Ho’s approach as "more loud and animated," which she believes is precisely what the team needs to shake things up.
There is a clear ambition within Tottenham to elevate the women’s team and achieve success. Ho has described chairman Daniel Levy as having "very big plans" for the women’s team, which was a crucial factor in his decision to join the club. The arrival of former Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham is expected to have a positive influence, given his instrumental role in the growth of Arsenal’s women's team. The integration of the team into the club’s Hotspur Way training ground and the scheduling of some home games at the main stadium demonstrate Tottenham's commitment to providing the necessary infrastructure for success, although continued investment in player signings remains vital.
Toko Koga, the young Japanese defender, is being touted as a star signing for Tottenham. Ho praises her calmness, appreciation with the ball, and intelligence off the ball. Koga’s addition is expected to bolster the team’s defensive capabilities significantly.
Several Tottenham players will be keen to step up their performances after last season’s disappointments. Olivia Holdt, in particular, is eager to make an impact, driven by the disappointment of missing out on Denmark’s Euros squad. Known for her goal-scoring prowess in Denmark and Sweden, Holdt aims to contribute goals and assists from midfield while prioritizing the team’s overall success.
Amanda Nildén, the defender, was part of the Sweden squad for the 2025 Euros in Switzerland. Sweden impressed at the tournament before going out to England in the quarter-finals despite being 2-0 up.
While Tottenham has yet to confirm which matches will be played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, they have invested in improving Brisbane Road as a suitable alternative venue. The club has previously employed DJs and breakdancers to enhance the matchday atmosphere, and these initiatives are likely to continue. However, the experience of playing at the main stadium remains a significant draw for fans, and converting those attendees into regular supporters is crucial for the growth of Tottenham’s fanbase.