Tottenham Hotspur Women matched their best Women's Super League finish with a fifth-place standing last season under manager Martin Ho. The team ended the campaign with four points more than in 2021-22 and reduced the gap to fourth place from 10 points to four, a notable improvement given their 11th-place finish the preceding season.
Summer Recruitment Strategy
Ho has rejuvenated the side, with increased support from the wider club. This summer, the club's recruitment strategy has drawn attention, securing top young talents such as club-record signing Alice Sombath and goalkeeper Selma Panengstuen, alongside experienced WSL performers like Shekiera Martinez and Kirsty Hanson. The club secured their top five targets early in the transfer window to allow the team a full pre-season together.
They recorded three friendly wins, against Granada, Birmingham, and Bristol City, with a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid in between. The 5-0 victory over Bristol City was particularly pleasing for Ho, who said: "As I've said to the players, we have a good enough squad with depth in it that we can really compete." The manager is working his players hard, with many speaking about the intensity of training. Martinez said: "The intensity is really high, the training has been really tough, so I can't wait until the league starts." Players have bought into Ho's vision for the team's style of play and the club's ambitions for the short, medium, and long term.
Off-Field Backing and Financial Investment
Support for the women's team has increased following the departure of former chair Daniel Levy. The arrival of Vinai Venkatesham as chief executive in April 2025 has likely played a part, given his vocal backing of the Arsenal women's team during his time at Tottenham's rivals. Andy Rogers departed as managing director of the women's team this summer after 24 years at the club. Financially, the club increased investment in the women's team, with turnover rising from £3.39m in 2023-24 to £4.41m in the year ending June 2025. In July, the club faced a setback after a high-court decision blocked plans for a new women's and girls' football academy in Whitewebbs Park.
Manager and Key Signings
Ho was patient in his approach to the squad he inherited last summer, giving everyone a chance to prove themselves. That earned him loyalty and respect, and his careful approach to squad development has made him a key factor in players' decisions to join. Several former players have reunited with him, including Signe Gaupset in January and Hanson and Panengstuen this summer.
Sombath's significant fee has generated excitement, but the recruitment of Hanson is perhaps the shrewdest signing. The 28-year-old joined from Aston Villa after finishing as the third-highest goalscorer in the WSL last season, one goal behind Alessia Russo and nine behind Golden Boot winner Khadija Shaw. Hanson was the highest-scoring midfielder in the league and is an exciting addition to Spurs' spine.
Set-Piece Struggles and Breakthrough Potential
Tottenham had a peculiar 2025-26 season in front of goal. Excluding penalties, they scored 1.55 times more than expected, but were down by 6.57 on set pieces. Their per-game average for the latter (0.30) was worse than any men's side in Europe's big five leagues. Improving their set plays could have a significant impact.
Big expectations surround Sombath. The 22-year-old centre-back joined from Lyon, where she won a Champions League title and five league titles under the tutelage of influential defenders Wendie Renard and Griedge Mbock. She can play at right-back or centre-back and featured in each of France's four games at the 2025 European Championship.
Home Games and Fixtures
Spurs will continue to play at Leyton Orient's Brisbane Road, with select fixtures at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The first will be on 25 October when they host Arsenal, with Manchester United welcomed in February. In the year ending June 2025, matchday revenue fell from £513,000 to £433,000, and the club will aim to attract more spectators to offset increased investment.
