Tottenham Women’s football team has emerged as a source of optimism amid a challenging period for their male counterparts. The women's side completed last season with their highest-ever points tally in the Women’s Super League (WSL), contrasting sharply with the men’s team, which narrowly avoided relegation.
The transformation in the women’s team is attributed largely to the appointment of Martin Ho as head coach last year. Ho, previously an assistant at Manchester United and head coach of Norwegian club Brann, has earned respect from players and fans alike. Known for engaging with supporters pre-match at Leyton Orient, where Tottenham Women play most of their home games, Ho has instilled a more attacking and organized style of play, enhancing the team’s effectiveness on the pitch.
Key new signings have bolstered Tottenham’s women’s squad. Olivia Holdt was the team’s top scorer last season, while Toko Koga provided defensive stability. In January, the club added Signe Gaupset, a dynamic midfielder known for her forward runs. The resurgence followed a difficult 2024-25 season that saw Tottenham finish just above relegation, leading to the departure of the previous head coach, Robert Vilahamn.
Under Ho, the team started last season strong, winning five of their first six matches and sustaining a high level of performance through players such as Eveliina Summanen, Amanda Nildén, Lize Kop, Drew Spence, and Clare Hunt. Their fifth-place finish behind dominant clubs Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United marks a significant accomplishment, with experts suggesting that a top-four finish could be achievable in the near future.
The club has continued to strengthen its roster in the offseason, acquiring Netherlands international Caitlin Dijkstra from Wolfsburg and Germany’s Shekiera Martinez, previously with West Ham. Other additions include Kirsty Hanson from Aston Villa and Alice Sombath from OL Lyonnes. Meanwhile, departures include record goalscorer Bethany England, whose exit raised questions after the club did not offer an extension, and Ashleigh Neville, who moved to Leicester to be closer to home.
Supporters have remained loyal and passionate throughout the club’s evolution. Many fans have deep roots in Tottenham’s football culture, contributing to blogs and podcasts, and showing enduring dedication even in difficult conditions. Matches are marked by a positive atmosphere, with less hostility and profanity than sometimes seen at men’s games. The women’s team also promotes inclusivity, with fans displaying banners featuring the Progress Pride flag to signal support for LGBTQIA+ communities.
While the pace of women’s football is often considered slower than the men’s game, it is characterized by fast-moving action and, notably, the absence of video assistant referees, which speeds up decision-making despite occasional officiating errors.
As Tottenham Women continue to improve and attract growing crowds, the club’s rising profile reflects the broader growth of women’s football, offering a compelling and welcoming experience for supporters.