Long-term success won't be linear, says Spurs Women boss Ho
Very few successes ever come easy. Whether it's title wins or top three finishes, every WSL season is becoming harder to predict - and plenty of clubs, including Tottenham, have their eyes on the prizes.
Key points
- Tottenham Women started 2026/27 with 11-0 aggregate wins over Crystal Palace and Aston Villa but lost 6-1 to London City Lionesses before the international break.
- Spurs face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and Arsenal on October 24 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
- Manager Martin Ho said long-term success is not linear and emphasized a process to reach the top of the WSL table.
Tottenham Women's manager Martin Ho has said that long-term success in the Women's Super League will not follow a straight path. His team began the 2026/27 season with statement wins over Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, outscoring them 11-0 in total, but then suffered a 6-1 defeat to London City Lionesses before the international break.
That result served as a reminder of the challenge Spurs face in trying to finish in the Champions League spots. The task does not get easier, with Chelsea and Arsenal next, starting at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Ho on building consistency
Ho, who took over from Brann, has overseen Tottenham's rise from relegation contenders to European consideration in less than 18 months. Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports, he said: "It's not linear, there's going to be ups and downs." He added that the club cannot go from fighting at the bottom to challenging for the WSL trophy and making that success consistent over years without a process.
Ho said he has pushed standards and expectations since arriving, and credited the players for taking on information and playing with courage, bravery and personality. He noted that progress has perhaps come faster than he initially thought.
It's not linear, there's going to be ups and downs
— Martin Ho
Summer signings and upcoming tests
Tottenham's summer recruitment included Champions League winners Victoria Pelova from Arsenal and Alice Sombath from Lyon, as well as Caitlin Dijkstra from Wolfsburg. Ho said the aim was to add different experiences and qualities, and to balance youth with experience.
Pelova will face her former Arsenal team-mates in the north London derby on October 24 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Before that, Spurs play Chelsea on Sunday. Ho said these games will test the group's character and belief, but one game does not define a team.
