DONE DEAL – Tottenham Women announce Martin Ho as new head coach, Tōko Koga as defender

Tottenham Hotspur Women’s Football Club stands at a crossroads. After enduring one of the most challenging seasons in the club’s recent history, finishing perilously close to relegation in the Women’s Super League, the North London club has embarked on an ambitious rebuilding project that signals their unwavering commitment to competing at the highest level of women’s football.

The 2024-25 campaign will be remembered as a watershed moment for Spurs Women – not for the reasons they would have hoped, but as the catalyst that sparked a comprehensive overhaul of their approach to women’s football. The appointment of Martin Ho as head coach and the signing of promising Japanese defender Tōko Koga represent the first significant steps in what promises to be a transformative summer transfer window.

The appointment of Martin Ho as Tottenham Women’s new head coach represents more than just a change in leadership – it signifies a fundamental shift in the club’s philosophy and ambitions. Ho, a 38-year-old Liverpudian with an impressive track record in women’s football, arrives at Tottenham with a reputation as both a program builder and a tactically astute coach who has consistently elevated the performance of his teams.

Ho’s journey to Tottenham began in the picturesque Norwegian city of Bergen, where he served as head coach of SK Brann in the Toppserien, Norway’s premier women’s football league. During his tenure with Brann, Ho achieved what many considered impossible – transforming a mid-table Norwegian side into a European competitor. His crowning achievement came in 2023 when he guided Brann to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League, a remarkable feat that showcased his ability to maximize his squad’s potential on the continental stage.

The 2024-25 season saw Ho continue his impressive work with Brann, leading them to a second-place finish in the Toppserien behind the dominant Vålerenga. More importantly, his tactical acumen and player development skills ensured Brann’s qualification for the Champions League first qualifying round, maintaining the club’s status as a regular European participant.

Ho’s coaching philosophy was shaped during his three-year stint as assistant coach at Manchester United Women from 2020 to 2023. Working under various head coaches at Old Trafford, he gained invaluable experience in the Women’s Super League, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities presented by English women’s football. His time at United coincided with the club’s gradual improvement in the WSL, providing him with first-hand experience of building a competitive team in one of the world’s most demanding leagues.

Before his Manchester United appointment, Ho honed his coaching skills with Liverpool’s U21 women’s team, where he developed a reputation for nurturing young talent and implementing progressive tactical systems. This experience with youth development will prove invaluable at Tottenham, where the integration of emerging players with established professionals will be crucial to the club’s long-term success.

Ho’s first interview as Tottenham Women’s head coach revealed a coach brimming with confidence and ambition. His conversations with Head of Women’s Football Andy Scoulding, Rebecca Capelhorn, CEO Vinai Venkatesham, and chairman Daniel Levy clearly aligned with his vision for the club’s future. “I’m absolutely delighted to join Tottenham,” Ho stated with evident enthusiasm. “After having a conversation with Andy, Rebecca, Vinai – and obviously Daniel – it’s been really important for me to understand the Club. I think it’s very authentic in its own way.”

This authenticity that Ho references speaks to Tottenham’s unique position in women’s football. Unlike some clubs that have simply attached women’s teams to their existing structure, Tottenham has consistently demonstrated a genuine commitment to developing their women’s program as an integral part of the club’s identity. This forward-thinking approach, as Ho describes it, creates an environment where innovation and progression are not just encouraged but expected. “It’s a forward-thinking, positive club, one that wants to make a difference, but wants to do it in their own way,” Ho continued. “It’s been vital for me to understand the depths of the Club and where they want to go with the Women’s team. I’ve understood that clearly and I’m really excited.”

Perhaps most significantly, Ho’s appointment comes with a clear mandate that extends far beyond mere survival in the WSL. His words leave no doubt about his intentions: “I don’t want to turn up here and just take part, I want to make sure we can take over, be competitive and, more importantly, we’re here to win as a club, not just turn up.”

This declaration represents a fundamental shift from the previous season’s defensive mindset. Ho’s emphasis on winning rather than simply competing signals Tottenham’s intention to challenge the established hierarchy in women’s football. His confidence in the squad’s potential is palpable: “I want to make that very clear from the outset – from staff to players to the wider club. We want to be in those moments more often. I believe this team can do that and this Club can do that.

Ho inherits a team that experienced a dramatic fall from grace during the 2024-25 season. The previous campaign under Robert Vilahamn had shown promise, with Tottenham reaching the finals of the FA Women’s Cup in 2024 – a achievement that suggested the club was on an upward trajectory. However, the subsequent season proved to be a harsh reminder of the unforgiving nature of elite women’s football.

The exact details of what went wrong during the 2024-25 season remain somewhat shrouded in mystery, with limited insider information available about the specific factors that led to such a dramatic decline. What is clear is that the combination of poor results, a lack of tactical coherence, and apparent issues with team chemistry created a perfect storm that nearly resulted in relegation from the WSL.

Finishing just one spot above relegation represented not just a sporting failure but a potential existential threat to Tottenham’s ambitions in women’s football. The WSL’s competitive landscape means that relegation can set a club back years, both in terms of player recruitment and commercial opportunities. The fact that Tottenham found themselves in such a precarious position made Vilahamn’s dismissal inevitable, despite his previous success in reaching the FA Cup final

While Ho’s appointment addresses the immediate need for new leadership, Tottenham’s signing of Tōko Koga represents a strategic investment in the club’s future. The 19-year-old Japanese international defender arrives from Feyenoord on a contract running through 2029, signaling the club’s long-term commitment to her development.

Koga’s journey to Tottenham began during a preseason friendly between Spurs and Feyenoord in the summer of 2024. Even in that relatively low-stakes environment, her performance caught the attention of Tottenham’s scouting network. The fact that the club tracked her progress for an entire season before making their move demonstrates the thoroughness of their recruitment process and their confidence in her potential.

At just 19 years old, Koga has already achieved remarkable success on the international stage. Her inclusion in Japan’s Olympic national team for the 2024 Olympics represented a significant milestone in her career, and her performances justified the faith placed in her by the coaching staff. Starting all four of Japan’s games in the tournament, Koga played a crucial role in helping her country advance to the knockout rounds, where they eventually fell to the United States, who went on to claim the gold medal.

The Olympic experience provided Koga with invaluable exposure to the highest level of international competition. Playing against some of the world’s best players in a high-pressure environment at such a young age will undoubtedly serve her well as she adapts to the demands of the Women’s Super League.

One of Koga’s most attractive qualities as a player is her versatility. During her time at Feyenoord, she established herself as a regular starter, primarily operating as a central defender. However, her tactical intelligence and physical attributes allowed her to adapt to different positions as needed by the team.

Her ability to play as a fullback demonstrates her pace and crossing ability, qualities that are increasingly important in modern football where fullbacks are expected to contribute significantly to both defensive solidity and attacking play. Perhaps most remarkably, Koga even featured as a forward on occasion, scoring two goals in a memorable 5-3 victory over Excelsior in December 2024. This attacking instinct and ability to contribute goals from various positions makes her a valuable asset for any coach looking to implement flexible tactical systems.

The lack of extensive statistical data on Koga is not unusual for a young player transitioning from the Dutch league to the WSL. However, her consistent selection for Feyenoord’s starting XI throughout the season speaks to her reliability and the trust placed in her by the coaching staff. The step up from the Dutch women’s league to the WSL represents a significant challenge, but Koga’s international experience and adaptability suggest she has the tools to succeed at the higher level.

The dual announcement of Ho’s appointment and Koga’s signing represents more than just two isolated transfer decisions – it signals a comprehensive strategy for Tottenham Women’s revival. The timing of these announcements, coming in quick succession, suggests a coordinated approach to the club’s rebuild.

Ho’s experience in developing young players aligns perfectly with Koga’s profile as a promising teenager with significant potential for growth. The new head coach’s track record of maximizing player potential will be crucial in helping Koga adapt to the demands of English football and reach her ceiling as a player.

The length of Koga’s contract – running through 2029 – demonstrates Tottenham’s commitment to long-term planning rather than short-term fixes. This approach suggests that the club has learned from the mistakes of the previous season and is now focused on building sustainable success rather than seeking immediate results at the expense of future development.

## The Broader Context of Women’s Football

Tottenham’s investment in their women’s team comes at a time when the landscape of women’s football is evolving rapidly. The increasing commercialization of the sport, growing television audiences, and rising transfer fees have created new opportunities for clubs willing to invest seriously in their women’s programs.

The appointment of a coach with Champions League experience and the signing of an international player with significant potential reflects Tottenham’s recognition that competing in the modern WSL requires a professional approach across all aspects of the club. The days when women’s football could be treated as an afterthought are long gone, and clubs that fail to adapt to this new reality risk being left behind.

Ho’s emphasis on winning rather than just participating reflects this broader shift in expectations. Women’s football has reached a level where supporters, players, and stakeholders expect genuine competition for trophies and European qualification, not just survival in the top flight.

While the signings of Ho and Koga represent positive steps forward, the real test will come in their implementation on the pitch. Ho faces the challenge of quickly assessing his inherited squad, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing his tactical philosophy before the new season begins.

The integration of Koga into the team will require careful management. Despite her international experience, the transition from Dutch football to the WSL represents a significant step up in intensity and quality. Ho’s experience in player development will be crucial in ensuring that Koga can adapt quickly while continuing her progression as a player.

The broader squad will also require attention. The psychological impact of narrowly avoiding relegation cannot be underestimated, and Ho will need to rebuild confidence while also instilling the winning mentality he spoke about in his first interview

The appointments of Martin Ho and Tōko Koga mark the beginning of what promises to be a fascinating new chapter in Tottenham Women’s history. After the disappointment of the 2024-25 season, the club has responded with decisive action that signals their commitment to competing at the highest level of women’s football.

Ho’s arrival brings experience, ambition, and a clear vision for success. His track record of developing players and achieving results at the highest level provides reason for optimism among Tottenham supporters. Meanwhile, Koga’s signing represents an investment in the club’s future, bringing international quality and versatility to the squad.

The success of these appointments will ultimately be measured on the pitch, but the early signs suggest that Tottenham Women are serious about their ambitions. After a season that threatened to derail their progress, the club has responded with the kind of strategic thinking and investment that could transform their fortunes.

As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on how Ho and Koga settle into their new environment. The expectations are clear – this is not just about avoiding relegation, but about building a team capable of challenging for trophies and European qualification. The foundation has been laid; now comes the hard work of building success upon it.