Martin Ho on his return to English football: “Coming back now feels right” | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur Women begin the 2025/26 Women’s Super League campaign this weekend, and new head coach Martin Ho says his side are ready to show a different face.

Speaking ahead of his first competitive match in charge, Ho struck an upbeat but measured tone. The 37-year-old returns to English football after a stint in Norway and believes the move has come at the perfect moment.

“Coming back now feels right,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot in the last few years about management, about leading staff, about building a culture. Pre-season has given me a good chance to see the group properly, and now all we want is to get going.”

Ho promised supporters a team that reflects both his own personality and the club’s traditions.

“Fans should expect passion and commitment above all else,” he explained. “We’ll be aggressive without the ball, front-footed in our defending, but also creative and expressive when we have it. The aim is a side that plays with energy and intent.”

Ho praised the hard work and dedication of his players to a demanding pre-season and highlighted the positive impact of their signings in the transfer window.

Young striker Cathinka Tandberg, he said, offers a new dimension in attack: “She’s powerful, hungry, and has the potential to become a top player. Most importantly, she gives us a different profile up front. That variation makes us harder to play against.”

Ho also welcomed the return of Kit Graham, who is back fit after a long spell out: “Kit has been excellent in training. Her creativity is different to anyone else we have, and I think her best position is as a number 10. She can change games for us.”

Their opening game this season is at home against West Ham, and Ho emphasised the importance of making a positive impression in front of their fans.

“It’s great that the first game is at home. The players know how important it is to show the supporters what we’re about. Performances matter, but so does commitment they need to see that the players are giving everything. If we do that, people will want to keep coming back.”

Looking more broadly, he welcomed the expansion of the WSL and said the growth of the women’s game benefits everyone.

“More teams mean more opportunities, more visibility, and more pathways for young players. That’s good for the league and good for the sport.”

Beth England will continue as captain, supported by a leadership group that includes Drew Spence and Molly Bartrip, though Ho made clear he expects leadership from across the squad. Recruitment, he added, will remain selective: “I don’t want to bring in players just to fill numbers. The fit has to be right the right person, the right profile, someone who adds value. We already have a talented group, and my job is to get the most out of them.”

As Spurs begin a new chapter, Ho was clear about his ambitions: “This squad has real quality. If we stay focused on the process and keep improving, I believe we can establish ourselves as a strong top-half team this season. And if we keep building, the bigger goals will follow.”

Tottenham face West Ham on Sunday, 7 September, with kick-off scheduled for 12:00 (13:00 CEST) at the BetWright Stadium.