In a remarkable turnaround, Tottenham Hotspur Women have already matched their entire points tally from last season at the halfway stage of the current Women's Super League campaign. Yet, for head coach Martin Ho, this significant progress is merely the foundation. "We're not even 15% of the way to where I want us to be," he asserts, underlining his ambitious vision for the club.
A Foundation Built on 'Standards'
Appointed in July from Norwegian club Brann, Martin Ho inherited a side that finished second from bottom. Now, they sit just two points off a European qualification spot. The Merseyside-born coach, 35, repeatedly emphasises one core concept as the driver of change: "Standards." He has implemented a culture of clear, non-negotiable expectations both on and off the pitch.
"I wouldn't say it's like a military camp," Ho clarifies. "I just have really basic standards... on how you should train, how you should treat one another, and how you should be on time. Timekeeping is a really big one for me." He encourages players to be authentic, adding, "I want the players to make sure that they are themselves, and show their own personality."
Strategic Signings and Statistical Surge
Leveraging his Scandinavian expertise, Ho has moved decisively in the January transfer window, securing four new signings: Norwegians Signe Gaupset and Julie Blakstad, alongside Swedes Hanna Wijk and Matilda Nildén. This strategic recruitment supports a squad showing marked statistical improvement.
According to Opta, Spurs lead the WSL in big-chance conversion at 62.5% and boast the second-best shot accuracy rate (39.4%). The most dramatic uplift, however, is defensive. Having conceded an average of two goals per game last season, that figure has been slashed to 1.45 this term, with only three teams conceding fewer from set-pieces.
"The ability is there and the quality is there," Ho states, acknowledging the psychological shift in a group recovering from a difficult season. "Home form has been key," he notes, with only Manchester City collecting more points on their own turf. Spurs are unbeaten in four home games ahead of hosting Leicester this Sunday.
Ambition and Alignment from the Top
Ho's tenure has coincided with leadership changes at the club, including Peter Charrington's appointment as non-executive chair. The coach reports a highly supportive relationship, with Charrington checking in weekly. This alignment on ambition was crucial to Ho joining.
"They have really big ambitions for the women's team and I think they're the things that drew me to the club," Ho reveals. "If I didn't feel there was ambition here... I wouldn't have come. I'm in a blessed position and the club will continue to evolve."
For Martin Ho and his resurgent Spurs side, the message is clear: the hard-earned points and progress of the first half of the season are just the beginning. The relentless focus on standards and a united club vision point toward a future where 15% is just the starting point.
