Tottenham’s Challenging 2022-23 Season Leads to Managerial Changes
Last season did not go according to plan for Tottenham Hotspur. After Rehanne Skinner led the team to a respectable fifth-place finish in her first season, Spurs struggled and even faced the threat of relegation for a significant portion of the 2022-23 campaign. In fact, a run of nine consecutive defeats ultimately led to Skinner’s departure in March.
Assistant manager Vicky Jepson took over temporarily and, bolstered by the signing of Bethany England, managed to guide the team to safety. However, the search for a permanent manager was still necessary, and Robert Vilahamn was eventually appointed. While his arrival is exciting, he now faces the challenge of rebuilding the squad in a short amount of time. The summer transfer window proved to be relatively quiet, with a balanced number of six players leaving and six joining the club.
One area where Tottenham needed reinforcement was in goalkeeping cover, as Tinja-Riikka Korpela departed. This led to the signing of Czech international Barbora Votikova from Paris Saint-Germain. In addition, Luana Bühler and Olga Ahtinen, both promising talents with Champions League experience, were brought in. The deadline-day acquisition of Martha Thomas was crucial to replace the injured England, while Polish forward Nikola Karczewska was sent out on loan.
Tottenham fans can also anticipate the rise of Grace Clinton, an England Under-23s standout. The 20-year-old impressed on loan at Bristol City in the latter half of the previous season and will be looking to further develop and increase her playing time with Tottenham.
The team was plagued by injuries throughout the previous season, which largely went unnoticed. However, the return of several key players will have a significant impact and almost feel like new signings. Kit Graham and Ria Percival, who both recovered from ACL injuries, come in fresh after half a season on the sidelines. Ellie Brazil is also working her way back from the same injury, while Jess Naz should soon be back to full fitness.
Pre-season has been a mixed bag for Tottenham, with goalless draws against Aston Villa and Brighton. Their final friendly match before the opening day derby against Chelsea ended in a 1-0 defeat to Manchester United.
Robert Vilahamn: A New Face with an Impressive Track Record
Tottenham’s new manager, Robert Vilahamn, may be unfamiliar to many in the Women’s Super League, but his success in his native Sweden should give Spurs fans cause for optimism. The 40-year-old made the transition from assistant manager to head coach at Häcken and led the team to the Champions League in 2022, as well as two Swedish Cup finals. Vilahamn, who had a career as a striker in Sweden, is known for his attacking style of play and ability to develop young talent.
Bethany England: A Star on the Rise
High-profile signing Bethany England wasted no time making an impact for Tottenham. She scored an impressive 12 goals in just 12 appearances after joining the team for a record fee. England’s hard work and proven goal-scoring ability played a crucial role in securing the team’s safety. While she will miss the start of the season due to hip surgery, it is only a matter of time before she sparks life into Tottenham’s attack once again.
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Noteworthy Summer Signing: Luana Bühler
Tottenham’s acquisition of Luana Bühler stood out amidst a relatively quiet summer transfer window. The 27-year-old Swiss international spent the past five seasons in the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim. During her time in Germany, she became a key player for the club and even competed in the Champions League. Bühler brings extensive international experience to the team, having represented Switzerland in both Euro 2022 and this summer’s World Cup.
World Cup 2023 Highlights and Achievements
Tottenham’s Jamaican duo, Becky Spencer and Drew Spence, made history by playing crucial roles in the Reggae Girlz’s impressive run to the round of 16. Despite the lack of support from their federation, they helped their team defy expectations. Additionally, Rosella Ayane played for Morocco in the World Cup, contributing to their memorable journey to the knockout stages with notable victories over Colombia and South Korea. Notably, Bethany England made her major tournament debut with the English national team, as the Lionesses reached the World Cup final.
Engage with Tottenham Women’s Social Media Presence
Tottenham Hotspur Women’s team has a strong following across various social media platforms, with dedicated channels that focus on women’s football. Their TikTok account, in particular, is gaining popularity due to its fun and relevant content. The recent fans’ forum, where both Robert Vilahamn and Bethany England participated, received significant coverage and generated a strong response from supporters. Stay connected and be part of the conversation!
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