It is a commonly held belief that the second season after promotion is harder than the first and as Tottenham Hotspur prepare for their second campaign in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League they will no doubt be mindful of this.
Given the influx of attacking players last season, it is not surprising that the additions this year have been largely defensive. It is likely, given these additions, that Anna Filbey will find her game time reduced, though given her age and progress last season she may well be in the long-term plans of the club.
Spurs fans will be intrigued to see how the defence will line up against West Ham United on Sunday and how that develops over the next few games. Over last season, Ria Percival proved more useful in the centre of midfield than in her traditional role of full-back. That leaves six players who could form part of the back four Siri Worm, Ashleigh Neville, Hannah Godfrey, Kerys Harrop, Alanna Kennedy and Shelina Zadorsky. Neville was the best English right-back in the Barclays FAWSL last season, despite it being her first season on the right, and she is certainly a player to watch as calls for her first international cap increase.
The midfield remains largely the same as last season, though Kennedy can play here as well. It hopefully won’t be too long before Jess Naz can return to the matchday squad to add some speed and skill on the right. In the centre of midfield, Chloe Peplow started last season very well but struggled for form in the later stages, whether this was down to injury, the loss of Rachel Furness or due to another reason is unclear.
If there had been an award for most improved player last season it may well have gone to Josie Green and this season she steps up to the role of captain. If she can replicate her performance against Arsenal last season, she will be one to watch this season too.
The new signings have not addressed the lack of a left-footed winger within the Spurs squad which will mean the likes of Rosella Ayane and Gemma Davison having to share this role despite being right-footed. The left wing may not be so poorly served with the likely return of Worm at left-back, she provided three assists in the pre-season friendly against London Bees in her first half performance.
In attack, Spurs have added the experience of Rachel Williams to the line-up of Rianna Dean, Kit Graham, Lucy Quinn and Angela Addison. Addison has proved herself to be a ‘super sub’ towards the end of last season, using her pace to good effect against tiring opponents, the next step for her is to prove herself in the starting line-up. Dean and Graham will both be hoping to build on successful first seasons in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League whilst Quinn, who had the most appearances last season, will be hoping to establish herself in the starting XI.
Despite a healthy seventh-place finish, the squad were disappointed not to have finished higher last season and they will be looking to maintain or improve this season. This certainly seems possible and they will be hoping to push Reading, Everton and Manchester United all the way. To do this they will need to improve their second half performances which let them down on a number of occasions. With a season as professionals behind them, their fitness should be improved and this is no doubt part of the decision to bring in experience at the back.
Importantly, head coaches Karen Hills and Juan Amoros have signed new deals with the club until 2022. The pair have developed a strong working relationship over the last nine years and are popular with both the players and fans. Their contract extensions means the growth that they have overseen can continue.
It all starts this afternoon at home to West Ham United, who they beat three times last season and The Hammers will no doubt be out for revenge. A win will be an important first step ahead of a tricky trip to Merseyside the following week, anything else will be a disappointment but whatever the result, you would do well not to underestimate a side who have hit the Barclays FA Women’s Super League running and have London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea firmly in their sights over the coming seasons.
By Sian Wallis (@Sian_Wallis)