Tottenham Hotspur Women Boss Martin Ho Signs Long-Term Contract Amid Derby Talk

Add as a preferred source on Google

Martin Ho has committed to a new long-term contract with Tottenham Hotspur Women, signing fresh terms just before the North London derby against Arsenal. The deal underlines Tottenham’s faith in Ho’s work, as Spurs prepare for a meeting with a rival that has dominated recent Women's Super League clashes.

Spurs currently sit fifth in the Women's Super League table, six points behind Arsenal, although Tottenham have played two more matches than the Gunners. The team are tracking their best league finish of fifth from the 2021-22 season and need four points from four remaining fixtures to set a club-record WSL points total.

The scale of Tottenham’s task against Arsenal is clear from recent derby results in the Women's Super League. Arsenal have taken nine wins from 12 league North London derbies, drawing twice and losing once, with an overwhelming aggregate score of 33-4 in those meetings.

Tottenham’s attacking struggles in this fixture add another challenge, as Spurs have failed to score in the last four league matches against Arsenal. That run is Tottenham’s longest goalless sequence versus any opponent in the Women's Super League, underscoring the size of the test awaiting Ho’s side.

The club confirmed Ho’s new deal on 27 March 2026, less than a year after Ho arrived from Norwegian side Brann in July. The extension follows a campaign of steady progress, and the head coach believes Tottenham have the structure and potential to grow into a consistent contender in women’s football.

Ho, who previously worked as an assistant coach at Manchester United, emphasised the shared vision between staff and club leadership. The long-term agreement is designed to build on the momentum from Tottenham’s 2025-26 season, with Ho tasked with guiding Spurs from mid-table stability towards regular challenges at the top end of the Women's Super League.

"They wanted to make sure I'm here for the longer term, to work on this project and take it forward," he told Sky Sports after the news of his extension was announced. "They felt I was the person that could help them achieve what they want to achieve, which is nice to hear as a coach. Then you want to make sure that you can align on a lot of things, and we align on absolutely everything. I absolutely love the staff and players I work with. We have a lot going for us here, and we're a bit of a sleeping giant in women's football. It just needs that little bit of direction and polishing, and we can really take big steps."

Tottenham, Spurs and Arsenal focus on Women's Super League derby challenge

Attention now turns to how Tottenham approach the derby itself, with Ho keen for a bold display against Arsenal. Spurs hope the contract announcement brings extra stability and confidence to the squad as they attempt to turn competitive performances into a landmark Women's Super League derby victory.

Asked about the game plan for upsetting Arsenal, Ho replied: "Score more goals than they dothat's probably the easiest way to do it! I enjoy these games, and the players do too. You shouldn't have to motivate them for a North London derbythere should be a real pride and passion within to represent this club and play in these games."

With Tottenham pushing for a record points haul and Arsenal chasing the leading pack, the derby carries weight at both ends of the table. Ho’s renewed contract, Tottenham’s status as a self-described sleeping giant, and Arsenal’s strong record combine to set a clear context for a fixture that may influence the direction of future Women's Super League campaigns for both clubs.