Martin Ho Speaks Ahead of Tottenham v Leicester Showdown

“Ash leaves this football club as more than a player, she leaves as an icon, a leader, and a true fan favourite.”

— Martin Ho on clash against Leicester City

This morning, I had the privilege of attending the Tottenham Hotspur press conference, featuring Spurs head coach Martin Ho. The discussion covered a wide range of topics, from Tottenham’s impressive league form to a deeply emotional farewell to one of the club’s most beloved figures, Ashleigh Neville.

Ho has exceeded expectations during the 2025/26 WSL season so far. As of 9th January 2026, Tottenham sit fifth in the league table — just one point behind Manchester United and only two points adrift of Arsenal. It is a position that represents one of the most successful spells in the club’s history at this stage of a season. With Arsenal and Manchester United set to clash on 10th January, Spurs have a significant opportunity to capitalise, as victory over Leicester City this weekend could propel them into the top four, and potentially even the top three.

Ho was confident when discussing his side’s mindset heading into the fixture, emphasising that his team will “have that drive and determination” required to secure all three points on Sunday. With momentum firmly on their side, Spurs appear well placed to continue their push up the table.

However, the most poignant moment of the press conference centred on the departure of Spurs legend Ashleigh Neville. After nearly a decade at the club, Neville has permanently transferred to this weekend’s opposition, Leicester City, bringing an era at Tottenham to a close.

Neville’s impact at Spurs cannot be overstated. In a relatively short space of time, she became a club hero, a true fan favourite, and an embodiment of everything Tottenham stands for. Her consistency, commitment, and leadership on and off the pitch helped shape the identity of the team during a period of significant growth.

Speaking with genuine emotion, Martin Ho paid a heartfelt tribute to Neville during the interview. He stated, “Ash leaves this football club as more than a player, she leaves as an icon, a leader, and a true fan favourite. Her commitment, bravery and consistency have defined an era. Week in, week out, she represented this club with honesty, intensity and pride, setting standards on and off the pitch and inspiring those around her.”

Ho’s words captured not only Neville’s importance as a footballer, but also her influence within the dressing room and across the wider club culture. Few players leave such a lasting legacy, and Neville’s contribution to Tottenham Hotspur will be remembered long after her final appearance in Lilywhite. Despite her move to Leicester City, Neville’s connection with Spurs supporters remains strong, and her return to face her former club this weekend is sure to be an emotional one.

Tottenham’s preparations for the match have not been without challenges. Injury issues have affected the squad dramatically during the first half of the season. One of the most significant absences has been Jess Naz, who is currently recovering after tearing her ACL. The forward has recently undergone surgery and remains sidelined, continuing a difficult spell for the squad in terms of fitness.

Nevertheless, Ho remains optimistic. Spurs have shown resilience throughout the campaign, adapting well despite setbacks and maintaining consistency in performances. With key players stepping up and a clear tactical identity in place, Tottenham enter the Leicester fixture with confidence and belief. As Spurs look to build on their strong league position, Sunday’s match represents more than just another three points. It is a chance to honour the past, embrace the present, and continue pushing toward what could be a historic season for the club.