tottenhamhotspurnews.com

Jamie Donley’s loan to Stoke has not gone to plan.

Tottenham had a very busy summer window, as expected, with several youth stars moving out on loan in search of regular football.

Will Lankshear joined Oxford, Mikey Moore joined Rangers, and Donley joined Championship side Stoke on a season-long loan.

After an impressive campaign with Leyton Orient, Tottenham had high hopes for Donley, hence his move up the English pyramid.

However, his move has certainly not gone to plan, and he may return to North London within a few weeks.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Tottenham need to recall Donley

Donley scored eight goals and registered 11 assists for Orient last season, showcasing the undeniable quality he has.

However, since moving to Stoke, the 20-year-old has played just 77 minutes of Championship football, making just four appearances in the league.

Despite his lack of gametime, Donley has still been able to register an assist.

His last appearance for the Potters was in their 2-0 defeat to Millwall, where he was brought on as a substitute in the 72nd minute.

At 20 years old, he needs to be playing regular football, and it is becoming increasingly apparent that he is not going to get that at Stoke.

If his development isn’t going to be stunted, Tottenham simply have to recall Donley in January and reassess their options with the youngster.

Mark Robins’ comments on Donley now seem silly

Anyone who has watched Donley will be fully aware of the fact that he is more than capable of thriving in the Championship.

That sentiment was even echoed by Mark Robins, the manager of Stoke, when his loan arrival was announced.

“He’s bright, and he’s great to have,” Robin said at the start of the season.

“I’m delighted we’ve got him, and he’ll be a big player for us. He’ll get better and better over time.”

However, those comments now hold little to no value given the fact that Robins has, for whatever reason, refused to hand him time on the pitch.

If this continues, it will have a major impact on his development, and Tottenham cannot allow that to happen.

Thomas Frank has not endured the best start to his reign at Tottenham, but he can turn it around against Nottingham Forest.

Tottenham fans were beginning to get frustrated with Frank after disappointing losses against Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Fulham.

However, Frank has steadied the ship, with a draw against Newcastle, followed by victories over Brentford and Slavia Prague.

His side face Forest on 14 December, looking to continue that positive run of form, and start a run up the Premier League table.

Why Thomas Frank has the advantage for Nottingham Forest clash

John Wenham believes that Frank has finally found a formula for success at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and he is backing the Dane to succeed at the City Ground.

MORE SPURS STORIES

He thinks that Frank will ease the pressure, which will come as great news to the beleaguered Lilywhites boss.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, he said: “I think Tottenham will continue to improve now, I’m backing us to go to Forest and win at the weekend, and if we do that, and other results go our way, we could be fourth or fifth in the table, any pressure on Thomas Frank will quickly evaporate.

“Why do I say I am confident of going to Forest, they have Utrecht away tonight, whereas we played a home game on Tuesday.

“For years, Tottenham have been the ones that have suffered by playing away in the Europa League on the Thursday, then going to clubs that have played Champions League on the Tuesday or not played at all.

“For once, the boot is on the other foot, and I am expecting this new attacking, dynamic, Tottenham side, featuring Xavi, featuring Kudus and featuring a bit of consistency, for the game on Tuesday against Slavia Prague, we actually kept nine of the same players that had played on the weekend.

For once, we are seeing some consistency in the team, and I think that can only be positive, and we will continue to pick up points on that basis.”

What should Frank’s ambitions be for Tottenham this season?

For starters, Frank should be aiming for a place in the Champions League again, with the most likely route to that, being a top-five finish in the Premier League.

Success in that competition seems like a long shot, with the likes of Manchester City, PSG and Real Madrid boasting superior squads to the Lilywhites.

If he could achieve a top-five finish while adding a domestic trophy, it would be a successful first season in North London.

He can take a step closer to that ambition against Forest.

Jeff Stelling does not fancy Tottenham’s chances of overcoming Nottingham Forest in the Premier League this weekend.

Spurs beat Brentford 2-0 last time out at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to relieve some of the pressure on Thomas Frank.

Tottenham followed up that win over Frank’s former side with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Slavia Prague at home in the Champions League.

That has lessened talk of Frank potentially being close to the sack at Tottenham, but that could all change with one bad result.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Jeff Stelling predicts Nottingham Forest to beat Tottenham

Spurs have four days to rest up between the Slavia match and the trip to City Ground to face Forest on Sunday.

The Reds, meanwhile, have just two full days between taking on Utrecht in the Champions League and welcoming Spurs.

Stelling noted that quick turnaround in his prediction for the match, but still went with an away win this weekend.

“Despite Dyche’s arrival at Forest, they’re still in trouble,” he told talkSPORT. “I think they’ll certainly get out of it, but they have to travel to Europe in midweek, while Spurs stayed at home.

“Xavi Simons has finally come to the party as far as Tottenham are concerned, but Forest did the double in this fixture last season and I think they can just shade this one again. I’m going 2-1 Forest.”

Forest beat Tottenham 2-1 when the sides met in North London in April, with the sides managed by Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou respectively that day.

Tottenham unmatched by any Premier League club in one area

Tottenham’s return of 22 points from 15 matches is underwhelming and has the Lilywhites 11th in the Premier League.

That said, given the congested nature of the division right now, Spurs could climb as high as fifth if results go their way this weekend.

Frank’s side are definitely better on the road, too, even if they have just won a couple of games back-to-back at home.

Indeed, only Crystal Palace have won more Premier League away games (five) and collected more points (16) than Tottenham this season (four wins, 14 points).

Spurs, meanwhile, are also the only side to have scored in all of their games on the road so far this term.

Those travelling to the City Ground will expect nothing more than three points against a struggling Forest side that will be fatigued.

If that does not happen, expect the pressure to right back on the shoulders of Frank.

Supercomputer predicts exactly where Tottenham will now finish in Champions League

Tottenham boosted their hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds of the Champions League with a convincing 3-0 win over Slavia Prague on Tuesday.

A David Zima own goal was added to by penalties from Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons as Tottenham returned to winning ways in Europe against Slavia.

Kudus’ goal was his first in the Champions League for Tottenham in his fifth appearance, while it was his first strike in the competition since netting for Ajax against Rangers in November 2022.

Tottenham, meanwhile, scored two penalties in the same Champions League match for only the second time, also doing so against FC Twente in September 2010.

Spurs’ win, combined with other results across Tuesday and Wednesday, leaves the Lilywhites 11th in the 36-team standings.

MORE SPURS STORIES

As a reminder, the top eight teams qualify automatically for the last 16, while the teams from ninth to 24th will have to come through the knockout phase playoffs.

It goes without saying Thomas Frank would rather not add more fixtures to Spurs’ 2026 programme, but simply finishing in the top 24 is the first priority.

Supercomputer predicts Spurs to finish 11th in league phase

Spurs have plenty to be cheerful about after beating Slavia, although far tougher tests lie ahead for Frank’s men.

Spurs still have Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt to play in January, meaning they could still rise or drop in the standings – or indeed stay where they are.

According to Opta’s supercomputer, Tottenham will finish in their current position of 11th place.

They are forecasted to finish with around 14 points, meaning a win and a defeat from those remaining two fixtures.

It would see Spurs finish ahead of Dortmund but marginally behind Inter, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Beyond that, the supercomputer predicts Spurs will have a 74 per cent chance of advancing from their playoff match, but then only a 26 per cent chance of winning their last-16 tie.

Thomas Frank will want more than just reaching last 16

Reaching the last 16 of the bloated tournament is not easy, but Spurs fans will be hungry for more.

A lot of this depends on the draw, of course, but the supercomputer only gives Spurs about a one in four chance of advancing to the quarters.

Frank will be hoping the supercomputer is wrong, then, as he looks to use the competition to keep supporters fully on board.

Tottenham have won 100 per cent of their Champions League home matches this season (3/3), recording more victories at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the competition than they have managed in the Premier League.

That could stand Spurs in good stead when the knockout rounds get going in February, but there is plenty of football to come between now and then.

Jun’ai Byfield’s new contract at Tottenham has seen multiple players react to the news from around the footballing world, including Arsenal’s Max Dowman.

It was announced on Wednesday that the youngster has now penned a new deal at Spurs, committing to his first professional contract.

Richarlison was quick to make his feelings clear on Byfield’s new Tottenham contract on Wednesday, and now, stars such as Dowman and Moore have reacted to the news.

Max Dowman pleased as Jun’ai Byfield signs professional Tottenham deal

MORE SPURS STORIES

The defender has been at the North London club since he was eight years old, and Spurs have been eager to ensure that his future remains at Thomas Frank’s side.

Reacting to the news, Byfield took to Instagram on 10 December, where he posted an image of himself signing the contract with the caption: “Happy to have signed my first professional contract for this club,” followed by a white emoji and a love heart.

Commenting on the post was Dowman, who put two red love heart emojis.

Moore also reacted to the news, commenting, “Congrats brother,” with a red love heart emoji.

How far can Byfield go?

Lilywhite Rose via X on 10 December stated that the youngster was “the best defender of his age in the country” after the contract news was announced.

Away from Spurs, Byfield also plays for England’s Under 17s, and took part in the recent World Cup in Qatar.

Frank is aware of his talent, with the defender on the bench during Tottenham’s UEFA Super Cup defeat in August.

Now, Byfield is used in Spurs’ Under 21s squad instead of the Under 17s as he looks to soon make his Tottenham first-team debut.

Hopefully, the youngster will get his chance under Frank, as he continues to grow into a top player.

Micky Van de Ven is going from strength to strength in the centre of Tottenham’s backline and is quickly becoming one of the best defenders in the world.

Van de Ven has been brilliant for Tottenham this season, and his performances could be rewarded with a new deal, along with a massive pay increase.

The Netherlands international has formed a strong partnership with Cristian Romero over the past few years, allowing Spurs to have a more settled backline.

So far this term, the former Wolfsburg man has played all bar one of Spurs’ Premier League matches, with the draw away at Newcastle being the only game he has sat out.

Micky van de Ven struggles away from Tottenham

While Van de Ven is one of the first names on the teamsheet for Spurs, he doesn’t have that same privilege at international level.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, former Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood shocked Sam Allardyce by informing him that the 24-year-old doesn’t regularly start for the Netherlands.

Sherwood said: “He can’t even play for Holland; he doesn’t even get in their team.”

Allardyce replied: “What! You’re kidding me?”

Van De Ven, who Sherwood went on to describe as “special”, has been left out for two of the last six Netherlands games, and when he does start, he is pushed out to left-back.

Ronald Koeman prefers to utilise the likes of Jurrien Timber and Matthijs De Ligt alongside Virgil van Dijk.

Micky Van de Ven has been immense for Tottenham

Allardyce’s shock is more than understandable, as Van de Ven has proved his class during the opening stages of the 2025-26 campaign.

The Dutchman is so important for Thomas Frank’s side defensively, making 3.6 clearances and completing 3.7 recoveries per 90 in the Premier League.

Van de Ven also has a top-flight pass accuracy of 91 per cent, displaying his confidence and ability on the ball.

This season, the centre-back has made a massive impact offensively for Tottenham, already scoring three Premier League goals, as well as grabbing two in the Champions League.

From corners, Van de Ven is a real threat, but as seen against FC Copenhagen, he can also utilise his pace to drive past the opposition.

Indeed, as per FBref, Van de Ven is also in the top one percentile of all centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past 12 months for non-penalty goals per 90 minutes (0.18).

He is also in the top 86 percentile for passes completed, with the defender assured on the ball, strong defensively and a threat up the other end of the field.

If Spurs are to make a real challenge for the European places this season, then they will have to ensure they keep Van de Ven fit for the whole campaign.

Richarlison was among the Tottenham players to react to news of a new contract being signed by highly rated gem Jun’ai Byfield.

Tottenham announced via their official website on Wednesday evening that the young defender has signed his first professional contract with the North London club.

The news is hugely exciting for Tottenham, with Byfield described as “the best defender of his age in the country” by Spurs youth expert Lilywhite Rose.

And it’s not just supporters who are excited by the news, either.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Tottenham players react to Jun’ai Byfield contract news

Indeed, Byfield is also catching the eye for England’s Under-17s and is set for, on his current trajectory, superstardom.

The teenager posted an image on his personal Instagram account signing the contract, along with the caption: “Happy to have signed my first professional contract for this club.”

Spurs forward Richarlison was quick to comment with a clapping hands emoji, while Dane Scarlett posted a red love heart.

Archie Gray, Wilson Odobert and Guglielmo Vicario were among those to ‘like’ the post, meanwhile.

Why is Byfield so highly regarded at Tottenham?

It says it all that Byfield was part of Frank’s senior squad for pre-season and has been named among the substitutes six times this season.

That includes a place on the bench for Tottenham’s defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup in August.

While Byfield may not have featured yet, the fact he is being named in matchday squads shows he’s very much in Frank’s thoughts.

After captaining Tottenham’s Under-17s to Premier League Cup success last season, while also representing the U18s, he has since become a regular for the U21s.

As a reminder, he was 16 until a few days ago. Byfield is very much on his way to the top, and it’s great that this deal has now officially been signed at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham Women have received a huge boost after it was confirmed that midfielder Drew Spence has signed a contract extension at the club.

Spence made the move to North London from Chelsea in the summer of 2022 and has scored 10 goals in 75 appearances for the Lilywhites.

The Jamaican international has been a mainstay in the starting lineup since Martin Ho’s appointment at Tottenham back in July.

So far this season, Spence has missed just one Women’s Super League game for Spurs, a 1-0 defeat to her former side Chelsea in matchweek six.

Drew Spence signs long-term Tottenham contract

While the specific length of Spence’s new contract hasn’t been disclosed, the club revealed in an announcement on its official website on Wednesday that it is a “long-term” deal.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The midfielder was set to become a free agent next summer, after penning a two-year extension back in July 2024, but has now committed her future to Tottenham once again.

Spence has over 17 years of experience in senior football, making her debut for Chelsea back in 2008.

The 33-year-old was the Blues’ longest-serving player at the time of her departure in 2022, and has developed into a very important part of the Tottenham side since the switch.

Speaking after the new contract was announced, Ho said: “Drew has fully earned this new contract. What sets Drew apart is not just how she plays, but how she behaves.

“She leads by example every single day. Her work ethic is unwavering, her competitiveness is infectious and her willingness to take responsibility has become a benchmark for others.

“Her personality carries weight in this group, she brings experience, honesty and a calm authority that strengthens the entire environment.

“She adds huge value to our young players who look to her, and equally to our senior players who respect her presence and consistency.

“Drew is a connector in the dressing room, a driver on the pitch and a person who embodies what we want this club to represent.

Spence is a major part of Tottenham’s success

Tottenham are flying in the WSL this season, sitting fifth in the table after picking up 19 points from their first ten games.

Last term, Spurs only managed 20 points across the whole 22-match campaign, but Ho has helped transform the North London outfit into European challengers.

Spence was praised for her performance in Tottenham’s recent 0-0 draw with rivals Arsenal, and that display was indicative of her overall form this season.

She has been an important figure in the middle of the park, often breaking up opposition attacks and protecting the defence.

Tottenham will hope that after penning a new deal, Spence can continue her good form for the rest of the campaign.

Xavi Simons’ Tottenham career burst into life against Brentford and James Maddison has revealed what sparked the Dutchman’s superb performance.

Simons scored the second goal of the afternoon as Spurs cruised to a 2-0 win over Keith Andrews’ side at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Richarlison had opened the scoring for Thomas Frank’s side, with Simons providing the assist, before the former RB Leipzig man cut through the Brentford defence and finished beyond Caoimhin Kelleher.

The result leaves Tottenham 11th in the Premier League table, but the North London side are just four points adrift of fourth-placed Crystal Palace.

Xavi Simons has been ‘working hard’ for Tottenham success

Simons has had a mixed start to life at Tottenham, but the 22-year-old now has the chance to really kick on after taking early criticism.

MORE SPURS STORIES

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, James Maddison was full of praise for his new teammate and also revealed just how much effort the attacker was putting in behind the scenes.

He said: “There’s no doubting Xavi’s quality and I’m really happy for him because he’s been working so hard, not just expecting it all to happen for him, he’s training hard, working hard, and doing the hard yards for the team.”

Maddison is currently out with an ACL injury, but the former Leicester City man is clearly delighted for the Dutch international.

After scoring his first Tottenham goal, Simons posted a photo of his celebration on Instagram, with the caption: “Trust the process. COYS.”

Maddison was quick to show the midfielder some love, commenting: “They’ll come like buses now, son.”

Xavi Simons’ hard work now paying off for Tottenham

Simons’ performance against Brentford was the first sign that his hard work behind the scenes is now paying off.

Frank utilised the young star in the number ten role, and Simons flourished, having four shots and maintaining an 84 per cent pass accuracy across the 90 minutes.

With only one unsuccessful touch out of a mammoth 60 in the game, it is clear that he is ready to explode after getting used to the new physicality and speed of the Premier League.

However, he also showed another side to his game, putting in the effort off the ball to help his side secure a much-needed three points.

Simons made seven recoveries in total against the Bees, and that defensive work will not go unnoticed by the Tottenham fans.

The Premier League has been warned, Spurs’ new star has finally arrived.

Richard Keys has slammed Yves Bissouma after his recent antics at Tottenham.

An investigation is underway over Bissouma’s alleged use of laughing gas again, something he was previously guilty of.

It seems the beIN Sports broadcaster is hinting that the Mali international will never play for Spurs again following the latest developments.

Thomas Frank didn’t seem to want Bissouma in the summer, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him leave off the back of another potential misstep.

West Ham United cancel Christmas party amid Premier League struggles

While Keys has taken a swipe at the Tottenham player in his recent blog, he has hailed West Ham United’s decision to cancel their Christmas party.

MORE SPURS STORIES

The Hammers are in the relegation zone at the moment, with Nuno Espirito Santo picking up some much-needed points in recent weeks.

Despite some decent displays of late, the Irons are still 18th in the Premier League after 15 matches, and alarm bells will certainly be ringing at the London Stadium.

In his blog on 8 December, Keys wrote, “Goodbye, Bissouma. Idiot. But he’s not alone.” The beIN Sports broadcaster added, “The staff at West Ham have made a good decision. They’ve cancelled the Christmas party. I hope the word ‘staff’ includes the players. Nobody at West Ham should be celebrating anything at present.”

Frank has his own problems to worry about at Spurs, who are 10th in the table after some disappointing results of late.

The Danish manager is losing faith with some sections of the fanbase due to his defensive approach to games, but the 2-0 win over Brentford at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 6 December was a bit encouraging.

Tottenham Premier League prediction could be end of Thomas Frank

Frank is being linked with getting sacked at Tottenham, and that’s something that could potentially happen sooner rather than later.

Opta’s supercomputer currently predicts Spurs to finish 10th in the Premier League, which is nowhere near good enough.

The reason for sacking Ange Postecoglou was the North London outfit’s abysmal league form, and Frank would’ve indeed been told to fight for a Champions League place this season.

As the former Brentford boss continues to face questions about his future in N17, his dismissal wouldn’t be surprising if Tottenham aren’t in the conversation to finish in the top five positions.