Tottenham Hotspur

Hanna Wijk’s first interview: “It’s always been my dream to play in this league”

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Hanna Wijk’s first interview: “It’s always been my dream to play in this league” - Tottenham Hotspur
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Hanna Wijk outlines how she was ready for a new challenge in her career – and why Spurs was a perfect fit for her next chapter.

The full-back, who can operate either on the right or left, will arrive in north London in January, 2026, as she put pen to paper on a long-term contract after an impressive five years at BK Häcken, most recently winning the Damallsvenskan (Swedish top flight) just last month.

Now embarking on her first adventure outside of her homeland of Sweden for the first time in her career, the 22-year-old spoke of her excitement to be at the Club and in the Barclays Women’s Super League to compete with the very best.

“I’m really happy to be here at Spurs,” she beamed, speaking to SPURSPLAY after completing her move. “It feels great to be here, I got goosebumps when I put on the shirt.

“It’s a dream come true for me, I’m so happy. It has always been my dream to move abroad from Sweden and play in this league. I love the league and I watch it a lot from home, so I’m really looking forward to playing here in England and also for Spurs.

“I’ve played for Häcken for about five years, so a long time. I feel like it’s my time to move and try something new, and I think this is the right step for me. The league is very competitive. Every week you get challenged and the team you play against is so good. That’s why I’m so excited to be here - to play good games every week and compete with the best in the world.

“The team seems very good. I have watched a lot of games and I like the way they play. I feel like this is a good place for me to be. As a full-back, I like the way the full-backs play here, so I think it’s a perfect fit for me."

An attack-minded full-back, the Sweden international made 124 appearances for BK Häcken across a five-year spell with the Club, registering 23 assists in that time, and won the Damallsvenkan on two occasions (in 2020 and 2025) plus the Swedish Cup in 2021.

Hanna added that she wants to create ‘goal-scoring opportunities’ for her soon to be new team-mates and how she feels Head Coach Martin Ho can bring even more out of her.

“I’m an attacking full-back,” she explained. “I like to follow up in attacks and help the team create goal-scoring opportunities. I want to attack, create assists and help the team score goals. I try to be passing-orientated and help the team as much as I can. I want to contribute with my qualities, of course - and win games.

“I think people would say I’m a happy person. I like to joke around, but I’m also very competitive and focused when I need to be. I think I’ve got a good mix of that. I’m going to bring a lot of energy. I always do my best and I’m very competitive. I want to win every game, and I think I’m going to show that when I play.

“Martin seems like a very passionate coach, very energised - and I feel like he has a lot to offer. He talks a lot about individual development, which is really good for me. I want to come here and become a better football player, and I’m really looking forward to that.”

Thomas Frank on Archie Gray: "He's made of the right character material we need here at Spurs"

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Thomas Frank on Archie Gray: "He's made of the right character material we need here at Spurs" - Tottenham Hotspur
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Thomas Frank praised Archie Gray's resilience and said that the young midfielder 'shows a lot of quality' after his match winning goal and display at Palace.

Still only 19, Archie pounced from close range for the only goal of the game at Selhurst Park - reading the flight of the ball from Pedro Porro's deep corner headed back by Randal Kolo Muani and flicked on by Richarlison before nodding home.

The scenes of joy were quite a contrast to the despair he experienced when his mistake led to Forest's opening goal in our 3-0 loss at the City Ground on 14 December.

A fortnight on, he was celebrating his first goal in senior football and first for us in what was his 60th appearance in all competitions - tellingly, Thomas has started him in our last five matches.

Speaking to us afterwards, Thomas said of Archie: "He shows a lot of resilience, that young man. It hasn't been an easy first season for him in Spurs, and this season also, it hasn't been straightforward. So for him, keep going, he shows he's made of the right character material we need here at Spurs for players that can be very good for us both now and in the future."

Asked about Archie in his post-match press conference, Thomas added: "I think Archie is growing. He showed why he has a very good potential in many ways. It's another fine performance overall today.

"Talking about resilience, he made a mistake in the Nottingham game, played another good game against Liverpool, growing as a young man. He was alert. I loved that goal, because he was alert, he was seeing where the ball will land and he was ready on it."

Asked if Archie gives him a glimpse into the future of the team, Thomas replied: "Yes, I think so. I think he shows a lot of quality, he covers ground so well, he's excellent in the pressing game, the defensive transition, brilliant at closing down and good on the ball."

Hanna Wijk signs

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Hanna Wijk signs - Tottenham Hotspur
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We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement for Hanna Wijk to join us from BK Häcken in January, 2026, subject to international clearance and work permit.

The 22-year-old Swedish defender has agreed a long-term contract and will wear the number 22 shirt.

Hanna Wijk said: “I’m really happy to be here at Spurs. It feels great to be here, I got goosebumps when I put on the shirt.

“It has always been my dream to move abroad from Sweden and play in this league. I love the league and I watched it a lot from home, so I’m really looking forward to playing here in England, and also for Spurs. The team seems very good. I have watched a lot of games and I like the way they play. I feel like this is a good place for me to be. As a full-back, I like the way the full-backs play here, so I think it’s a perfect fit for me.”

Our Head Coach Martin Ho said: “Hanna is a modern, athletic full-back who can play on both the right and left side. She brings intensity, intelligence and reliability, with the ability to defend aggressively while also possessing strong technical foundations in possession.

“Her versatility, work rate and understanding of the game give us flexibility and balance in wide areas. Hanna has a strong foundation and clear potential, and we see this as the right environment for her to continue developing her all-round game at the highest level.

“Hanna was in demand across the market, and we are very pleased that she decided Tottenham Hotspur was the right club for the next stage of her career. Her choice speaks to the ambition of the project and the clarity of the pathway we are offering, and we are confident she will grow with us while helping raise the competitive standards of the group.”

Following youth spells at Floda BoIF and Lerum IS, Hanna earned a move to BK Häcken at just 16 years old in 2020. Having spent the first part of that season with their Under-19 side, the defender made her senior debut in July of that year before helping the side lift their first-ever Damallsvenskan title.

A full-back who can operate on either side of the backline, Hanna continued to taste trophy success the following term, this time winning the Swedish Cup as she started in the 3-0 win over Eskilstuna United. She made 32 appearances that season, with five of those coming in the Champions League, scoring twice and registering six assists.

After two full seasons at senior level, despite still being just 19, Hanna became a first-team regular for Häcken in 2023, starting in 27 out of 29 games, and that continued the following season, where she helped her side reach the quarter-final of the Champions League – the furthest the Swedish side has reached in the competition since 2012/13.

Last term, the defender was one of two vice-captains for Häcken and was part of the side that saw them lift the Damallsvenskan title for the second time in four years, featuring in 25 of the 26 league games. In total, Hanna made 107 senior appearances for Häcken.

On the international stage, the defender represented Sweden across multiple age groups before receiving her first call-up to the senior national team in September, 2022, alongside Matilda Vinberg. Two years later, she earned her first cap for her nation in the 8-0 victory over Luxembourg in October, 2024.

Olivia Holdt’s impressive numbers to 2025/26 so far

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Olivia Holdt’s impressive numbers to 2025/26 so far - Tottenham Hotspur
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Olivia Holdt has racked up some strong numbers in the first half of the Barclays Women’s Super League campaign.

Featuring in 14 games so far this term, which includes starting our last seven games in a row, the Denmark international has contributed to eight goals (five goals and three assists) across all competitions.

Registering two assists in the dramatic 3-3 draw with Manchester United earlier this month – setting up Bethany England and Martha Thomas for their goals in the contest – the 24-year-old then received her first nomination for the league’s Player of the Month award, recognising her creative output.

Netting five times this season, ‘Oli’ has scored a range of goals, which includes strikes from distance, composed chips from inside the box and tap ins.

Competing in her first full season in England after joining us in January from Rosengard midway through the 2024/25 campaign, our number 11 has also created eight big chances - the second highest in the league, with only Manchester United’s Jess Park racking up more.

And she hasn’t just impressed in our colours in the first half of the season, but also on the international stage for Denmark – registering an assist in a 6-1 win over Finland in October.

Head Coach Martin Ho spoke about the ‘big steps’ that Oli has taken this campaign but also feels she’s not the ‘finished article’ just yet.

Speaking at a press conference earlier this month, Martin, said: “Olivia has taken big steps this season and really turned a corner in her performances, both defensively and offensively. She’s very intelligent, thrives on pressure, wants the ball and wants to make the difference. Her technical ability is second to none.

“She’s running harder than she ever has, getting into more duels than ever before, and her overall game has had a massive impact on the team. She’s nowhere near the finished article, but I have a lot of belief in her (to get there) if she continues to apply herself.”

She has also been catching the eye of former WSL players as, in an article with the BBC Sport, England international Fara Williams listed Oli as her Player of the season so far.

Fara said: “Olivia Holdt. I think she brings something different to Tottenham’s team – certainly in attack. She likes to have the ball and tries to move it forward, which is something they were missing last year.”

Alfie Devine strikes late but it's not enough for Preston

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Alfie Devine strikes late but it's not enough for Preston - Tottenham Hotspur
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Alfie Devine struck late as Preston North End suffered a 2-1 loss against Wrexham in the Championship on Monday evening.

The forward went close twice before hitting the target on 84 minutes, latching onto a flick from Michael Smith before driving into the box and firing home. However, the home side were already 2-0 up through Nathan Broadhead and Ollie Rathbone and held on for victory.

That was Alfie's fourth goal of the campaign and Preston now sit just outside the play-off places in seventh.

Yang Min-Hyeok scores dramatic late winner for Portsmouth against Charlton

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Yang Min-Hyeok scores dramatic late winner for Portsmouth against Charlton - Tottenham Hotspur
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Yang Min-Hyeok struck with the last kick of the game to earn Portsmouth a crucial win against Charlton in the Championship on Monday evening.

The South Korea forward entered the fray on 64 minutes at Fratton Park and Pompey soon edged ahead through Conor Shaughnessy. However, disaster struck the home side when Harvey Knibbs looked to have snatched a draw for Charlton with the equaliser in the sixth minute of added time.

There was still time for another dramatic twist delivered by Yang, who controlled the ball on the edge of the box before firing into the corner. That was his third goal in 15 appearances for Pompey, who moved out of the relegation zone in the process.

Pompey boss John Mousinho told BBC Radio Solent: "I can't remember being involved in a game in 20-odd years of football like it. It was just crazy at the end. We had our heads in the bin when Charlton equalised having just held out for so long, defending so well. Then to go up the other end - I didn't even see the goal, just the ball going in the net - it was a very surreal moment."

Yves Bissouma's Mali into last 16 of AFCON

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Yves Bissouma's Mali into last 16 of AFCON - Tottenham Hotspur
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Yves Bissouma came off the bench as Mali progressed to the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations with a goalless draw against Comoros on Monday evening.

The midfielder - who made his first start for seven months in Mali's draw against hosts Morocco on Friday - entered the fray after 63 minutes of the stalemate in Casablanca.

Mali move into the last 16 with three draws in their three matches in Group A. Morocco top the group with seven points. Mali will now play the runners-up from Group C - Tunisia, Tanzania or Uganda - in Casablanca on Saturday.

Pape Matar Sarr is next up in Senegal's final match in Group D against Benin on Tuesday - a draw will be enough for Pape to join his team-mate in the last 16.

Information for fans travelling to Brentford on New Year's Day

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Information for fans travelling to Brentford on New Year's Day - Tottenham Hotspur
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We take on Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Thursday, with kick-off set for 8pm.

Around 1,725 of our fans will be travelling to West London for our first fixture of 2026, and turnstiles are set to open from 6.30pm.

Supporters should take particular care when planning their journey, with matchday falling on a bank holiday. It is likely that alternative rail services will be in place on various routes, with an increase in road traffic also probable.

Those travelling are advised to take note of the following important information...

Getting to Gtech Community Stadium

Eight stations are located within 20-minute walking distance of the stadium. Supporters should ensure they plan their journey in advance via TfL’s journey planner.

The nearest station is Kew Bridge, with is served by South Western Railway trains, departing central London from Waterloo station. Please note, Kew Bridge station is not step-free.

Brentford station is the next nearest, with Chiswick station less than a 30-minute walk from the stadium on the same line.

Gunnersbury station is the nearest station offering both London Underground and London Overground connections via the District line and Mildmay line.

The other five London Underground stations located within a 20-minute walking radius are as follows:

Kew Gardens - District line and Mildmay line*

Chiswick Park - District line

South Acton - Mildmay line*

Acton Town - District and Piccadilly lines**

South Ealing - Piccadilly line**

*Mildmay line: There is no Overground service on the Mildmay line (London Overground) between Camden Road and Richmond or Shepherd’s Bush on New Year’s Day.

** Piccadilly line: No service west of Rayners Lane toward Uxbridge. Trains to Heathrow/central London will still operate, but services toward Uxbridge are suspended.

Parking

Official parking at the stadium is now sold out. Controlled Parking Zones will be in operation in residential streets near the stadium, and supporters should therefore avoid parking on nearby streets.

Entering the stadium

Visiting supporters will be located in the East Stand and will access the stadium through entrances F, G and H. Turnstiles will open 90 minutes before kick-off.

Spurs stewards and staff will be positioned outside turnstiles to welcome supporters, and will be available to assist with queries.

Supporters should expect a robust searching process as part of efforts to ensure a safe environment. This may include the searches of bags and other personal items. Privacy can be requested when searching personal items, and supporters should speak to a member of staff who can help.

Leaving Gtech Community Stadium

The hosts advise against away fans using Kew Bridge station post-match. Any fans who do choose to use this station will be required to walk round from Capital Interchange Way and up Lionel Road South to join the same queuing system as for home supporters.

Additionally, supporters are advised that Gunnersbury station does not currently open until one hour after the final whistle, and there may be long waits to access the station during busy periods.

Accessibility

Supporters with access requirements can enter the stadium via the dedicated accessible entrance. Tottenham Hotspur Access Stewards will be in attendance for any supporters requiring assistance.

Accessible toilets are available and supporters without their own RADAR key will be able to request one from a steward. Supporters requiring a Changing Places facility should speak to a steward who will be able to assist. All food and drink counters around the stadium have been lowered for easier wheelchair access.

Matchday commentary, provided by Brentford’s in-house commentator, is available for supporters who require it. The service can be booked by emailing accessibility@brentfordfc.com.

Away pubs

It is advised that pubs around the stadium are generally welcoming to away supporters.

The Pilot or the Gunnersbury are recommended for fans travelling from Gunnersbury, while The Cricketers, The Greyhound, The Coach & Horses and The Botanist are closest to Kew Green.

The nearest pubs to the stadium are The Express Tavern, One Over the Ait, The Bell & Crown, The Steam Packet and City Barge.

Refreshments

Kiosks in the visitors’ section will be serving a wide range of food, including vegetarian and vegan options, as well as alcoholic and soft drinks.

Cashless payments

Gtech Community Stadium is a cashless venue. All major debit and credit cards are accepted, as well as wearable payment options including Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Flags and banners

Flags and banners must be smaller than 2m x 1m, and must not obstruct the views of others, cover advertising signs or cause a safety hazard, nor may they display abusive or threatening words, images, political statements or be deemed unacceptable.

All flags and banners must carry a valid Fire Safety Certificate and will be checked at the turnstiles by stewards.

Please note, as at other stadia in the UK and Europe, flags with religious / sectarian / political / inflammatory or offensive messages will not be permitted and may be confiscated. Flag poles are not permitted.

Supporters are also reminded of the Club’s own Flags and Banners Policy which is in effect at away matches.

Bag Policy

Supporters are strongly advised not to bring any bags to Gtech Community Stadium. If a bag is necessary, it must be searched prior to entry.

Reporting anti-social behaviour

To report an incident at Gtech Community Stadium, please notify the nearest steward or text ‘BFC’ to 62277 with a description and location of the incident as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can email report@brentfordfc.com at any time.

Spurs Respects

We are proud of our superb and loyal support at home and away.

We recognise that most supporters want to watch a football match and not listen to abusive or indecent language from the stands. Discriminatory or violent behaviour, including racist, homophobic, sexist or anti-disability shouting, chanting or actions, is unacceptable.

The Club reserves the right to indefinitely ban supporters found guilty of using discriminatory language or violent behaviour.

Unauthorised use of tickets

Supporters are reminded that the unauthorised reselling or passing on of tickets is strictly prohibited. In line with the Club's Sanctions & Banning Policy, supporters found to have purchased tickets and subsequently sold or passed them on to other supporters, or offered for sale, will be subject to sanctions.

Supporters unable to attend

Supporters unable to attend the match should contact the Ticket Office as soon as possible. The Club shall make best endeavours to reallocate tickets to other eligible supporters and issue refunds upon receipt of originally issued tickets.

‘It was the biggest challenge of my life’ - Dragusin

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‘It was the biggest challenge of my life’ - Dragusin - Tottenham Hotspur
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When Radu Dragusin stepped onto the Selhurst Park turf in the 85th minute of our 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday, it signalled the end of an 11-month journey which he describes as the “biggest challenge of his life”.

It had been almost a year since Radu had last donned Lilywhite - a substitute appearance in our 3-0 victory over Elfsborg back in January as we secured progress in our ultimately triumphant Europa League campaign. Unfortunately, the defender was forced off with an injury after just 20 minutes, going down to the ground, clutching at his right knee after landing awkwardly.

Scans later revealed that he had sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, which would require significant surgery as well as a physically and mentally intense rehabilitation process.

"It's been a long journey, the biggest challenge of my life," he told SPURSPLAY after the game, discussing his 11-month recovery journey.

"I just kept going. I had people next to me who helped me, my team-mates, my family, and my fiancé.

"I knew the road was going to be long, but I knew there was going to be a light at the end of it. Today, I've seen the light. I can't even describe the feeling I'm having."

After the final whistle, Radu was embraced by his team-mates, who helped him withstand the extended period on the sidelines, before sharing a special moment with the travelling supporters, which was led by Micky van de Ven.

"I miss this feeling, I miss this atmosphere, the fans, and my team-mates on the pitch. I miss the football. I'm just so happy right now," he said, reflecting on the post-match scenes.

"I couldn't ask for anything better. My family was here, and as I said, we won. I think it's the best comeback I could have ever done.

Heading into 2026, the defender is now targeting a return to the starting line-up after an enduring year where he learned a lot about himself.

"I learned to have patience and believe in doing the right things over and over again. A big part of my recovery was just doing the same things over and over again, just to get better at it and have a normal knee again.

"It looks easy, but it's a pretty big thing that the surgeon did in my knee. So, just to come back from that and perform at the level the Premier League asks you to perform, it takes time," he said.

"I'm just hoping to come back onto the pitch and fight for my place. Hopefully, this year is going to be an even better one than 2025 for us as a team."