Tottenham Hotspur

Thomas Frank has named his leadership group for the 2025/26 season.

Joining club captain Cristian Romero are Ben Davies, James Maddison, Guglielmo Vicario and Micky van de Ven.

Our Head Coach, Thomas, said: "All five players have leadership qualities and, crucially, the potential to become even better leaders.

"They have the ability to speak up on the pitch, in the dressing room and in meetings, however, it's not just about football, it's about people, too.

"They are aware of their team-mates, how to make the group function in a good way and how to make the team tick, both on and off the pitch.

"It's important that the whole dressing room is represented in this leadership group, and Cuti, Ben, Madders, Vic and Micky do that.

"While these five players make up the official leadership group, we have a dressing room that is full of leadership potential and I'm looking forward to more players stepping up in matches and around the Training Centre."

World Cup winner ‘Cuti’ was named captain by Thomas at the start of this season, taking over from Heung-Min Son. The centre-back joined us from Atalanta in the summer of 2021, having just been named 'Best Defender' in Serie A in 2020/21. He was outstanding in our UEFA Europa League triumph last season and led the team out in the final in Bilbao in May. He's now up to 132 appearances for us in all competitions.

Our longest-serving player, Ben has racked up 358 appearances in all competitions since joining us in the summer of 2014. Captain of Wales, he sits second in our all-time European appearances on 73 and has regularly worn the armband over his 10-plus years of service.

Playmaker 'Madders' joined us for the start of the 2023/24 campaign. A key player in the latter stages of our run to Europa League glory last season, James missed the final due to a knee injury, then suffered another setback, this time an anterior cruciate ligament injury during pre-season. A huge influence on and off the field, he has made 75 appearances for us and has already worn the captain's armband.

Goalkeeper 'Vic' also played a huge role in our Europa League triumph last season, making a huge save late in the final as we led 1-0 in Bilbao. Joining us in 2023, his form has seen him capped four times by Italy. Vic has also previously captained the team and he's up to 83 appearances for us in all competitions.

Micky led the team out for the first time in our UEFA Champions League draw against Bodo/Glimt this week - marking that honour with his first Champions League goal as we came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 in Norway. Renowned for his pace, he will always be remembered for a spectacular overhead clearance to deny United in the Europa League final. A full Netherlands international, Micky also joined us at the start of 2023/24 and now has 60 appearances to his name.

We are delighted to announce that Rodrigo Bentancur has signed a new, long-term contract with the Club.

Since joining us from Juventus in January, 2022, the 28-year-old has made 122 appearances in our colours to date, scoring on nine occasions.

Rodrigo said: "I feel really good and I'm very happy to continue my story with this fantastic club.

"My family are happy; I have fantastic friends and team-mates who work hard every day. I love this Club and feel really good here.

"Winning the Europa League was a fantastic moment and we want to build on this now, to win more trophies.

"We have a new Head Coach, a new captain and I want to enjoy many more years at the Club."

Our Head Coach, Thomas Frank, said: "I'm extremely happy that Rodrigo has committed his future to the Club.

"It shows his belief in what we are building here and that we are starting a journey which we hope will be really special.

"Rodri is a big part of that. He's a fantastic midfielder who can dictate games and be the glue that holds the team together. He also has the ability to arrive in the penalty area, create goals and score them, too."

Arriving from Turin alongside Dejan Kulusevski, the versatile midfielder made an instant impact in the second half of the 2021/22 campaign, starting 16 of our final 18 matches as we secured a return to the UEFA Champions League.

Enjoying a somewhat prolific spell in front of goal at the start of the following season as he more than doubled his career goal tally in a matter of months, Rodrigo’s first full campaign in N17 was unfortunately cut short as he sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury in January, 2023, which would see him sidelined for most of the year.

Returning in the October before an ankle injury saw him ruled out until the new year, he captained the side for the first time as we opened 2024 with a FA Cup third round win over Burnley. He then scored his first goal in over a year as we travelled to Manchester United in the Premier League the following week.

After illustrious spells with Boca Juniors and Juventus, Rodrigo was an integral part of the Club’s success in last year’s UEFA Europa League, featuring in 13 of our 15 matches across the competition, including playing the full 90 minutes in the final in Bilbao.

On the international stage, he has 72 caps to his name for Uruguay, scoring three times, and has featured for his country at two FIFA World Cups.

Djed Spence has kept his place in the England squad!

Having earned his first senior call-up for his national team in September following a stunning year in Lilywhite, the full-back impressed when he linked up with Thomas Tuchel's side for the first time and was rewarded with his debut in the Three Lions' 5-0 win over Serbia.

Since then, he has not taken his foot off the gas, continuing to star for us in Lilywhite and thus has retained his berth in the 23-man squad as England prepare for another two games this October.

The international break for Tuchel's side begins with the visit of Ben Davies and Brennan Johnson's Wales to Wembley this coming Thursday (9 October - 7.45pm kick-off UK) before they then head to Latvia for their sixth World Cup qualifier on Tuesday 14 October (7.45pm kick-off UK).

Next up in the Barclays Women’s Super League is a clash against Brighton & Hove Albion at Brisbane Road on Sunday (11.55am UK).

With the Seagulls making the trip to the Capital this weekend, we spoke to Brian Owen, Sports Reporter at The Argus, to give us a lowdown on Dario Vidošić’s side and what to expect on Sunday.

How would you reflect on the start of the season?

Brian: “So far, so good. Although they might have beaten Aston Villa in the opening game rather than draw 0-0 and will possibly feel they should have more than seven points on the table at this point. Given they recorded their best-ever finish last season, it was perhaps surprising to see so many changes to the squad. Players are still settling in and we have not seen all of them yet, but I'm hoping they can have a better tempo to their attacking play than last season while being stronger in defence.”

Talk to us about that exciting attacking line-up and what damage they can cause to teams?

Brian: “Well, there is a big Arsenal influence! Michelle Agyemang and Rosa Kafaji are both on loan from the Gunners. Agyemang wears the number nine shirt and is best known for her goals at the EUROs but she has been drifting wide and dropping deeper and can pop up all over the pitch. Kafaji and Kiko Seike have been a threat out wide and, of course, the whole thing is thing is sewn together by the ideas and influence of Fran Kirby. Albion's results with and without Kirby since her arrival ahead of last season are no coincidence.”

What about at the back with back-to-back clean sheets. What has impressed you there?

Brian: “Chiamaka Nnadozie offers a big presence in goal and has been very commanding on crosses while her positioning and anticipation allow Albion to defend quite high. I’, not sure we have yet seen what might become the first-choice back-line as yet. but those entrusted have largely done a good job. Japan international Moeka Minami has settled after her arrival in the summer.”

Who are the players to look out for?

Brian: “It is easy and fair to say Kirby and Agyemang but Kafaji and Seike have also been a threat out wide, and both scored in the win over West Ham.”

Dario into his second season, what do you think he learnt from his first full term?

Brian: “He has spoken about his team sticking to their plan and principles rather than worrying too much about the game situation, especially when ahead in games. With the exception of young captain Maisie Symonds, who he obviously rates highly as a player and leader, pretty much the whole squad joined the club during his tenure so logically they should be a better fit for his demands.”

What do you expect from Brighton on Sunday?

Brian: “I think they can be a threat going forward, especially if they are more precise in their cross or final pass than they have been at times. But it will be interesting to see how they fare in a tough away game having led, promised a lot but eventually lost in their only previous game on the road, at Manchester City.”

Archie Gray and Kevin Danso took time out after training today to meet with a group of aspiring young footballers at our Training Centre.

The pair helped deliver a session for students from Culford School, one of the Club’s football development partners.

Kevin supported the coaches in leading a series of defensive training drills for a group of boys and girls from the school.

Archie spoke to the group and reflected on his own time as a youngster, sharing insights on the mentality to become a professional footballer ahead of this weekend’s visit to Leeds United, where he spent his days as a youth player.

Archie said: “It is so good to speak to these young players as it reminds me of my days as a kid, asking so many questions and just being eager to learn as much as possible. When I was younger, we used to have first team players from Leeds come and offer advice to the youngsters, so hopefully I was able to have the same impact with this group.”

Maria, 16, said: “It was such an exciting opportunity to meet Archie and Kevin today – they were such an inspiration to us. We have all really enjoyed today, having the chance to train at these amazing facilities alongside our friends.”

The event was organised to celebrate an expansion of our partnership with Culford School, with one of our football development coaches now based permanently at the school, helping with the development of both male and female players.

Player development is at the heart of the Club and is a significant point of difference for us on and off the pitch, impacting over 50,000 players across schools and grassroots youth football clubs over the last 12 months.

Using training methods honed across our first-teams, our football development programme supports players across all levels. The programme extends to offering support for youngsters off the field, with our Education and Football Development Centres helping young people identify a career path by providing various education opportunities alongside football.

Danny Mitchell, Head of Global Coaching at Tottenham Hotspur, said: “I have no doubt Archie and Kevin’s attendance at today’s sessions will be an experience that will live long in the memory for the students. Our football development programmes are designed to create pathways for aspiring young footballers, and learning directly from Archie and Kevin offered this group a meaningful example of the dedication and qualities needed to reach the professional level.”

Find out more about Spurs Football Development here: https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/the-club/football-development/about/

A look back at some Leeds United links and history as we prepare for a trip to Elland Road in the Premier League on Saturday (12.30pm)...

Goalkeeper to goalscorer!

There can't be many goalkeepers who can claim to have scored a goal from open play for two clubs - Paul Robinson did just that for us and Leeds! Robbo scored with a late header to salvage a 2-2 draw for Leeds against Swindon in the League Cup on 24 September, 2003. Three and a half years later, he struck again, this time from deep in our half as a free-kick - aiming for Mido up front - sailed over advancing Ben Foster and home in a Premier League win against Watford at the Lane on 17 March, 2007. One of a number of players to feature for both teams, Robbo came through the Academy system at Elland Road - a member of Leeds' Youth Cup winning team in 1997 - to make 119 senior appearances before joining us in May, 2004. It wasn't long before he was England's #1 and played at the 2006 World Cup. He made 175 appearances for us before moving to Blackburn in 2008. Robbo took his career appearance tally to 498, plus 41 England caps, before retiring in 2017.

Early glimpse of Lennon at the Lane

Aaron Lennon was the youngest Premier League player when he made his Leeds debut against us at the Lane on August 23, 2003. Aged 16 years 129 days, 'Azza' replaced Mark Viduka in the 79th minute as we ran out 2-1 winners thanks to a rocket from Mauricio Taricco and substitute Fredi Kanoute's spectacular overhead kick. Aaron signed for us in July, 2005 and enjoyed a stellar career at Spurs over 10 years, quickly becoming and England regular - he made it into the 2006 World Cup squad - winning the League Cup in 2008 and helping us into the Champions League in 2010. He made 367 appearances in total before spells at Everton, Burnley, Kayserispor in Turkey and back to Burnley before retiring in 2022 - and he remains in the Premier League's top 10 youngest players list!

All going off at Elland Road - 1968!

Leeds were chasing glory on four fronts when we met Don Revie's famous side of the late 1960s/early 1970s twice over Easter in 1968. With the League Cup already in the bag, Leeds were also in the FA Cup, UEFA Cup and the First Division title race when they headed to N17 on Good Friday, 12 April. We ran out 2-1 winners as as Martin Chivers headed home Jimmy Greaves' cross, Paul Madeley levelled but we won it through a late Greavsie strike. Five days later the return match at Elland Road was described as 'a stormy affair' in a later programme feature by our Club Historian, Andy Porter. It all kicked-off on the hour, when Leeds were awarded a penalty after Pat Jennings clashed with Mick Jones. Big Pat was booked! As Andy describes it, 'Dave Mackay was so upset that as soon as the ball was put on the spot, he lashed it into the back of the net!' Peter Lorimer scored from the spot, and that proved the winner. Alan Gilzean was later sent off for what we'll describe as an 'off the ball incident'. Leeds won one of their last five league games to finish fourth (they won the title the next season, 1968/69), then lost the FA Cup semi-final against Everton, but lifted the UEFA Cup by beating Ferencvaros - now managed by Robbie Keane, ex of Spurs and Leeds - in the final.

'This is a step closer to where I want to be' - Williams-Barnett on signing his first professional contract

Ben Haines, club TV presenter and women’s football presenter, will sit down with us ahead of every WSL home game this season to provide his insight on the upcoming fixture and the news around the league.

Holdt that finish

We have to talk about Olivia’s finish from last weekend first, it was just outrageous. It’s audacious and smart and shows her at full confidence. Even though it looks nonchalant and effortless, the skill is anything but that. It requires so much focus, timing and elegance. Getting her fit and firing and into a position where she can affect the game in attacking areas will be massive if we want to win those sorts of games, where maybe it’s just one moment of magic that gives you the edge.

Outfoxing Leicester

It was a gritty performance but that’s absolutely something to be celebrated. Defensively this season, with the exception of the Man City game, we’ve been really strong, the backline seems to have a renewed focus and concentration that’s huge for us moving forward. In the WSL, it can’t be overlooked how important it is to know how to close out a game like we did against Leicester City. Another big shoutout to our centre-back duo - Tōko Koga and Clare Hunt. You saw them celebrating their big blocks, their challenges and defending at set pieces was fantastic too.

Villans strike late

Elsewhere in the WSL, Villa sneaking a point away at Arsenal was a really impressive result but, for the Gunners, it leaves them in an uncomfortable position having dropped points in consecutive weekends. With Chelsea still unbeaten, it could already be damaging for them in the title race. Villa had to weather the storm a little bit and it reminded me of what we had to do to win the north London derby a few seasons back. We know Arsenal will have a lot of the ball, it’s about being composed in those uncomfortable scenarios, then taking your chance when it arrives.

Seagulls flying high

Next up for us this afternoon is Brighton – who are a really interesting side. The fundamentals and principles they lean on are not too different to us. One thing Spurs fans might not know is when Dario Vidošić was in the process of getting the job at Brighton, former Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou was one of his references. When you watch Brighton play, you can always hear him, he’s incredibly vocal on the touchline as he knows exactly what he wants from his side. And with the attacking unit he has, they’re are a side on their day that can turn over anyone in the WSL. Lionesses’ fans will all know about Michelle Agyemang and Fran Kirby, but Kiko Seike and Rosa Kafaji are very dangerous too!

An exciting match-up at Brisbane Road

This will be a rest test for Martin Ho’s side. Last season, Brighton were the best of the rest. They did a great job to finish fifth and lead the way for other teams looking to close that gap. So, the question is ‘how do Spurs put themselves in that top bracket?’ Well games like this could be the difference. Based on current form, this will be a brilliant watch and another strong defensive display could give us the platform to claim those three points and cement a firm footing in that top four early on.

Supporters making the trip to Elland Road for our Premier League fixture against Leeds United on Saturday should be aware of the following information...

A reminder that we kick-off at 12.30pm, with gates opening at 11am.

Getting to Elland Road

Supporters are encouraged to plan their journey in advance and arrive at the ground as early as possible.

Leeds Railway Station is a 35 to 40-minute walk from the stadium. A dedicated matchday shuttle service (R2) runs directly from Sovereign Street, which is opposite the station, to Elland Road. Services start around 90 minutes before kick-off.

Various bus options are available, and shuttle services run direct to the stadium:

R3 from Thornbury Barracks and Pudsey Bus Station - starts 90 minutes before kick-off.

The regular buses below run from Leeds City Centre and also serve Elland Road. Please note that these are suspended one hour before and after kick-off.

Park & Ride

Park & Ride options are also available, with services starting two-and-a-half hours prior to kick off, returning post-match on a priority route from the ground. Please note that these services are predominantly used by home supporters.

Services are available from:

ST1 – Stourton Park & Ride (LS10 1FF)

TG1 – Temple Green Park & Ride (LS9 0PS)

Supporters driving should note that street parking restrictions are in operation in the vicinity of the stadium. A number of Leeds City Council car parks are available near the ground, including official Club car parks A & B (Fullerton Car Park and the Elland Road park & ride site, priced at £12 per car). Please note that spaces cannot be pre-booked and only cash payments are accepted.

Further parking information is available here...

Entrance to the stadium

Visiting supporters are seated in the John Charles West Stand (South End) and should enter via entrances one and two.

The away ticket office is located adjacent to this entrance, and will be open 90 minutes prior to kick-off.

Accessibility

A full access guide is available here...

The hosts provide accessible parking spaces available on a first come first served basis on the day at the park & ride which is off Bobby Collins Way, located just off Elland Road and facing West Yorkshire Police Station. These are not pre-bookable. Upon entry, supporters will need to advise they are away supporters and will be signposted as close as possible to their entry point. Please be advised that this car park is available for both home and away fans. There are also limited spaces available at Fullerton Car Park, adjacent to Elland Road.

Leeds United wellbeing officers, who wear high visibility blue jackets, will be on hand to assist disabled fans into the ground, with assistance also provided at the end of the game. Grab bags and a hot drink will be offered from the wellbeing staff, as access to concessions stands is limited once in the ground.

Accessible toilets are provided throughout the stadium and can be opened with a RADAR key (available from stewards if required).

Headsets for visually impaired supporters should be booked in advance.

Access Stewards will be present in accessible viewing areas along with Tottenham Hotspur Access Stewards should any support be required.

Food, drink & Fan Zones

Elland Road is a cashless stadium, with all kiosks accepting card payments only.

An Away Fan Zone is located next to the visitors’ turnstiles and will be open at 10am.

Bag Policy

Supporters are advised not to bring bags. Bags no larger than A4 are permitted inside the ground. There is no bag drop facility for larger items.

All bags will be subject to search by stewards and stadium staff.

Flags and banners

Flags and banners larger than 2m x 1m must be pre-approved by the hosts, 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.

Flag poles are not permitted. All flags and banners must carry a valid Fire Safety Certificate.

For further information regarding flags inside the stadium, please contact sloquestions@leedsunited.com

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

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

We are delighted to announce that Luca Williams-Barnett has signed his first professional contract with the club.

The attacking midfielder, who turned 17 on Wednesday, has shone in our Academy set-up in recent years, having joined us in the Under-10s.

He was a stand-out player for our Under-18 side last season while still a schoolboy, scoring long-range goals against West Ham, Leicester City and Aston Villa, with the Leicester strike named Under-18 Premier League Goal of the Season.

He also netted a hat-trick in our 2024/25 Under-17 Premier League Cup final success against Charlton Athletic and recently registered his first treble at Under-21 level in a 6-3 win at Leicester.

Having been named on the bench for the first team on four occasions last term, Luca made his senior debut as a second-half substitute in last month's 3-0 home win over Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup.

He has been capped by England at all levels between Under-15s and Under-18s to date.