Tottenham Hotspur

Thomas Frank has provided an update on four of our players ahead of our pre-season opener at Reading tomorrow.

We head to the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday afternoon to play our first game under new Head Coach Thomas (3pm kick-off) - and you can watch all the action live on SPURSPLAY!

And ahead of that first outing, Thomas has been able to provide us with an update on four players who we ended last season without as all four were on the sidelines after picking up injuries.

Lucas Bergvall, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Radu Dragusin all missed the end of the season run in which culminated in us lifting the Europa League trophy on that glorious night in Bilbao.

Now, just two months on, all four have their eyes set on returning to action - although some are closer than others...

Speaking to us following his first press conference as Head Coach, Thomas said: "Lucas Bergvall has been very good on the grass, he's trained every session and looks good. I'm very happy with that."

"James Maddison has been doing rehab, but in the last couple of sessions he's been doing part sessions (with the rest of the squad), so that's also a positive. He's getting closer.

"Radu and Deki are a little further away. So, Lucas, fine, no problem. Maddison is getting closer."

Live Coverage: Reading vs Spurs  Tottenham Hotspur

Kicking off our pre-season campaign this weekend with a trip to face the Royals at the Select Car Leasing Stadium (kick-off 3pm UK), recent defensive arrivals Luka Vuskovic and Kota Takai will temporarily take numbers 80 and 81 respectively. Meanwhile, Mohammed Kudus – who joined us from West Ham United last week - will wear the number 20 shirt. As announced last Thursday, this is Mo’s assigned squad number for the 2025/26 campaign.

The rest of our players will wear the numbers they donned last season.*

Supporters should note, however, that the numbers worn by our players during pre-season may not be representative of their finalised squad numbers for 2025/26. We shall provide further information on this in due course.

The Thomas Frank era kicks-off at Reading on Saturday, and you can watch all the action via SPURSPLAY - our video streaming platform.

SPURSPLAY is the home of our live and on-demand video content and the home of all of our five pre-season matches this summer - including the first north London derby to take place outside of the UK when we face Arsenal in Hong Kong.

The action starts nearer to home as we take the trip down the M4 to Reading's Select Car Leasing Stadium this Saturday (19 July) where Thomas will take charge of the team for the first time.

We kick-off at 3pm - look out for the SPURSPLAY stream starting from 2.25pm with our team back in place - presenter and Spurs fan, Ben Haines, legendary striker Clive Allen and commentator Rob Daly.

Here is our pre-season schedule in full...

On the eve of the first Test match of the British Lions' tour of Australia in Brisbane on Saturday, we can reveal that Barry John, one of rugby union's all-time greats, was a Spurs fan.

Nicknamed 'The King' by media in New Zealand after his performances against the All Blacks in the famous Lions tour of 1971, Barry's family were visitors to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last season, where they told us that Spurs very much runs in the family - started by Barry - and how he loved to watch fellow Welsh great, double-winner and Spurs legend, Cliff Jones, in his trophy-laden heyday.

"Dad always told us back in day, when he was growing up in Cefneithin, and they were all watching football, or listening to it on the radio more likely in a mining community, he just loved Tottenham as a team and obviously you had Cliff Jones, Terry Medwin... there's there's a big connection between Wales and Tottenham, always has been, and dad loved the way they played," explained his son, David.

"As his son, the first team I picked out was Tottenham - everyone follows their parents, don't they? For me, it was Gary Mabbutt and that era, and then we got Gareth Bale, another Wales legend!

"We've always followed Spurs as a family. My niece is over here from Perth and is a mad Spurs. She's in university in Texas, playing for the soccer team at a good standard. We love the team, always love Spurs and dad did as well. It's beautiful to be here."

Barry sadly passed away in February, 2024. He didn't get to visit Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in person, but he was at White Hart Lane back on 1 November, 1986, for a First Division match against Wimbledon, as David explained - he's kept the tickets from that day, almost 29 years ago.

"These are the tickets from the last time we were here, at White Hart Lane. These are my dad's tickets - West Upper, £11. I think the story is that Steve Perryman knew dad, because he played in pro-am charity games and I think we got these through Steve.

"The new stadium... he would always watch games on TV and say, 'top notch that stadium, I wouldn't have minded playing there'. He would have been knocked out by it."

Capped 25 times by Wales (1966-72) and five times by the British Lions, Barry cemented his reputation in the Lions victorious tour of New Zealand in 1971. Lions won the series 2-1 - he scored 30 of their 48 points over the four Tests and a record 191 points across the tour.

He was third in the 1971 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award, beaten by winner Princess Anne and runner-up George Best. He was also one of the inaugural inductees of the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 1997 and in 1999, inducted into the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame. In 2015 he was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame.

Bringing things completely up to date - as the Lions prepare to faces the Aussies in the first test in Brisbane on Saturday - Barry was recently named on a Lions Top 10: Icons list on BBC's Rugby Union Weekly podcast, by a panel including Matt Dawson, Jamie Roberts and Chris Jones, the BBC rugby union correspondent, underlining his impact at the very pinnacle of the sport.

It left one question for the John family - what's it like to be the family of one of the best-ever rugby players?

" Dad was a very, very humble, so man, so things like this... he just loved sport," said his daughter, Lucy. "His gift was to always say to people, 'enjoy what you do, if you're playing rugby, whatever you're doing, just enjoy it' and he he just he was just a gentle, humble miner's son who just happened to be... (one of the best rugby players of all-time?)... yes, but you wouldn't know!"

David added: "I was born in 1976, dad retired in 1972, so I never saw him play, but obviously I've seen all the footage with the Lions and he was a remarkable player. It's just fun, isn't it? In Wales, we say it's a lot of 'hwyl', a lot of happiness and joy. This is hwyl. It's such a good moment for all of us."

Our Under-21s will continue their pre-season campaign with a trip to National League side Boreham Wood on Saturday (3pm UK).

The match represents the second outing of the summer for Wayne Burnett’s charges following last week’s 5-2 defeat at League Two outfit Bromley.

Our youngsters are no strangers to Boreham Wood’s Meadow Park home ground – our north London rivals Arsenal use the venue to stage their Premier League 2 home matches, with our last visit back in October proving particularly memorable as we came back from 2-0 down at half-time to defeat the Gunners 5-2.

Callum Olusesi and Tyrese Hall were among our scorers that day, with Hall also netting against Bromley last week.

Amanda Nildén's Sweden lost out in a dramatic penalty shootout as England came out on top in the spot-kicks to progress to the semi-final of Euro 2025.

In a thrilling quarter-final tie in Zurich, the defender was deployed as a late substitute in extra time, but she couldn’t prevent her nation from crashing out as the Lionesses won 3-2 in the shootout.

Sweden, who topped Group C with three wins out of three, got off to the perfect start as Kosovare Asllani opened the scoring inside two minutes before Stina Blackstenius doubled their lead on 25 minutes to put them in control of the contest.

However, England fought back in remarkable style as two goals in a two-minute spell - from Lucy Bronze and Michelle Agyemang - put Sarina Wiegman’s side on level terms with nine minutes left on the clock and dramatically took the match to extra time.

It remained 2-2 for the additional 30 minutes, meaning a penalty shootout was needed to decide who will face Italy in the semi-final. And, after 14 spot-kicks, Smilla Holmberg blazed her spot-kick over the bar as England won 3-2.

Amanda, who made her second appearance in Switzerland, was our last remaining player at the tournament.

It's approaching 13 years since we last played at Reading's Select Car Leasing Stadium - known then as the Madjeski Stadium - and Jermain Defoe stole the show with a couple of trademark strikes in a 3-1 win in the Premier League.

That was on 16 September, 2012 with the team in complete control against a Royals side destined for relegation.

Legacy Number #686, Jermain, seventh in our all-time top goalscorers with 143, opened the scoring on 18 minutes after Gylfi Sigurdsson's pass to Aaron Lennon cut open Reading's back line, 'JD' sweeping home Aaron's cut back first time into the corner. Gareth Bale made it 2-0 from Kyle Walker's cross on 71 minutes and Defoe provided another lethal finish for 3-0 on 74. Robson-Kanu scored a late consolation.

Our team that day: Friedel, Walker, Gallas, Vertonghen, Naughton, Sandro, Dembele, Lennon (Townsend), Bale (Dempsey), Sigurdsson (Huddlestone), Defoe. Substitutes (not used): Lloris, Dawson, Caulker, Adebayor.

Who's that in the stand?

As kick-off approached for a friendly at the Madjeski in July, 2005, all eyes turned to the Directors Box in the main stand - and an unmistakable figure in a grey suit, white shirt and dreadlocks.

Yes, Edgar Davids was in the house!

That was on 30 July, 2005 - three days later, he was officially a Spurs player, signed on a free transfer from Inter Milan.

One of the all-time greats, 'The Pitbull' watched on as his future team-mates secured a 2-0 win with Mido and Jermain Defoe on target. Edgar went on to make 44 appearances for us before returning to Holland and Ajax in 2007.

Dimitar Berbatov became only the second player to score four goals for us in a Premier League fixture when he achieved the feat in a 10-goal thriller against Reading on 29 December, 2007 - Jurgen Klinsmann was the first, against Wimbledon in May, 1998. Since then, Jermain Defoe has gone one better with a famous five against Wigan in November, 2009 while Berba and Jurgen's feat has been matched by Robbie Keane, Harry Kane and, most recently, Heung-Min Son.

Berba's quartet came in a crazy, rollercoaster game against the Royals at the Lane. The Bulgarian legend opened the scoring on seven minutes. Reading hit back to lead 2-1 (16, 53), Berba made it 2-2 (63), Reading led again (69), Berba's hat-trick made it 3-3 (73), Reading led again at 4-3 (74) before Steed Malbranque (76) and Jermain Defoe (79) turned it back around at 5-4. Berba had the final word with his fourth, 6-4, on 83 minutes. Incredibly, that was the first 6-4 scoreline in our history! That was the 10th of 11 double-figure scoreline matches in the Football/Premier League.

Our team that day: Robinson, Chimbonda, Kaboul, King (Defoe 61), Lee, Lennon (Boateng 67), Jenas, Huddlestone, Malbranque, Berbatov, Keane (Tainio 80). Substitutes (not used): Cerny, Taarabt.

Thomas Frank’s start to life at Spurs is fully underway as he prepares for his first season at the helm.

Our new Head Coach has been busy familiarising himself with his new home in north London in recent weeks and is now getting stuck into pre-season to instil his philosophy on the playing squad as well as building fitness, familiarity and tactical ideas for the upcoming campaign.

So, as Thomas breaks ground in a new era at the Club, here’s a look at the maiden milestones on the horizon for the Dane as we countdown to 2025/26 with an intense summer schedule before an early shot at silverware and the start of the Premier League season...

First game

Thomas' inaugural match in charge is just two days away as we take on League One side Reading at the Select Car Leasing Stadium this Saturday - live on SPURSPLAY (kick-off 3pm UK).

Kicking off our pre-season campaign as the first of five friendlies this summer, all eyes will be on the Royals encounter as our Head Coach names his first starting XI, tests initial formations and assesses the squad in matchday mode for the very first time.

Summer additions Mohammed Kudus and Kota Takai have joined the group at Hotspur Way this week which includes the returning loanees who will be available for selection. Archie Gray, Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert - who featured at this summer’s European Under-21 Championships - were the last to report back at base on 16 July, with Archie enjoying a successful tournament with England.

This is followed by another test against League One opposition a week later as we travel to Luton Town's Kenilworth Road on Saturday 26 July (3pm UK).

The north London derby

One of the most highly-anticipated dates in the diary when the new league fixtures drop ahead of the season. It's of course the north London derby, the big one against rivals Arsenal with three north London derbies already confirmed for this term.

In the first NLD played outside of the United Kingdom, Thomas will get his first taste of the rivalry earlier than usual when we commence our Asian tour against the Gunners at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Stadium on Thursday 31 July (12.30pm UK) as part of the Hong Kong Football Festival 2025 (HKFF).

Albeit in an overseas setting, this will be a significant early test and a chance for our Head Coach to experience the intensity of the derby ahead of the Premier League campaign, with the first competitive NLD currently scheduled for 22 November at Emirates Stadium.

We then travel across the Asian continent to South Korea for the final leg of tour where we face another Premier League challenge in Newcastle United at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Sunday 3 August (12noon UK, 8pm local).

Our final warm-up fixture sees us take on German champions FC Bayern - including Harry Kane - at the Allianz Arena on Thursday 7 August (5.30pm UK, 6.30pm local).

Super Cup showdown

Fresh off the back of lifting the Europa League trophy on that glory night in Bilbao in May, we face Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in the Super Cup Final at Stadio Friuli in Udine, Italy on Wednesday 13 August (kick-off 8pm UK).

Ten days on from our 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Estadio de San Mames, Luis Enrique guided PSG to their maiden Champions League title with a 5-0 win over Inter Milan at Allianz Arena and sets up our first-ever competitive meeting against the French side.

In what will also be Thomas' first competitive fixture as our Head Coach, this high-profile European encounter presents an early shot at silverware against one of the continent's elite clubs before the league season commences three days later.

We make the journey to Berkshire on Saturday, taking on Reading in Thomas Frank’s first pre-season fixture as Head Coach.

Kick-off at the Select Car Leasing Stadium is set for 3pm, with gates opening at 1.30pm.

Supporters attending the game should take note of the following important information...

Getting to the Select Car Leasing Stadium

The nearest railway station to the stadium is Reading Green Park station. The station sits on the Reading to Basingstoke line and is approximately seven minutes from Reading mainline station. It will take fans around 15 minutes to walk from Reading Green Park to the stadium, although please note that it will take slightly longer if using the accessible route.

Fans travelling from London can utilise the Elizabeth Line which will take just over an hour from Liverpool Street into Reading. A direct train from Paddington, which will take approximately 25 minutes, is also available.

If arriving at Reading main line station, a shuttle bus service to the stadium will be available, starting two hours before kick-off at a standard price of £5.50.

The Select Car Leasing Stadium sits just off the M4 and A33, around 30 miles from the M25 off junction 15.

Most routes from London will utilise the M25. Fans driving are advised to keep up to date with live traffic information and to allow plenty of time to make the journey.

A number of parking options have been set out by the hosts - here. We have been advised that most onsite options have now sold out, and alternative parking should therefore be considered.

The Mereoak Park & Ride, south of the M4, will be in operation and will drop fans off close to the stadium. Further details of this service can be seen in Reading’s matchday guide.

Please note, to allow pedestrians to exit the stadium safely, cars will be held back in car parks for around 20 minutes post-match. Reading have also advised that delays of around 45 minutes are also likely due to the heavy traffic flow exiting post-match.

If you are planning to drop off outside the stadium, note that cars can enter surrounding roads up until 30 minutes before kick-off, however, there is no official drop-off location.

Away fans’ pub

Whilst there is no designated away fans’ pub, The Three Guineas, which is adjacent to Reading station, is a popular venue for visiting supporters.

At the ground

Upon arrival at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, away supporters are welcomed into the FanZone. A number of food and drink vendors are situated in the areas surrounding the stadium, with various options available for fans.

The FunZone, which is an activity area aimed towards younger fans, will also be in operation for this fixture and can be found near Gate 6 of the Eamonn Dolan Stand. The area also welcomes away supporters, with various inflatable activities and games available for young fans to take part in ahead of kick-off.

Reading’s Fan Support team will be based around the ground, offering assistance and support to deliver a safe and efficient entry process. The team can be identified by their purple hi-vis bibs.

Entering the stadium

Away supporters will be located within the South Stand and West Stand upper-tier. Fans should use Gate 10 for South Stand entry, and Gate 11 if sitting in the West Stand. Please note that stewards will search fans ahead of entry.

Bag policy

Bags larger than A4 in size will not be permitted into the stadium. If you are bringing a bag, please expect this to be searched at the turnstile. There are no bag storage facilities at the stadium and supporters are encouraged to leave bags at home where possible.

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces are accommodated within the away section in the South Stand, with seats for ambulant disabled fans in the same area. Accessible toilets are also available.

Fans are advised to speak to a steward within the area who will be on hand to assist with any requirements.

Disabled supporters requiring accessible parking should contact Reading’s access team on 0118 968 1313, who will be able to assist.

Cashless payments

Please note that the Select Car Leasing Stadium is a cashless venue. All major debit and credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted.

Reporting anti-social behaviour

If you witness discriminatory or anti-social behaviour at this match, please report it to the police or a steward. You can also text SAFE to 80800 with details of the incident you have witnessed.

Flags and banners

Flags and banners can be brought into the stadium, but 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.

Flags and banners must be approved in advance by emailing supporterservice@readingfc.co.uk.

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

Ticket Office

Duplicate tickets must be requested by emailing ticket.office@tottenhamhotspur.com and will only be provided on production of valid photo ID.

Any ticket collections will be available from the away ticket office, located adjacent to the South Stand away turnstiles.

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.

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