(Credit: Imago)

Tottenham told to end relationship with club immediately after 'ridiculous' scenes

Kyrenia is a lifelong Tottenham fan who has been writing for Tottenham News since she joined Breaking Media in 2025. She will graduate with a Master's in Sports Journalism from St Mary's University, Twickenham in 2025. She spent several months working for the Non-League Paper and has written for the Sports Gazette. Her earliest memory of the Lilywhites is sitting alone in her dad's room in front of the telly crying into her bowl of popcorn as she watched as her team were thrashed...yet again. She is happy to report that fonder memories have since blossomed.

Published on:

21 Nov 2025, 11:40 am

Tottenham have been urged to recall both Jamie Donley and Ashley Phillips from their loan spells at Stoke City.

The Lilywhites loaned several players during the summer to further their development.

Some youngsters hit the ground running like Tyrese Hall, who has been excellent for Notts County this season.

While others needed a couple of months, such as Mikey Moore, who has settled in at Rangers now that Danny Rohl is the manager.

However, Donley and Phillips could become the two latest stars to make Spurs’ long list of failed loan transfers.

Donley has struggled at Stoke this season (Credit: Imago)

Tottenham told not to do future business with Stoke City

Donley and Phillips were loaned to Stoke over the summer in the hope of continuing their development plans.

Phillips has started regularly for Stoke, having spent last season on loan at the Championship side.

On the other hand, his teammate has spent most of the season wasting away on the bench.

As a result, speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Tottenham expert and Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham believes that Spurs should not only recall Donley and Phillips but also stop doing business with Stoke altogether.

"If by December time, he's still not playing, I'm sure Tottenham will be reaching out to other clubs, and another Championship club will take Jamie straight away with no problems whatsoever," Wenham said.

Phillips would have to return to Spurs, too (Credit: Imago)

"It's just bizarre the fact that he's been left out. And actually, because of that behaviour, I wouldn't be adverse to Tottenham also calling back Phillips and putting him somewhere else, and we won't deal with Stoke again.

"Thanks for the £18million for Kevin Wimmer, but we won't be using your services again. I just think it's ridiculous."

Read more: Tottenham set to make final Donley decision as pitiful loan at Stoke City continues

How many minutes have both players received this season?

Donley received Harry Kane comparisons after netting for Northern Ireland against Luxembourg in the latest FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

However, the versatile attacker has had minimal minutes under manager Mark Robins this season.

Donley has made four appearances in the Championship this season
He has failed to start a single league game
He has played just 77 minutes in the league so far

To put this into perspective, he has the same number of goal contributions as Stoke’s starting midfielder Bae Jun-Ho, despite making nine fewer appearances.

Phillips, on the other hand, has been used generously:

Phillips has made 11 appearances in the Championship this season
He has started eight league games
He has played 780 minutes in the league

Recalling both players would send a message to Stoke that the Lilywhites are not prepared to do business with them if they fail to uphold their end of the bargain.

Therefore, bringing both Donley and Phillips back to Hotspur Way this summer may be in both the club's and players’ best interests.

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Ashley Phillips

Jamie Donley