Tottenham confirm defender exit despite captain news
Tottenham Women are planning to shake things up this summer after a disappointing season and have kicked off preparations with several departures.
The Lilywhites’ winless run in the Women’s Super League extended to 10 games as they ended the season with a 1-1 draw at Everton.
Robert Vilahamn was expected to breathe life into an already tired Tottenham team when he was appointed in 2023, but two seasons later, his side is leaky at the back and struggling to find solutions up front.
In the hope of a better season, Spurs are looking towards a summer of change, starting with an unlikely defensive departure, despite high hopes.
Emily McMaster to depart from Spurs’ Under-21s this summer
McMaster has been solid at the back for Tottenham’s Under-21s this season, making 27 appearances in the campaign, while also being made captain.
The defender also spent the second half of the season continuing her growth with Maidenhead United on a dual registration.
| WSL | Position | W | D | L | Pts |
| 2023/24 Tottenham | 6th | 8 | 7 | 7 | 31 |
| 2024/25 Tottenham | 11th | 5 | 5 | 12 | 20 |
However, in a recent update (28 May), Tottenham confirmed that McMaster, along with Persis Oteng, Liamara Hensel-Burg, Maia Lazaro, Eloise Hall, and Elkie Bowyer, have all completed their time at Tottenham’s academy and will depart this summer.
Tottenham also confirmed their decision to extend the contracts of Olga Athtinen, Kit Graham, Josefine Rybrink and long-serving member Ashleigh Neville for another year.
Tottenham will need to rebuild this summer
It has been a massively underwhelming season after reaching the FA Cup final in 2023/24, and Tottenham will be looking to strengthen their squad in line with the new season.
Spurs coach Vilahamn continues to face pressure over his future in north London, with next season looking like his final chance to deliver if he does continue.
Despite the draw against Everton on the final day, Tottenham held the ball well in the second half and created several chances with the build-up to Drew Spence’s goal highlighting the football they could consistently play if given the time and resources to make things happen.
With the talents already at Tottenham and those soon to arrive, the Lilywhites have the foundation to hopefully build something great next season.
McMaster, though, will no doubt be gutted after looking like making serious progress this season.