Welcome back, the long awaited WSL season is almost here. In two weeks time our Lilywhites kick off their 2nd season in the top flight by welcoming London rival West Ham to the Hive. Unfortunately this match will be played behind closed doors but with a little luck fans will be allowed back into stadiums for October. This week we fans got a HUGE surprise. With the transfer market closing on September 10th I personally thought we had seen the last of our signings but this Thursday 20th August Tottenham announced the loan deals of Australian international Alanna Kennedy and Canadian defender Shelina Zadorsky.
Many of you may not know that I am an Orlando Pride fan in the NWSL and I have been since their inaugural season in 2015 after the rebranding of my former NWSL team Western New York Flash who were bought and rebranded as the North Carolina Courage. Having followed the Pride since the start I was saddened to hear players are leaving but with the Olympics coming up next year I can fully understand and if my beloved Orlando Pride are going to lose players, I’m happy it’s for my beloved WSL team Tottenham Hotspur. I have no doubt that Alanna and Shelina will give everything for Tottenham and will become a instant hit with the fans and succeed at Tottenham.
Alanna Kennedy arrives on loan at Tottenham after having spent 3 seasons at the Orlando Pride scoring 8 goals in 60 appearances and having represented Australia at a senior level 87 times scoring 7 goals. Alanna was part of the 2017 Orlando Pride team that finished 3rd in the NWSL and that reached the Semi finals of the NWSL playoffs where the Pride were beaten by the Portland Thorns who went on to win the playoffs defeating the North Carolina Courage 1-0 at the Orlando City Stadium. Alanna brings some much needed height to the Tottenham defence standing at 5ft9. Alannah is also a versatile player that can also play in midfield and I believe can perfectly fill that hole left by Rachel Furness’s in midfield should she be needed too. Alanna is a versatile player that can play in defence and midfield. My experience from watching Alanna with Orlando and Australia is that she will leave it all on the pitch. Alanna is a quick player that can be scrappy in midfield which is what we are missing currently against physical teams like Brighton and Manchester United. Alanna is a player that is technical but can be physical when needed and that had a never give up or die attitude and I know she will become a fan favourite very quick.
Shelina Zadorsky is a 2016 Olympic Bronze medal winner and joins Tottenham on loan after spending 2 seasons at the Orlando Pride. Zadorsky has represented Canada 66 times scoring 2 goals and has represented Orlando 33 times scoring 1 goal. Shelina also brings some extra height to the Tottenham defence measuring 5ft8. From my experience of watching Shelina in the NWSL and with canada I can say that she is a solid defender that is quick and fights for every ball with a do or die mentality. Shelina will bring experience and passion to her role and will give all for the Tottenham jersey.
I am definately eager to see how Alanna and Shelina will fit into the Tottenham team and whether they will be starters or benchwarmers. Personally I think Juan and Karen will stick to the same team as last year and once the new players settle they will give the rest of the players a challenge for their place. My ideal starting 11 for the upcoming season would be Mikalsen in goal, Neville at right back, Filby and Godfrey in the centre of defence with Zadorsky at left back. In midfield I’d like to see Davison/Graham down the right, Kennedy and Green in the centre of midfield with Addison/Ayane down the left with Quinn and Dean up front. You can watch new Tottenham goalkeeper Aurora Mikalsen’s first sit down interview for Tottenham below.
Pre-season
On Sunday 16th August Totteham played their first pre-season of the 2020-21 season taking on Sheffield United at Hotspur Way. Totteham ran out 2-0 winners with goals from Rianna Dean and Ashleigh Neville and saw new signings Aurora Mikalsen, Rachel Williams and Kerys Harrop all get minutes for their new club. Karen Hills and Juan Armoros also handed Tottenham youngster Elisha Sulola a start in midield alongside Josie Green. A full report on our first very wet pre-season game can be read over at https://bit.ly/3hiKVpP.
Season Tickets.
Just a reminder to Totteham fans that you can now register your interest for 2020-21 season tickets by filling out the form at https://bit.ly/2CMkfi6. If you were a Tottenham Women’s Season Ticket holder for the 2019/20 season just remember to have you Client Reference Number at hand as 2019-20 Season Ticket holders will get money off this years season ticket if they opted for pro rata credit after last season was cut short.
Competition Time.
To celebrate the start of the new season Tottenham are giving away a brand new jersey signed by the Tottenham Women’s 2020-21 squad. This is a must have for any fan and it can NOT be purchased anywhere else. To win simply click on the link https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/win-a-signed-nike-home-shirt/ and fill out the details.
Remember the 2020-21 season kicks off on the weekend of September 5th-6th at home against London rivals West Ham followed by a match away to Everton on September 13th before the WSL breaks for International duty. The rest of the 2020-21 game schedule’s should be released in the next few weeks, I for one am hoping for a few more big matches at the men’s stadiums once fans are allowed back into the grounds. Until then lets keep doing our part in defeating this virus and together we can help get fans back into grounds sooner. Until next time COME ON YOU SPURS!
Women's Soccer Fans 