Spence Sets WSL Appearance Record With 217th Game for Tottenham
Drew Spence became the Women's Super League's all-time appearance leader, starting Tottenham's match against Birmingham City, and says the milestone reflects years of hard work and self-care.
Tottenham midfielder Drew Spence has become the Women's Super League's all-time appearance record holder after starting against Birmingham City on Sunday. The 34-year-old's 217th WSL appearance moved her past former Chelsea captain Millie Bright. Spence, who was named Tottenham captain in the summer, could also become the only outfield player at the club to play 90 minutes in every WSL game this season.
Spence called the landmark a "very proud moment" for herself and her family, describing it as the product of years of work. She said younger players rarely think about such accolades, focusing instead on winning trophies, and noted the sacrifices required to stay available season after season. She has spent her entire career in London, including 14 years at Chelsea before joining Tottenham in 2022, and won five league titles and four FA Cups there. She also switched nationalities from England to Jamaica in 2021.
Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert praised her former team-mate, recalling that Spence welcomed her to the club with a two-footed challenge. Cuthbert described her as a sweet person off the pitch and a warrior on it, with the technical ability and intelligence to match, and said she admires Spence's longevity. Tottenham manager Martin Ho said Spence has earned huge respect for how she has adapted physically, technically and tactically, and suggested she can play for as long as she wants.
Ho also said the adversity Spence has overcome has shaped her, pointing to her part in a 2023 Jamaica squad open letter calling for "immediate and systematic change" within the Jamaica Football Federation and her push for improved conditions in women's football. Spence said she feels in the best shape of her career, recovering faster and understanding her body and nutrition better, though she acknowledged regrets that greater structure earlier could have given her more consistency at Chelsea. She has no plans to retire soon.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
