Becky Spencer: A new chapter awaits, but a legacy is left behind
After six memorable years at Tottenham Hotspur FC, Becky Spencer is returning to Chelsea for her next chapter. Following a loan spell with the Barclays Women’s Super League Champions, the goalkeeper signed a permanent one-year contract, with the option to extend for a further year.
Despite departing the club with a lack of silverware, the Jamaica international won the hearts of fans with her confidence, gentle personality, and incredible technique. In fact, this earned her the nickname of ‘Tecky Becky’.
With the recent announcement of her departure from Spurs, it is fair today she is leaving a legacy behind. Being the number one for six years is a huge achievement, and one that the fans remember and celebrate.
Her time in Lilywhite
Since joining the club in 2019, Spencer reached seventy-six appearances in the WSL. In only five seasons, this is an impressive tally that shows her commitment and prowess between the sticks. Although, over the years, she has represented several clubs in the WSL, including Arsenal and West Ham, she spent a lot of the time on the bench. Hence why Spurs will hold a special place in her heart; this club saw her potential and developed her significantly as a player. She was trusted in goal and finally given a sufficient chance to shine in the top-flight of English football.
Most notably, Spencer’s best moment in Lilywhite is her iconic double penalty save in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup quarter final. In the 2023/24 season, Manchester City travelled to Brisbane Road with the aim of reaching the semi-final. However, Spencer remained composed and determined to save two shots from Lionesses, Alex Greenwood and Chloe Kelly, famous for her fast and powerful spot kicks. Thanks to these saves, Spurs then progressed to the final for the first time in club history.
In the 2024/25 season, Robert Vilahamn led Tottenham to their best season yet. Finishing in the top half of the WSL and reaching the FA Cup final for the first time became a special moment in the club’s history, and Spencer played a huge role in this success. Concluding her time with Spurs is a reminder of these career highlights. Her peak time as a goalkeeper was spent in North London, where she progressed significantly and took her personal game to a new level. Now, she leaves behind her legacy as her new chapter awaits.
The challenges of her international career
Spencer enjoyed success elsewhere whilst at Spurs. On an international level, the goalkeeper made history with Jamaica, the Reggae Girlz, as they progressed to the knockout stages of the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time in their history. Also, the first time for a Caribbean country. Spencer herself contributed hugely to this historical win, overriding the odds in the ‘group of death’ and impressively keeping clean sheets in all three group games. Becky received Player of the Match for her incredible performance in the final and hardest clash of these group matches.
Both internationally and domestically, Spencer enjoyed a successful and honourable career. Whilst she started with the youth ranks at England, most of her senior career has been spent with Jamaica. Since joining Jamaica, she has become a regular member of the Reggae Girlz’s squad and puts her heart and soul into every opportunity she has between the sticks. On and off the pitch she is a leader and her teammates can only praise her for the attributes she brings to her nation.
Spencer is a Spurs legend and icon in Jamaican football, and arguably one of the most underrated goalkeepers of all time. Her passion and drive to succeed is prevalent, as she followed her heart’s desires to achieve great things throughout her footballing career. As she continues to make her mark on the footballing stage, her time with the Reggae Girlz will continue and inspire more and more young girls growing up in the nation.
Her return to the Blues
Whilst on loan at Chelsea in the second half of the 2024/25 season, Spencer enjoyed winning the treble with Chelsea. After suffering a heartbreaking 4-0 defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup final the previous year, Becky experienced the other side of these emotions at Wembley. Chelsea secured the title with a 3-0 victory over the Red Devils. Therefore, Spencer lifted the fifth FA Cup of her career: she previously won the trophy with Arsenal, Birmingham City, and Chelsea.
Aged thirty-four, Spencer could be nearing the end of her professional career. Thus, she is hopeful that she will achieve further success with Chelsea once again. With Sonia Bompastor at the helm, she continues to develop as both a goalkeeper and a teammate, alongside some of the very best in the women’s game. However, there are currently over three goalkeepers affiliated to Chelsea, so Spencer still has to earn her spot in the matchday squad.
The Blues have their sights set on extending their unbeaten domestic run under Bompastor and wining the UEFA Women’s Champions League for the first time in club history. Could this be the dream end to a long and successful career for the Jamaican international?
Her legacy
Already a serial WSL Champion, Spencer left behind a positive legacy at Tottenham, paving the way for the next generation of young girls with dreams of one day making it as professionals. With a rising number of female goalkeepers, they will look up to Spencer and admire the career she has had, seeing success on so many different levels.
Not only does she inspire black players wanting to break into the sport, but she is a role model proving that anyone can reach the top if they maintain a high level of dignity and resilience. Becky Spencer, remember the name.