Ashleigh Neville leaves behind a legacy as “an icon, a leader, and a true fan favourite” at Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur announce the departure of longest-serving squad member, Ashleigh Neville. The fullback will join Leicester City on a permanent deal, opening the door to a new chapter in her career.
From promotion to the WSL, to reaching the Adobe Women’s FA Cup final for the first time in Spurs’ history, Neville has experienced it all. There is no doubt she shaped the history of Tottenham Hotspur Women, playing a pivotal role in the success and ambition of the club.
Martin Ho sang Neville’s praises, describing her as “an icon, a leader, and a true fan favourite” in his farewell post via social media. This summarises everything the defender is about and solidifies the legacy she leaves behind in North London.
Over eight years in Lilywhite
In July 2017, Neville signed her first contract in North London. Since, her presence and commitment to the club has only grown.
Neville mounted an outstanding 191 appearances in Lilywhite: 115 of those registered in the Barclays Women’s Super League. She even became the first Tottenham Hotspur player to reach the milestone of over a century of league appearances.
One significant moment in Spurs’ history was promotion to the WSL at the end of the 2018/19 season. This would not have been possible without Neville; the defender made a crucial last-minute clearance to prevent Aston Villa clenching a winning goal in the dying seconds. Thus, Spurs drew 1-1 with Villa, which was enough to be promoted to the top-flight.
Consistency is in the name for Neville. Week in, week out, the defender turned up and played a pivotal right-back role, instilling belief and ambition in her teammates both on and off the pitch.
In November 2020, Neville reached another milestone with her first WSL goal scored against Reading FC. A goal that enhanced her versatility and footballing intuition even more.
The WSL Player of the Month award came Neville’s way in February 2022, again following her dominance, vital interceptions and attacking runs from her fullback role. No other Tottenham player had received a WSL award, which made this accolade extra special.
In addition, another league award was presented to the defender at the start of the 2022/23 season, due to an incredible strike from outside the box to kick off the Lilywhites’ season. Winning WSL Goal of the Month was another achievement that no other Spurs player had won before.
It seems that each season brings a new record for Neville, with the 2024/25 campaign marking her 150thappearance for Spurs. Alongside this, the club reached the FA Cup Final and played at a sold-out Wembley Stadium for the first time. Whilst the result was not the hoped outcome, this marked an incredible part of the club’s history and Neville’s career. Having spent over half a decade with the club, this moment will be remembered for years to come.
In her final season with Spurs, Neville guided new squad members and helped them reach new heights in their game. Setting an example, she always pushes for success and drives passion and ambition amongst the squad.
Her leadership from the back and darting runs up and down the right flank will be missed, as she embarks on a new journey with the Foxes.
Never forgotten from Spurs’ history
Andy Rogers, Managing Director of Tottenham Hotspur Women, spoke highly of Neville and praised her contributions to the club and reminded that she departs as a club legend:
“Ash’s contribution to the Club has been immense. She has been influential on our journey to establishing ourselves as a Women’s Super League team, and she departs as an undisputed Club legend.
“A true pioneer of the Women’s game on and off the pitch, Ash has always shown love and care to her teammates, staff, and our supporters. From helping us break into the top-flight, to representing us at Wembley Stadium in our first-ever FA Cup Final, we are forever grateful to Ash and wish her all the best for the future. Forever a member of the Spurs family.”
Current head coach, Ho, also had nothing but praise for Neville. He remarked how she set the standards for others both on and off the pitch while showing his respect for Neville as she chooses to take the next step in her career:
“Ash leaves the football club as more than a player, she leaves as an icon, a leader, and a true fan favourite.
Her commitment, bravery, and consistency have defined an era. Week in, week out, she represented this club with honesty, intensity and pride, setting standards on and off the pitch and inspiring those around her.
As she takes the next step in her career, she does so with the respect, gratitude and best wishes of everyone connected to this football club.
Thank you, Ash.”
A lasting legacy
There is no doubt that Neville leaves the club with nothing but pride and integrity. Her legacy will not be forgotten by the club, or fans who she built strong connections with over the years.
An incredible eight years with the club, where she shaped the history of Tottenham Hotspur Women with fulfilment and passion.