Tottenham Hotspur Women announced on Wednesday that Ian Willcock had joined the first team staff. He is the goalkeeping coach, replacing Chris Williams.
A UEFA A License goalkeeping coach, Williams arrives at Hotspur Way from the Canada Women’s National Team. He previously worked in men’s football, before joining Man Utd Women ahead of their promotion to the WSL. There he worked with current Spurs boss Martin Ho and his assistant Lawrence Shamieh.
Commenting on his arrival, Willcock, said: “I’m very excited to be here and be back in club football with Spurs. Having the opportunity to work with Martin again and seeing what we can add to really move this team forward, pushing to climb the league and beyond.
“I’m excited to work with Lize [Kop], Eleanor [Heeps] and Sophie [Jackson], and seeing what we can add to help their development.” He also flagged the importance of “bringing more goalkeepers through as well.”
I’m very excited to be here and be back in club football with Spurs.
Martin Ho Welcomes Ian Willcock
Ho, said this club is “absolutely delighted to bring Ian to Tottenham Hotspur.” He added that “Having worked closely with [Willcock] for a number of years, I know the exact level he operates at, with attention to detail, consistency and driving standards on a daily basis.”
Furthermore, “he has a proven track record of developing and supporting goalkeepers who perform on the biggest stages, and that comes from the clarity in his work and the way he connects with players,” said Ho. “[Willcock] builds complete goalkeepers, not just in their technical actions, but in their understanding of the game and their ability to perform under pressure.”
Ho also described the new arrival as “an outstanding person” who “builds trust”. He added that Willcock “challenges in the right way and he fully aligns with the environment and culture we are creating here.”
Williams recent departure earlier this month came as something of a surprise. The BBC’s Emma Sanders reported today that he is expected to join Chelsea.